MAASTRICHT—March 4, 2011—When The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) opens its doors on March 18, 2011 thousands of international collectors and art world luminaries will attend Europe’s leading art market event in search of quality works of art from masterpieces, antiquities, and rarities to selections from the Fair’s newly introduced section of works on paper. Over the past 24 years, TEFAF has built and continues to reinforce a strong reputation for presenting the very finest and most desirable works of art.

2011 marks the eighth year of AXA Art’s support as Principal Sponsor of TEFAF. In line with its tradition, the specialist insurer will collaborate with experts from the art world to curate a themed presentation at its Lounge during the Fair. Visitors to the AXA Art Lounge at TEFAF will be invited to “walk on water”- while being introduced to scenarios that document how humidity, moisture, and mold can dramatically impact the condition of collected artifacts. The demonstration will especially focus on works on paper and fine art photography.

Dr. Ulrich Guntram, CEO of AXA Art’s global operations, emphasized the company’s commitment to being a resource to the art community, commenting, “We are pleased to work with Musée de Design et d’Arts Appliqués Contemporains (MUDAC) of Lausanne and the 2010 Recipient of the AXA Art Research Grant, Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation des Collections (CRCC) of Paris to develop the unique “Walk on Water” demonstration at the AXA Art Lounge during TEFAF."

Works on paper, a recent introduction among TEFAF’s offerings, represent some of the most important prints, drawings, and photographs that document significant cultural and social milestones in our history. In addition, elements of design are increasingly being noted among the growing collectibles category. “Our goal is to provide collectors with engaging experiences that help to heighten awareness on safeguarding the longevity and value of their cultural heirlooms,” Dr. Guntram concluded.

The TEFAF/AXA Art partnership has proven to be a mutually rewarding. Both organizations bring deep understanding of the intrinsic cultural value of art and collectibles to the relationship. While TEFAF is recognized as the premier art destination for collectors seeking quality and authenticity, AXA Art augments its affiliation with innovative ways to engage and inform discerning collectors by providing expertise in insurance, risk prevention, preventative conservation, recovery, and restoration.