Louvre is opening its first ever foreign "branch" - in the "art quarters" of the Gulf state, Abu Dhabi. At the French are brewing a turmoil; "our museums are not for sale" - cries an online petition signed by 4,700 people to date.
The big question is: Is a gallery supposed to make money, or it is to serve higher artistic purposes?
Me thinks that the role of galleries is changing with the change in the nature of business world-wide. The emerging thought is that business is not a foe of all things good, but a partner in development. The purpose of art in the emerging world will change: from restricting art to the elite few, art will reach out and across.
Concerns remain over the safe transport of valuable objects, and of removal of "French heritage" from the soil. On the positive, I think a Louvre branch will bring French heritage to the world.
All in all, an interesting development on a usually "traditional" front.
Franchised Art Galleries?
Louvre Museum to Franchise in Abu Dhabi Amid French Protest
Trend Themes
1. Franchised Art Galleries - Opportunity for art galleries to expand their reach and brand globally through franchising.
2. Changing Role of Galleries - Galleries shifting from elite exclusivity to being more inclusive, reaching out to a wider audience.
3. Balance Between Business and Art Purposes - Exploration of the balance between the commercialization of art and the preservation of artistic integrity.
Industry Implications
1. Art Galleries - Art galleries can explore franchising models to expand their footprint and expose their collections to new audiences.
2. Heritage Preservation - Opportunities for industries involved in heritage preservation to collaborate with franchised art galleries to ensure the safe transport and preservation of valuable objects.
3. Cultural Tourism - Cultural tourism industry can benefit from the introduction of franchised art galleries as it attracts tourists interested in experiencing global art collections.