برچسب: Really

What is an art fair?

An Art fair is a booth-style marketplace offering a selection of artworks for sale, giving attendees the possibility to be key actors within the art world’s ecosystem. This club-like network encompasses individuals engaged in production, commission, presentation, preservation, promotion, documentation, critique, and the commercial aspects of art. It is bound by a shared conviction in the value and importance of Art.

Through buying and selling, Art fairs sustain the economic viability of artists and galleries while fostering an environment where art enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals can engage directly. This dynamic ecosystem plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary art trends, influencing both the market and artistic discourse. Art fairs are combining the role of a transactional space and a cultural institution that propels the art world forward.

The main actors involved in art fairs:

• Organizers
• Curators
• Artists
• Art dealers
• Art critics
• Art dealers
• Collectors
• Participants
• Ordinary visitors

Are art fairs worth it?

Why do galleries pay a high fee and attend art fairs? Are art fairs good for artists? For example, to attend FIAC, the largest fair in France, costs around 15,000 EUR plus 20% tax for a 25-square-meter booth (the size of my kitchen). Not to mention the other associated costs.

1. Art fairs validate you as an artist

It’s hard to get into major international art fairs. Some art professionals would even call Art Basel Miami the Olympics of the art world. Usually, the organization sets a list of requirements such as being operational as a physical gallery for at least two years, having attended X number of similar art fairs, having several artists under the label, and the works must carry certain characteristics. To have exhibited at famous international art fairs like Art Basel Miami, FIAC, and in Spain, ARCO will bring you a reputation and respect in the industry.

2. They bring sales opportunity

Dealers are business owners; they make decisions based on financial outcomes. Dealers can make almost half of what they would make during the whole year by going to just five art fairs. Of course, these are just estimates and data from interviews with gallery owners. Regardless of the accuracy, it offers a snapshot of the economy behind art fairs. There is definitely a business drive behind paying tens of thousands of dollars to rent a booth and hire extra staff, not to mention the logistics!

3. They connect your art to the art world

ARCO alone can bring 100,000 art collectors to your booth, making it a great opportunity for exposure for networking. Art critics and journalists will be visiting the fair, generating some news pieces more likely to catch people’s attention. Also, internally, many artists will be more attracted to a gallery that brings their works to different fairs than the ones that don’t.

4. Be careful with the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

If you are not attending the larger fairs, you might be missing a lot of potential opportunities. In order to keep returning to large fairs, you need to attend smaller ones to be admitted. It goes into this “fair after fair” circle, and once you are used to it, you fear to change.