An original exchange fair - Art-Pool introduces the art of barter

An original exchange fair Art-Pool introduces the art of barter By Martine Duprez Barter is not necessarily a thing of another age. The proof? Art-Pool, this artists' cooperative founded in March 90 with the aim of democratising art, is bringing it back into fashion. It is organising an original artwork exchange fair where money and cheques are banned. The name of the event? Truc-troc, of course! The principle is simple: on one side, Art-Pool artists exhibit their works. On the other, objects or service proposals that private individuals offer in exchange for the works are deposited. During the event, no financial transaction of any kind may take place. - People need to put their imagination to work, says Mon De Rijck, one of the founders of Art-Pool. - Barter is not based on the financial value of the work but on falling in love with it, adds Françoise Laurent, another member of Art-Pool. Last year, you could find everything in the basket: a three-month stay in the Drôme, a fortnight's trip to Italy, two small armchairs, a mini hi-fi system, a lot of jewellery, or even a bunch of flowers a week for a year! To be able to make proposals, a financial contribution of 500 francs is requested (except for members and subscribers to the magazine). This share entitles you to an unlimited number of proposals and an annual subscription to the magazine. This year, something new: the truc-troc exhibition is paired with an "Artists' Studios Fund", which will allow anyone who missed the deal at the truc-troc to rummage through the innards of artists' studios and acquire one of their works. Through the truc-troc, Art-Pool hopes to reach a very wide audience. Those who do not usually visit art galleries. A way of democratising culture. MARTINE DUPREZ Art-Pool, rue Gaucheret, 80, 1210 Brussels, tel: 02-242.15.37. Open every day by appointment, until 27 December. Opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays, from 2 to 7 p.m., and on Sundays 20 and 27 December, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.