France: Artists and collectors gather at Art Basel Paris despite unrest

Loading the video No Comment Video. France: Artists and collectors gather at Art Basel Paris despite unrest Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 22/10/2026 - 17:15 GMT+2 Art Basel Paris brings international galleries and contemporary artists to the Grand Palais. But following violent protests in the capital, organisers have stepped up security around the prestigious art fair. The fair’s fifth edition gathers 211 galleries from 41 countries, with public days running from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October. Visitors explored works by artists including Yayoi Kusama, Julian Schnabel and Matthew Wong, alongside new paintings by American artist Drake Carr. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The fair’s Emergence section also showcased more experimental installations, with 16 solo booths dedicated to emerging practices. Artist Yann Stéphane Bisso highlighted the opportunity to present work beyond conventional commercial formats. The event is taking place under heightened security following violent protests in the French capital. Anti-ram barriers and security guards surround the Grand Palais, while organisers are coordinating with Paris police over possible adjustments. Art Basel Paris director Karim Crippa said a comprehensive security plan had been prepared and activated, adding that the safety of exhibitors, staff, visitors and artworks was the priority. Indian collector Saloni Doshi described witnessing fires, protesters and scenes of panic on her arrival in Paris, leaving her concerned about fellow visitors travelling from abroad. Despite the tense atmosphere outside, the fair continued to welcome collectors and art enthusiasts, with works also displayed in public spaces around the Grand Palais. France Paris Contemporary art Protests in France Security Culture Top stories Now playing Next France: Artists and collectors gather at Art Basel Paris despite unrest Now playing Next Germany: Humanoid robots and AI supercomputers take centre stage in Berlin Now playing Next Ukraine: At least 9 people were killed in Russian attacks over the past 24 hours Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | October 22nd, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next Watch: Empty shelves in southern Italy amid truckers’ fuel protests Now playing Next Australia: Bystanders dive into floodwaters to save trapped driver Now playing Next EU Parliament awards Sakharov Prize to ICC in rebuke of US sanctions Now playing Next Hansel and Gretel in the mountains: parents abandon sons Now playing Next Disappointed after meeting, French unions call for 5 November action Now playing Next Looted Paris shop owner: ‘10 years of work destroyed’ Now playing Next Macron decries 'stupid comments' by foreign leaders on France protests Now playing Next France on edge as Macron faces backlash, Putin signals peace talks Now playing Next Beyond five-star luxury: What's next for hospitality in Qatar? Now playing Next Beyond oil: The Sectors shaping this country’s economic future Now playing Next Italy's truckers' protests leave supermarket shelves empty and airports without fuel Now playing Next Websites go dark after AI exposes major programming language security flaw ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Serbia: Student protesters flood Belgrade ahead of snap elections No Comment Yemen: Tanks fire as fighting erupts on the outskirts of Taiz No Comment Greece: Thousands flood Athens streets in education protest No Comment Dussehra: Giant effigies of demons go up in flames in India World News Moment Colombian authorities seize 7.6 tonnes of cocaine bound for Europe Europe Today 'Everything' in Ukraine is now a target for Putin, says EPP MEP Europe Today Public order a 'big failure of the government', says French MEP Jean-Marc Germain Europe Today French police union to sue government over mishandling of riots Ukraine Russian strikes kill 7 in Ukraine after US envoy meets Putin Europe Today Europe Today: France under fire as Macron faces backlash, Putin opens door to Ukraine peace talks Business Tesla's profit drops as it explores a possible merger with Musk's other public company, SpaceX Culture news Kenichi Yoda, Princess of Asturias laureate: "Ghibli is closely tied to its time" ADVERTISEMENT World News Trump suggests renaming Atlantic Ocean the 'American Ocean' Europe News Disappointed after meeting, French unions call for 5 November action Colombia Colombia seizes 7.6 tonnes of Netherlands-bound cocaine at Cartagena port EU News EU journalism prize awards investigation into human rights abuse at Italy’s migrant centres in Albania No Comment Nine Emperor Gods Festival: Devotees walk across burning embers for good luck Qatar in Motion Qatar in Motion | Made in Qatar: Local brands with global ambitions Europe News Milei reignites war of words with Sánchez as Spanish PM declares himself ‘leftie and proud’ Business Feeding Our Tomorrow: how India’s women-led, sustainable farming is reaching Europe ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT