With the auction market in Canada grabbing most of the art market headlines these days it is refreshing to learn that the retail market – let’s make that the art fair market - for fine art is keeping pace and, as a result, no doubt contributing to the current saleroom bonanza. Certainly this must be the conclusion following the success of the 6^th annual Toronto Art Fair – Art Toronto 2005 – last November. Sales activity was reported as being strong with many dealers celebrating multiple purchases, particularly on opening night, culminating with a million dollar sale on closing day.

Offering a diverse range of contemporary art dealers and quality programming the 2005 fair reported an 8% increase in attendance taking the total number of visitors to over 18,000. And these were not just gate turners either. Dealers reported unprecedented growth in sales of works over $100,000 as well as a dramatic increase in the sale of international and younger avant-garde art. We are told that international galleries who were wary about entering a foreign market left Art Toronto 2005 convinced it was one of their best investments to date and are already committed to next year’s fair.

The 7^th annual fair, Art Toronto 2006, will take place October 12-16, 2006 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.