Securing a major art fair: Managing a gallery of risks

When some of the world’s most valuable artworks go on display, converging risks intersect with the expectation of an elevated viewing experience.

The Challenge 

Protecting value in plain sight 

Every year, The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) transforms venues in Maastricht and New York into some of the most valuable temporary environments in the world.

Over ten days, artworks insured for around USD $5 billion move rough tightly choreographed logistics chains, into carefully constructed spaces, all under the gaze of collectors, institutions and media.

For TEFAF, security is not simply about protecting individual pieces of art. It is about safeguarding reputation, preserving visitor confidence and ensuring the event delivers the experience exhibitors and visitors expect.

Control Risks has worked alongside TEFAF for many years. That continuity matters. As the fair evolves in scale, profile and exposure, the security environment has become more complex. What was once a largely physicalsecurity challenge now spans digital infrastructure, activist disruption and reputational impact,  –often unfolding simultaneously and in real time. 

The Approach 

Looking beyond the frame

Preparation begins months before the first piece of art arrives on site.

Working alongside TEFAF, Control Risks develops a refreshed threat and risk assessment informed by geopolitical, security and operational intelligence. These insights shape mitigation measures against organised theft, hostile reconnaissance, terrorism considerations, activist activity and reputational drivers 

The focus is not on unlikely worst-case scenarios, but on understanding how risk is evolving and where pressure is building.

Large-scale events are increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure. Registration platforms, accreditation systems, onsite connectivity and supplier access are all critical parts of event delivery. They also expand the attack surface. 

A cyber incident can rapidly trigger operational disruption, safety risks and reputational harm, especially during moments of heightened public attention.

Control Risks’ team works alongside TEFAF’s security team to assess how these systems intersect with physical operations, enabling vulnerabilities to be identified and addressed before they escalate. 

A collaborative operating model underpins the approach. TEFAF’s security posture is reinforced by longstanding co-operation between the fair, local and national authorities, art crime specialists, insurers, venue teams and protection providers.  Those partnerships create operational advantage but require continuous coordination and monitoring.

Operational “pulse checks” combine behavioural observations, incident trends and intelligence updates, supported by Control Risks’ 24/7 Global Risks and Operations Centre. Together, these inputs provide real-time context and help security leaders make informed decisions as conditions evolve.

In high-footfall settings like TEFAF, effective security often relies on identifying concerns long before they become incidents.

Control Risks’ behavioural detection experts are embedded within roving operational teams throughout the fair. They apply trained judgement to identify out-of-the-ordinary behaviour and potential hostile reconnaissance indicators.

Through observation and professional engagement, concerns can often be addressed discreetly and proportionately, reducing the likelihood of escalation while preserving the atmosphere exhibitors and visitors expect. The approach is grounded in established behavioural detection principles and supported by safeguards designed to ensure objectivity, professionalism and respect for all attendees. 

The Outcome 

Confidence under scrutiny

Year after year, TEFAF operates under intense scrutiny, high expectations and an evolving threat environment, while continuing to deliver a world-class experience for exhibitors and visitors.  

By combining intelligence-led assessment, digital risk and resilience planning, proactive behavioural detection and rehearsed crisis response, Control Risks delivers a fully integrated security solution, safeguarding operational continuity and reputation in an exceptionally high-value and high-visibility setting. 

The approach is designed to keep pace with an evolving threat landscape, where physical, digital and reputational risks are increasingly inseparable. Because in environments where value, visibility and reputation converge, effective security is rarely measured by what happens. It is measured by what never needs to happen.

“Control Risks has been an integral part of TEFAF’s security operations for over a decade. Its Security Managers play a pivotal role in connecting the TEFAF organisation with its various security partners and suppliers. 

Their strength lies in co-ordinating multiple disciplines and ensuring clear, continuous communication between all parties involved. This level of alignment is essential for an event of TEFAF’s calibre, where security must operate seamlessly and at the highest possible standard. 

The experience, oversight, and calm leadership of the Control Risks security management team contribute significantly to creating a secure environment in which exhibitors, visitors, and stakeholders can operatewith confidence. Their role is a key factor in maintaining the integrity and reputation of TEFAF as one of the world’s leading art fairs.” 

- Head of Finance & operations, TEFAF.