The opening of Artissima at Turin’s Oval was full of energy. Among the visitors was filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, who said he was looking for inspiration. Beyond the excitement of the event, however, several themes emerged across the fair: peace, war and the environment.

This year’s edition brings together 183 galleries from 35 countries, offering a snapshot of contemporary art from around the world.

“Artissima offers a credible picture of contemporary art and its counterculture,” says the fair’s director, Luigi Fassi.

Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo describes the event as an international showcase for the city and an opportunity to promote diplomacy through art.

Massimo Broccio, President of the Turin Museums Foundation and the fair’s institutional representative, points to its distinctive combination of public mission and commercial identity. Artissima, he says, has established itself as a leading event on Italy’s cultural calendar.

Appointments to lead Artissima, Palazzo Madama and the Museum of Oriental Art are expected to be announced in about 10 days. Broccio also praises the contributions of the fair’s previous directors, including Fassi”.

Patrizia Sandretto, President of the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation and the Arte Crt Foundation, calls Artissima Italy’s leading contemporary art fair, highlighting its high curatorial standards. This year, Arte Crt is supporting 15 young curators, giving them the opportunity to attend the fair and identify a gallery with a strong research focus.

Francesca Lavazza, President of the Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art, describes the atmosphere as “effervescent.” She suggests that the event could benefit from a longer schedule and even a second edition in the spring.

Massimo Coppola, Head of Art, Culture and Historical Assets at Intesa Sanpaolo, highlights the work of photographer Massimo Vitali on display at Artissima, as well as an upcoming exhibition at the Gallerie d’Italia. He also points to the work of Anastasia Samoylova, whose exhibition at the Gallerie d’Italia follows an earlier presentation at the fair.

For gallerist Guido Costa, Artissima is not an event reserved for billionaires, but a place for people who can afford to spend thoughtfully and for genuine art enthusiasts.

Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of London’s Serpentine Galleries, emphasizes the importance of discovering new voices, from pioneering artists to emerging galleries, and creating opportunities for knowledge and growth.

The Italian Ministry of Culture, led by Alessandro Giuli, is also taking part in Turin’s Cultural Season. After its presence at the Turin Book Fair, the Ministry is represented at Artissima by an immersive installation devoted to the sounds of whales, created by the Polisonum collective and presented in the Mira space.