The 35th edition of the International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) opens in Paris Thursday. Despite the organisers’ declared optimism, many fear the atmosphere may be dampened by the ongoing global financial crisis. Still, the fair counts its usual contingent of events, auctions, exhibitions and alternative displays.

Once again, contemporary art’s key Parisian event will be co-hosted by the Grand Palais, with its spectacular naive, where the main galleries are concentrated, and the tents gathered around the exquisite Cour Carrée of the Louvres palace, which house the sector’s emerging players.

This year’s fait counts no less than 189 galleries, 72 of which are French-based and 117 come from abroad. The return of the United States’ contingent has been particularly noticed. Indeed, the US joins Italy and Germany among the most numerous foreign delegations. A total of 42 galleries make their first appearance at the FIAC, with Slovenia among the new entries.

On the stands of the Grand Palais, visitors may find works by Picasso, Picabia, Fontana, Atlan, Louise Bourgeois, Joan Mitchell, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kirchner, Buren, Calder, etc. Meanwhile, the tents of the Cour Carrée house works by Eric Baudart, Didier Marcel, Pierre Bismuth, Daniel Firman, Stephan Thidet and Tania Mouraud.

Prices range between several hundreds of euros and several million. Whether collectors will actually spend the money remains to be seen.