Welcome to attraction - contemporary art in Skåne at the Stockholm Art Fair 2004. In recent years interest in the art scene in Skåne, Sweden's southern region has grown, it is an interest built on strong foundations. For several decades focus has centred on venues like Malmö Konsthall, Galleri Anders Tornberg, Galleri Magnus Åklundh and The Wanås Foundation. Now, in addition there are new spaces like Signal, Rooseum – Center for Contemporary Art, as well as numerous temporary initiatives finding new channels and audiences. These new initiatives have developed international interest in the region, helping create a vital and sustainable future.

Attraction draws on the energy and drive that has created and continues to vitalise Skåne's art scene. The presentation in attraction of Skåne's artists and institutions reflects this energy. Eight of the regions most dynamic institutions are presented in the main stand, together with Signal a non-commercial art space in Malmö. Thirteen artists are exhibiting in nine stands throughout the fair and Nilsmagnus Sköld will present his Orchid Research Project as part of the fair's seminar programme.

We wish to thank Region Skåne, Position Skåne and Kultur Skåne for their enthusiasm to present the regions art scene at Stockholm Art Fair 2004. We also wish to thank all the participating artists and institutions in attraction - contemporary art in Skåne.