“We are very excited to have AXA Art as a host sponsor”, says Samuel Keller, Director of Art Basel and Art Basel Miami Beach. “AXA Art has been a longtime supporter of Art Basel, and the overwhelming success and popularity of Art Basel Miami Beach has encouraged the company to extend its support to this side of the Atlantic.”

Over the past five years, Art Basel Miami Beach has become the preferred winter gathering place of the international art world. Nearly 200 of the most renowned galleries from the USA, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa convene in Florida at the beginning of December to exhibit the works of 2,000 established and cutting edge artists of the 20th and 21st century.

“Being the Official Provider of VIP Guided Tours during the fair will allow us to leverage and showcase our in-house competence to a large audience,” remarks Christiane Fischer, CEO of AXA Art in the United States. “In addition, we are looking forward to hosting clients and reaching out to prospects in the Art Collectors Lounge.”

Art Basel Miami Beach will run December 7 – 10, 2006 in the Convention Center of the city’s Art Deco district. Daily programs will include special exhibitions around the Art Deco district including Art Positions, 20 emerging galleries that present their artists in shipping containers converted to public art spaces by avant-garde architects, the Art Video Lounge with a comprehensive program of contemporary video art and Art Projects in public spaces most within walking distance from the Convention Center. Thousands of artists, dealers, art collectors, curators and media from around the word are expected to attend.

About AXA Art Insurance
AXA Art is the leading fine art and collectibles insurance specialist worldwide. With offices in all major European cities, the United States, Hong Kong and Singapore, the company provides its clients – individuals, corporations, museums, galleries, trusts, artist and traveling exhibitions – with insurance coverage and advice concerning the overall protection and preservation of their collections.

For further information, please contact:

Rosalind (Roz) Joseph
Telephone: (718) 710-5181
E-mail: rjoseph@axa-art-usa.com