Why are art fairs important?
Posted on October 24, 2013
With art fairs sandwiching us from all corners this week in London (see our top 5), just how important are they?
For visitors
Not everyone at an art fair is looking to buy (take note galleries, trying to sell to everyone can be intimidating) and some people just like to have a wander. Art fairs are a great chance to see a hoard of exhibitions all under one roof, it really is a banquet of styles, mediums and galleries. And just in case you are buying, it's great to have a great pick placed in front of you. Art fairs are almost like a personal shopper. A nice weekend outing and a metaphorical pick'a'mix!
For galleries
Art fairs for galleries are great for a quick pop up to take their premises to a new audience. But that is only one reason, they are great to meet other galleries and take up collaborations- just as we have with Antlers Gallery in our upcoming exhibition Kindred. However, our favourite bit of art fairs? Hearing from the visitors, your reactions say it all.
For artists
Whether they be represented or not, art fairs for artists are a fantastic chance to see where pricing and trends are heading, and which galleries are popping up and possibly suit you. For artists, fairs are great to meet other artists and create a larger community- working alone is never a good idea. However, art fairs aren't the best place to approach galleries, do ask how their artists are chosen but take an email address and discuss your work at a later date.
So there you have it, art fairs are pop ups of creativity!
Will we be seeing you this weekend at Battersea Affordable Art Fair stand C6?- Sinéad