In a season when generosity feels in short supply, Art Basel has quietly rolled out something resembling altruism.

According to several first- and second-time exhibitors at Art Basel Paris, the fair has been offering booth-fee discounts to new participants—20 percent for “freshmen,” 10 percent for “sophomores.” The galleries were notified in an email sent shortly after Labor Day.

Multiple dealers confirmed receipt of the email, and while it’s unclear when exactly the policy began, one New York gallerist said the practice has been in place since Art Basel Miami Beach in 2021. Vincenzo de Bellis, the fair’s chief artistic officer and global director, confirmed that such a program was in place.

“Our step-up model offers reduced fees for galleries participating in our main sectors for the first or second time,” de Bellis told ARTnews in an email. “It’s an important measure that encourages new exhibitors and supports them in establishing a presence within Art Basel’s global network.”

De Bellis went on, “In 2026, we’re pleased to further enhance this approach—with an exceptional 5 percent uplift at each level, bringing the discount to 25 percent fo...