Self-portraits by Swiss artists Alexandre and John Gailla are on display at the international contemporary art show Scope Basel, in Basel, Switzerland, June 16, 2011. Scope Basel features 85 galleries from 15 to 19 June. EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS.

BASEL.- SCOPE, the art show that has established its name by curating cutting edge contemporary art from around the world, proudly returns to Basel for the fifth year. Running concurrent with Art Basel for the next three years, SCOPE returns to its high profile venue in historic Kaserne just blocks from Art Basel 42. Located in the heart of the city, SCOPE Basel’s new home, a pavilion offering over 5,000 m², will provide the real opportunity for gallerists, collectors, curators, artists, critics and art lovers alike to experience a view of the contemporary art market available nowhere else. The fair opens to Press and VIP’s on Wednesday, June 15 with the FirstView benefit.

This year’s Basel edition of the fair, June 15 -19, 2011, will present 85 international galleries upholding its unique tradition of solo and thematic group shows presented alongside museumquality programming, collector tours, screenings, and special events. The unique SCOPE experience expands this year in partnership with Kaserne’s cultural organizations, featuring: film, music, theatre and performance. “This season we want to highlight SCOPE’s lead role as creative R+D for a wider audience of taste makers who make art their business” says SCOPE President & Founder Alexis Hubshman. “Introducing artists, curators, and cutting-edge galleries to new international audiences has made SCOPE the most comprehensive destination for the emerging art world.”

Founded in 2002, SCOPE has grown extensively in both volume and stature. Alexis Hubshman, President of SCOPE explains, “We’ve evolved from an industry niche to an influential global contributor, with ongoing events, educational programmes, and the SCOPE Foundation 501(c)3. SCOPE is the dynamic presence in the expanding global art market.” With art fairs in Miami, Basel, New York, London, and the Hamptons, SCOPE Art Show has garnered critical acclaim, with sales of over $150 million and attendance of over 400,000 visitors.