There are more than two months to go before the India Art Summit begins in Delhi, but preparations are on across the globe — in 17 galleries, from the US and Germany to Dubai, China and Japan. If in Berlin, Alexander Hahn from Aanant & Zoo gallery is hoping that the Indian art connoisseurs will approve of the works of Michael Müller, in London, gallerist Rob Dean is preparing a shortlist of artwork to showcase in India. “The aim is to bring the best of world art to India and act as a forum that enables collaboration between Indian and international gallerists and artists,” says Neha Kirpal, associate director of the four-day summit that begins on August 19.

Kirpal has made frequent overseas tours in the last one year to promote the event and invite international galleries to explore the market in India that until now has been considered partial to domestic art. “There was apprehension due to the tense economic situation but there is growing realisation that India holds potential as an important market with reasonable purchasing power,” adds Kirpal, pointing out that only three international galleries had stalls at the summit last year.

Hans Bakker, director of Rotterdam-based HB Galerie, agrees. The slowdown in the West has prompted him to tap the market in India and participate in the summit with the intention of discussing tie-ups with Indian galleries. During his one-month stay in the country, he intends to visit art galleries and artists’ studios. “We have a severe crisis in Europe and America. India has economic growth,” says Bakker. He has never exhibited in India but is hopeful that the work of Iranian artist Ferial Kheradpicheh and Dutch Wietse Eeken will be well received at the summit.

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