Art galleries in Porto-Vecchio, known as the "City of Salt," are shifting their strategy beyond the traditional tourist season to engage more deeply with local residents and second-home owners. The five contemporary art galleries in the city center are experimenting with staying open during winter months as they face challenges from a still-hesitant local clientele and a tightening art market.
All five galleries in Porto-Vecchio's downtown area have made a bold commitment to contemporary art, featuring striking figurative paintings, neon sculptures, relief collages, and intriguing objects. Traditional landscape paintings are notably absent from their collections. "Modern art is what appeals most to our clientele," explains Yves, who runs the Au 8 art gallery. Some of these art dealers have been established in the city for over twenty years, while others have recently set up shop in this Corsican coastal town.
Patricia, a passionate collector who opened Art'Zzura three years ago, represents the newer wave of gallery owners. She is committed to showcasing island artists, who make up half of her selection, though her sales primarily come from tourists. "They browse around, take their time, and it really works on impulse purchases!" she says with a smile. Her approach reflects the galleries' efforts to balance local artistic representation with commercial viability in a tourist-driven market.
The pricing structure of these galleries reflects the diverse economic levels of their clientele. Most artworks start around 500 euros and can climb to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the artist's reputation, the format, and the technique used. "There's significant potential in Porto-Vecchio. We have many second homes here, owned by people who have the means to decorate them with taste," notes the owner of Au 8 gallery, highlighting the economic opportunities presented by the town's affluent seasonal residents.
However, economic pressures have not spared the art market. Patricia's decision to enter the gallery business came during a period of economic tension, making it a risky venture. "It's not always easy. For the past three years, people have been watching their spending more carefully, and art remains a non-essential purchase," she observes. This reality has forced gallery owners to adapt their strategies, seeking ways to make art more accessible and relevant to both local residents and visitors while maintaining their commitment to contemporary artistic expression.
