Today sees the opening of London’s largest artist-led art fair at Ambika P3, Marylebone. Featuring 100 unrepresented artists, The Other Art Fair offers buyers the opportunity to purchase work directly from artists themselves, in addition to viewing some of the best new artistic talent around.
Artists are selected by a committee of experts who review each application. This year’s selection panel includes former Turner Prize-nominated artist Yinka Shonibare MBE, gallerist Mila Askarova and critic Laura McLean-Ferris.
Ryan Stanier, Director of the fair, comments: “The aim is to create an inclusive environment to encourage people to explore their own reactions to contemporary art work in a vibrant, buzzing setting. Throughout the weekend there are other creative things to enlighten, entertain and inspire visitors. These include live performance art, acoustic music sessions and free curated walks. We believe there is a unique atmosphere.”
Stanier started the fair in 2011 following the success of two pop up spaces in Covent Garden. The aim was to not only provide a platform for London’s emerging artists, but also to develop long standing relationships with exhibiting artists. This year’s exhibitors have been offered tutorials to enhance their professional development, including pre-fair workshops with advice on selling and self-representation.
Exhibiting artist Phoebe Stubbs comments: “Being from the US this is a fantastic opportunity to exhibit in the UK and reach a new audience. It will be great to make new contacts that will hopefully lead to opportunities in the future. Hopefully I will also sell some work!”
Fellow exhibitor Calvin Lau, originally from New Zealand, adds: “It is a good opportunity for me to meet galleries and art collectors and learn more about the art culture in the UK. I have heard great things about The Other Art Fair. No matter how the sales go, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet other artists and expand my networks.”
The Other Art Fair is open 25-28 April 2013.
For more information visit: theotherartfair.com
More on a-n.co.uk:
Selling initiatives on Knowledge Bank – Jeni Walwin looks at the issues of selling work
Artist-led tag on a-n News – for latest updates and developments
