2026 municipal elections – The art market challenges candidates for Paris mayor

For the 2026 municipal elections, the Professional Committee of Art Galleries (CPGA) has taken the initiative to organize, in partnership with La Maison des Artistes, the National Union of Voluntary Auction Houses (SYMEV) and Drouot, a series of interviews with the candidates for mayor of Paris devoted to issues affecting the world of art and creativity in the capital.

A historic capital of artistic creation, Paris now occupies a central place in the global cultural and economic ecosystem. With its unique heritage, the city stands out for its exceptional concentration of artists, galleries, and auction houses, among the highest in the world. This dense and vibrant fabric, composed mainly of independent players deeply rooted in Parisian neighborhoods, contributes significantly to the capital’s cultural identity and international influence. It also underpins Paris’ position as the world’s third-largest art market.

However, this ecosystem, which is essential to the artistic vitality and international appeal of the City of Light, is based on a delicate balance and is currently facing major economic, urban, and cultural transformations that are calling into question the conditions for creation, dissemination, and activity of professionals in the sector in the capital.

Discussions with the candidates were structured around several major themes: the international influence and attractiveness of Paris as an art market hub, the economic conditions and working conditions of professionals, the place of artists and the conditions for creation in the capital, as well as the dissemination of contemporary art in neighborhoods and dialogue between stakeholders in the sector and public authorities.

All candidates running for mayor of Paris were invited to participate in this initiative. Pierre-Yves Bournazel, Sophia Chikirou, Rachida Dati, Emmanuel Grégoire, and Sarah Knafo agreed to answer our questions and present their vision and proposals for the future of the art world in Paris.

Their responses are presented here in full so that professionals in the sector and the general public can learn about their positions on these issues, which are fundamental to the artistic, cultural, and economic life of Paris.

These interviews were conducted at the Hôtel Drouot, which we warmly thank for its hospitality, as well as its teams for their support in setting up the project.