On 18 April, the 26th edition of artbrussels opens its doors. This contemporary art fair is one of the most important of its kind in Europe. 179 galleries from 24 countries are participating in the event. Works of more than 2 000 artists will be presented: paintings, sculptures, accessories, drawings, installations, photos and videos.Artbrussels is expecting over 30 000 visitors.artbrussels – the European platform for contemporary art.Internationally renowned for its innovative profile, artbrussels brings together participants of 24 different nationalities. This year the Belgian galleries represent 24 percent, in other words 42 galleries. There are also 29 galleries from France, 21 from Germany, 12 from the United Kingdom and 11 from the US. For the US and the United Kingdom this is a sharp increase in comparison to the previous editions of the fair. The new European countries are also making a modest appearance. Among the famous Belgian artists whose work is represented at the fair are Pol Bury, Wim Delvoye, Jan Fabre, Michel François, Hans Op de Beeck, Panamarenko, Walter Swennen, Koen van den Broek, Jan Vercruysse, and Marthe Wéry. Artists from abroad include Louise Bourgeois, Wang Du, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Tony Oursler, Robin Rhode, Ed Ruscha, Sam Samore, Charles Sandison, Thomas Schütte, Cindy Sherman, Stephen Shore, Beat Streuli, Su-Mei Tse, Franz West, Erwin Wurm, Gilberto Zorio and Nam June Paik.OrganisationArtbrussels is divided into three specific zones. The ‘Art Galleries’ zone consists entirely of established galleries (122), ‘Young Talent’ is aimed at young galleries (42), and ‘First Call’ groups young galleries taking part in the fair for the very first time (14). The number of participating galleries and artists is consciously limited to guarantee the quality of what is on offer and to show a coherent presentation.Ephemeral FringesVisitors to artbrussels can also see an exhibition project named ‘Ephemeral Fringes’, based on an idea by the curator, Filip Luyckx, director Sint Lucas gallery. It consists of small-scale pieces, spread throughout the fair and created especially for the event by a range of different artists from Belgium and abroad. The creations are geared to the ephemeral timeframe, the complex structure and limited space of artbrussels. The contributions by following artists: Georges Adéagbo (Benin), Michaël Aerts (Belgium), Philip Metten (Belgium), Veronica Brovall (lSweden / Germany), Rainer Ganahl (Austria), Fabrice Gygi (Switzerland), Honoré d’O (Belgium), Nedko Solakov (Bulgaria) and Koen Vanmechelen (Belgium) are a form of commentary on the fair events and can consist of a supplement, a footnote or margin note. The installation by Philip Metten will be the backdrop for several contemporary music concerts and debates during the fair. In short, interaction and reflection.The “by artists for artists” caféThe HISK candidates (the postgraduate training college for fine arts in Ghent) will set up the “by artists for artists” café, situated on the mezzanine of hall 3. As an alternative to the restaurant and the brasserie, this funky café offers visitors the chance to make many artistic discoveries. The artists have also taken on the tasks of decorating the café with their own works of art, and of serving their customers: fresh (Belgian) beers are on the menu!