Art
What Collectors Need to Know about Art Fairs
Installation view of The Armory Show, 2022. Photo by Vincent Tullo. Courtesy of The Armory Show.
Attending an art fair is one way for collectors to immerse themselves in the latest happenings of the art world in a given place and time. Bringing together a range of galleries, curators, and artists under one roof in a large-scale, booth-style event, fairs allow collectors to view a wide range of works in a relatively short span of time, all while making meaningful connections with a global community of art professionals.
Art fairs take place in locations around the world throughout the year. Although the number of fairs held in 2022 was below pre-pandemic levels, according to Statista, there were more than 300 fairs worldwide.
With so many art events taking place throughout the year, the art fair calendar can be tricky to navigate, while the scale of the events themselves can be overwhelming. “I’d advise first time collectors to move slowly through art fairs,” said Touria El Glaoui,director of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. The fair—which takes place in New York, Paris, Marrakech, and London—was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to artwork from Africa and its diaspora. “It’s not about seeing as much as you can, but rather figuring out what you’re drawn to and interested in. I’d also recommend first-time collectors take time to speak to the gallerists at the booths, introduce themselves, and get to know more about the galleries that pique their interest.”
Interior view of Frieze New York, 2023. Photo by Casey Kelbaugh. Courtesy of CKA and Frieze.
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A little planning ahead of your first art fair visit can go a long way. Looking at a fair’s website, for example, will allow you to explore which galleries will be there, the different sections of the floor plan, and also their schedule of extra programming and events.
Larger fairs often have useful ways to plan your visit online. Frieze, for example, has become one of the most influential contemporary art fairs today since it was established in 2003, and now has fairs in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul, as well as recent acquisitions The Armory Show in New York and EXPO Chicago. “Our online platform, Frieze Viewing Room, which opens ahead of the fair, is a useful tool that offers a first look at galleries’ presentations and can help plan your visit in advance,” explained Aryana Khan, a membership and VIP relations lead at Frieze 91, the firm’s global membership program for those newer to the art world. “That said, it’s worth remembering that not all works fare equally when viewed online and sometimes the best discoveries are chance encounters.”
Interior view of The Armory Show, 2022. Photo by Vincent Tullo. Courtesy of The Armory Show.
An additional consideration when visiting an art fair is timing. Given that the majority of sales take place before or on the first day of a fair, planning around this might be essential if you are looking to acquire a top piece from a gallery.
As a newer collector, you might be looking to acquire a more affordable piece to expand your collection, and it is good to be aware that some fairs have dedicated sections for this reason. “For those new to collecting, I always recommend first exploring prints and editions as these tend to be more easily affordable,” Khan advised. “Frieze London has a section dedicated to editioned artworks, this year featuring five galleries showcasing editions by leading contemporary artists.”
Installation view of Art on Paper, 2022. Courtesy of Art on Paper.
Every art fair is unique in terms of its reputation and focus. While industry heavyweights like Art Basel present a broad scope of blue-chip contemporary art, other fairs are dedicated to specific categories of artworks such as photography or works on paper.
Helping to legitimize unconventional mediums in the context of the contemporary art market, art fairs push at curatorial boundaries, explained Helen Toomer, director of PHOTOFAIRS New York, which takes place in September. “Unlike a traditional photography fair that might be dominated by black-and-white historical photographs, PHOTOFAIRS New York is working to shift perceptions of what photography can be and is interested in supporting undervalued and young artists,” she said.
Installation view of Lehmann Maupin’s booth at Frieze London, 2022. Photo by Linda Nylind. Courtesy of Frieze.
Artworks from a broad range of artists are displayed at fairs and so they also become hot spots for collectors to explore and discover new artists. “Art fairs provide an extraordinary opportunity for anyone new to, or interested in, art collecting,” said Nicole Berry, director of The Armory Show, which runs during the first week of September in New York. “During their run, attendees can see work by a variety of artists, speak with exhibitors and artists, and converse with countless collectors of all experience levels. Immersion in this welcoming environment allows beginner collectors to enjoy a vast array of contemporary art and to find an entry point for their new collection.”
Additionally, art fairs are a central place for connectivity in the art world. Not only do these events serve the purpose of viewing art in person, but they offer gallerists, collectors, and art professionals an opportunity to engage in important conversations. Relationship-building is crucial as a collector, and so these large-scale shows are important social events. “Art fairs serve as platforms for artists, galleries, and collectors to connect, exchange ideas, and build deeper relationships,” said Kelly Freeman, director of Art on Paper, which specializes in paper-based art and also takes place in New York in September. “Art fairs provide a snapshot of current trends and are a vital place for the discovery of emerging talent.”
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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