A Beginner's Guide to the Art Fair

If you have never been to an art fair before, then a whole new world is about to open up to you! Art fairs are not just a commercial venue, they are an experience in itself. You don't have to be a pro or a connoisseur to be allowed to attend an event like this. In fact, art fairs were designed especially for the greater public; to cater to everybody’s needs and interests all at once. Below you will find some of our tips for making the most of your visit to the art fair, as well as some interesting art fairs coming up in the near future...

 
^{Art The Hague, the cosmopolitan fair for contemporary art, will take place from October 4 - 8 in the Fokker Terminal.}

1. As soon as you walk in, grab a map. Fairgrounds can be like a maze, so to prevent yourself from walking in circles it’s good to have an overview handy.

2. Chances are you will still be walking around in circles quite a bit though, just because there is so much to see! Therefore, the appropriate footwear is highly recommendable. High heels look amazing but don’t work very well on carpets, or on long distances in general.

3. If you do decide to wear high heels, and even if you don’t, take lots of breaks. Not just to process the incredible amount of mind-blowing artworks you have just laid your eyes upon, but also to discover the amazing assortment of luxury food items. €8 pieces of sushi are all just part of the experience, yet no doubt the most delicious ones you’ll ever taste, so treat yourself.

^{Next up is the Affordable Art Fair in Amsterdam, from 2 -5 November at the Kromhouthal.}

4. And if you can’t decide on which route to take, then allow the bar to be your guide. After all, it’s a special occasion, so start off with a glass of wine, then work your way up to the champagne bar and finish off with a classy cocktail. Don’t forget to hydrate in between either because the air often gets dry within these big event halls, the water is usually free though!

5. Ask lots of questions, including money. Gallery owners and/or assistants are there to help, advise and inform you but also to sell. And seeing as you are there to buy, there’s no point in being secretive about it all. Knowing the prices also means you can start comparing and getting a feel for the art market, which is an important first step if you intend on becoming an art collector somewhere along the way.

6. Pay attention to the red dots, but don’t hesitate to double-check. Officially, red dots mean the work has been sold. However, some gallery owners and dealers will have agreed with their customers on a provisionary sale, meaning that if somebody comes along with a better offer, they are at liberty to accept it. And remember that photography always comes in multiple editions, so a red dot doesn't necessarily mean it’s sold out.



^{PAN Amsterdam is the most prestigious fair for art, antiques and design, and will be returning to the RAI from November 19 - 26.}

7. If you do become the proud new owner of an artwork at the art fair (congratulations!), then don’t be surprised if the art dealer gives you the option to bring it home with you the very same day. So if you are really set on buying a piece, then public transportation is probably not the best option. 

8. Finally, should you become visually overwhelmed at some point during the fair (don’t be ashamed, it happens to all of us), then you can always shift your attention to the public. Art fairs are increasingly becoming a celebrity hot spot, with Art Basel Miami at #1 of course. In general, art lovers and collectors are often interesting and creative people, so chances are you will strike up a fun and unexpected conversation at some point!

Hopefully you now feel adequately prepared to step into the realm of art fairs. As you can tell, there is no reason to be intimidated, on the contrary, you will most likely find yourself to be inspired instead! 

For more art online, please have a look a our online collection at Gallerease!