Why Paris Now? Understanding the French Art Ecosystem

On October 25, 2025, the Petit Palais will host “Why Paris Now: Understanding the French Art Ecosystem,” a panel discussion organized in partnership with ARTE Generali. The conversation will bring together key voices from France and beyond to examine how national identity, global reach, and market structures are shaping the French art landscape.

Panelists:

Chiara Parisi – Director of the Centre Pompidou-Metz, one of France’s most important institutions outside Paris and a frequent collaborator with the Venice Biennale.

Emmanuel Perrotin – Founder of Perrotin Gallery, which operates in nine cities worldwide and represents nearly 100 international artists.

Mina Soltangheis – Chief Innovation Officer at Wondeur AI, a Toronto-based company using artificial intelligence to track and analyze the $3 trillion global art asset class.

Martin Bethenod (Moderator) – Paris-based curator, writer, and cultural leader who has directed both French state institutions and private foundations.

The Discussion:

• How French institutions and galleries intersect
• Why just over half of exhibitions in France feature local artists
• The balance between national identity and international visibility
• How funding structures, curatorial priorities, and market mechanisms influence artistic careers

Event Details:

Date: October 25, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT

Location: Petit Palais Auditorium, Paris

Access: Free and open to the public (RSVP recommended; first-come, first-served seating available). The event will take place in English with simultaneous French subtitles and will be livestreamed globally. A recording will be available on the Art Basel website and YouTube channel following the event.

Livestream: Watch Here

More information: Art Basel