Since the first edition of ARTOUR-O opened its doors in Florence in March 2005, the event has continued to grow and mature, expanding its borders and its ambitions. Owing to the enthusiastic participation of foreign galleries, as witnessed in the most recent Florence edition, ARTOUR-O has now attained international stature.
2006 will be the year of Italy in China, and in an agreement signed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, a major role has been assigned to culture.  Set in such a significant context, an event such as becomes a formidable platform for Italian creativity and an opportunity to establish new networks for exchange, interaction and communication.

As we are all by now aware, China represents the latest in world economic and cultural development, making it the most obvious setting for the next edition of ARTOUR-O. 

This appointment presents huge challenges, involving the passionate commitment of galleries, publishers, foundations, institutions, and countless “mission” volunteers.  We are convinced the invested time and energy will be repaid, granting Europe a unique insight into this giant new world and providing opportunities for advancement similar to those which presented themselves years ago under the Japanese boom.ARTOUR-O’s format has now been well-established by three successful Italian editions, the latest of which was opened in Florence by Chinese Consul General Chang Chun Liu. In China, ARTOUR-O will take hold of its host in a close embrace, encouraging “raiding parties” of galleries and artists to seek out and explore the local Chinese galleries.  ARTOUR-O's objectives are in perfect harmony with those of community cultural institutions supporting the project.  The common goal is to promote the image of human creative endeavor resulting in the fabric of civilized culture.  It emphasizes the role of artistic venues and installations in the urban context. The Museum-Shop strives to underline the significance of innovative galleries and artists, working to support contemporary artistic creation. Of particular interest is the exploration of how culturally and geographically-specific trends are reflected by the artistic community and how the convergence of historical heritage and contemporary development is demonstrated in the context of art. 

The possibilities born of cultural exchange are as exciting as they are unpredictable.  One can only guess at what could result when innovation spawned by Italian training and cultural parameters meets the current creative geist born of the complex reality which is China today, particularly in view of the deep and incredibly fast-paced changes the are presently affecting both Chinese social structure and urban space. 
The West is just getting to know contemporary Chinese art through the literature, the press and an ever-increasing number of exhibitions and events. 

ARTOUR-O now provides an excellent opportunity to bring to China a cross-section of what Italian galleries, associations, and of public and private operators have to offer in this sector. ARTOUR-O’s format is flexible, lending itself well to a variety of locations and settings. This first temporary Museum-Shop represents a meeting place , and stage for exhibitions and confrontation, where sector professionals are invited to present a “flash” look at their activity for the duration of an extended week-end. Artour-O’s unique character permits  a closer insight into the particular skills and strengths of each gallery, preserving their identity in a larger context. The event’s strong link with its host cities is closely tied to the surrounding programs of tourism and cultural activities which facilitate contact among artists, event participants, galleries and the general public of the host community.

This aspect is a particularly important element of the Chinese editions of Artour-O, set as it is in a context of the rampant urbanization of Chinese cities since the beginning of ‘90s and the subsequent destruction of the historical substratum. ARTOUR-O’s task is to examine the role of art and memory among various cultures, and its relationship with the community.

Tiziana Leopizzi