The new Alfa 8C Competizione is regarded by many as being a stunning work of automotive art; and this theory will be graphically demonstrated when the sports car takes its place this weekend at the Artefiera Art First exhibition in Bologna. Artefiera Art First is a unique event where visitors can explore the latest trends in the world of modern and contemporary art through the proposals of more than 200 leading international galleries. At the same time it is a major opportunity to directly experience art in the exhibition centre and in the city of Bologna, which is hosting a wide range of initiatives specially for the more than 40,000 visitors to the show.

Organised by the Bologna Fiere, the 31st edition of the pre-eminent Italian exhibition of contemporary and modern art will be held in Bologna from 26 to 29 January 2007 and will feature an increasing number of events and initiatives. Alfa Romeo will be one of the most prominent exhibitors this year, and the new Alfa 8C Competizione sports car which will be commercialised next year in a 500 unit production run, is set to be a star. It will appear in the "Spazio Alfa Romeo", an area which is dedicated to the brand; and it builds on Alfa Romeo's association with last year's edition of the exhibition which saw the Alfa Brera, which at the time had just been launched in Italy, appearing.

The participating galleries, which are drawn from all over the world, this year have been selected by the 'International Committee' and they will provide a preview of the most innovative trends alongside the works of the leading Italian artists, who are also prominent figures at a world level.
 

Most importantly, however, Artefiera Art First is a meeting point between Italian and international art, a role that lends much to its appeal and makes it of great interest to collectors. This edition of Artefiera Art First will be strongly exhibit oriented and will host more than 200 galleries (35% of which are from outside Italy) and about sixty publishers, museums and institutions. The Galleries are meticulously selected by the International Committee and the event continues to pursue its goal of creating exhibit spaces that enhance the works on display.

Artefiera Art First will see the participation of both longstanding and first-time exhibitors. One prestigious new entry is from the James Cohan Gallery from New York, which will exhibit an installation by Bill Viola, an artist who garnered enormous success at the last Venice Biennale. At Artefiera Art First, international visitors will also be able to admire modern and contemporary art works at the finest venues in the city of Bologna. The first Bologna Art First initiative in 2006 was highly successful and the event will be repeated at Artefiera Art First with an even broader programme.

From 25 January onwards, the works selected by the Artistic Committee from the projects submitted by exhibiting Galleries will offer art enthusiasts a fascinating journey through the world of modern art and the architecture of the past. The venues will include the Museo Civico Archeologico, Palazzo del Comune, Museo Civico Medievale, Palazzo Re Enzo, Cortile dell’Archiginnasio, Museo della Musica, Museo della Sanità di Santa Maria della Vita, Oratorio dei Filippini, Museo Ebraico, Musei Universitari, Accademia di belle Arti e Pinacoteca Nazionale and Palazzo Magnani. The Artefiera Art First Artistic Committee comprises of Gianfranco Maraniello (Director of GAM Bologna), Gaetano Maccaferri (collector), Marino Golinelli (collector) and Silvia Evangelisti (Artistic Director of Artefiera Art First).

For the 2007 edition of Artefiera Art First, Achille Bonito Oliva has organised three days of meetings for the A.B.O. (Art Before Obvious) stand where internationally renowned artists will put questions to other leading players in the art industry. This initiative underscores the fact that contemporary artists are both creators and thinkers and that, instead of providing answers, art constantly poses questions about the world in all its aspects.

One of the key concepts behind Artefiera Art First this year is research, meaning by this all the aspects of analysis of new trends and new markets. Efforts to offer increasingly high quality research opportunities include important initiatives such as "Esprit Nouveau" aimed at young international galleries (hosted in 2006 in the splendid Le Courbusier pavilion) and the initiatives devoted to new emerging markets. In 2007, Artefiera Art First will again offer an interesting analysis of new trends, giving collectors and art enthusiasts a global picture of international artistic research. Thus art community, comprising of collectors, enthusiasts, specialists, curators and directors of art foundations and museums will meet at the Bologna Fiere from 26 to 29 January 2007 for Artefiera Art First, the first international appointment of 2007 devoted to modern and contemporary art.