INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA.- Organiser Johanna Penz will once again be focusing on contemporary photographic art at the 12th ART International Fair for Contemporary Art INNSBRUCK, which will be held from 8 to 11 February 2008. ‘Although the trend towards photographic art was already quite discernible at the first fair 12 years ago, the mainstream art market always tends to lag a little behind of course in its response to new developments,’ explained Penz. She added that paintings and drawings would probably continue to form the most popular items at ‘art fairs sharing our concept and dimensions’ for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, Penz believes that now is the ideal time to make a special effort and promote photographic art in particular. After all, she commented, demand for and interest in such art was growing year on year. Consequently, Penz has commissioned Innsbruck’s well known Galerie Rhomberg – which has worked highly successfully with the shooting star of the local photographic art scene, Paul Albert Leitner, among other artists – to stage a major special show on photographic art. As in previous years, Penz once again expects over 70 exhibitors from all over Europe to take part in the 2008 fair. In addition to the classic medium of painting, exhibitors at Innsbruck’s ART have always included a large number of works on paper, original graphics and editions in their exhibition portfolio. ‘Right from the outset we have positioned ourselves as a fair for novice and experienced collectors alike. After all, most people interested in collecting art start off modestly and carefully with graphics and works on paper,’ Penz asserts from her experience. Which is also a good thing – ‘Collecting is a passion. And as such it also needs time and space to develop and grow.’