Battersea Exhibitor Guide

So, you’re thinking of joining our community of galleries and exhibiting in Battersea? For the last 24 years, based in the heart of Battersea Park in the south of London, our fair sees an average of 18,000 people through the doors every edition. As the first and leading Affordable Art Fair globally, our platform has set the foundation for established and first-time buyers to be inspired, to discover a new artists and of course, purchase art. 

Read our guide to get an in-depth look at everything you need to know about being an exhibitor at the Affordable Art Fair Battersea. 

Why Battersea? 

The immediate and deceptively simple answer to this question is that, at Battersea, art sells! This is a high-volume fair, which sees between 3500 to 4000 artworks sold per edition across approximated 100 participating galleries. Each and every fair sees an average of £4.7m worth of artworks off to the happy new homes of 18,000 visitors. 

A significant contributor to such high figures is the pride we take in producing fairs where art enthusiasts feel welcome, with the majority of visitors (59%) agreeing that they feel they belong at an Affordable Art Fair. This creates a level of comfort in buyers, where long term relationships with exhibitors are a natural result. Being a part of the Battersea fair community allows you the opportunity to build connections that can last decades. 

The Affordable Art Fair Battersea team are hugely supportive. With over 20 years of experience running art fairs, we work with you to bring the right artists, as well as offering informed advice about the best way to present your stand to increase the likelihood of success.  

Being part of Battersea also means that you join the Affordable Art Fair global network. You’ll be included within a brand that audiences trust and continue to engage with. You’ll have the opportunity to be featured in blogs, social media marketing and advertisement, which will be seen by a global audience. 

First impressions of the fair 

The Battersea fairs both take place at Evolution London, a very special venue in the heart of Battersea Park, on the foot of the Thames and a stone’s throw from Chelsea’s Sloane Square. It us also part of the Battersea art quarter’s ecosystem, which includes the Royal College of Art and the Battersea Arts Centre. It is a hub of culture which feeds the recently developed Battersea Power station and growing affluent residential borough. Approaching through Battersea Park is a unique experience, and visitors will be treated to lush greens and views of the Thames, Battersea Power Station and the classic London skyline on their way to the venue before being greeted by our iconic Affordable Art Fair pink.  

Who are our audience? 

Predominantly London-based, our audience are typically affluent, global facing trendsetters. We have a range of clients who attend the fair, including seasoned collectors, families and first-time buyers. But, one thing that connects them all is a love of art. Our audience is enthusiastic and curious, with the majority of visitors (62%) attending to see beautiful and fascinating things, or to be inspired. One third of our visitors in Spring 2022 came to spend quality time with friends and family, which shows that we’re able to tap into our art buyer’s desire to find connection at our fairs, whilst also nurturing the deeper emotions related to discovering art together. At Battersea, we also see that 27% of people decide to visit based on recommendations from loved ones; a figure that sits well above our other fairs. This community-focused feel makes for committed, dedicated art buyers, which we see in their strong intent to buy.  

Our visitors like to discover something new at the fair, but they don’t like a heavy sell. At the end of the day, they’re looking for art, but they’re also looking for authenticity. They want to ask questions and gain insider knowledge. In Autumn 2022, our audience’s intention to buy was significantly above our global average statistic. Affordable Art Fair Battersea offers the chance to build lasting relationships with a captive, receptive and ready-to-buy audience. 

Fair Director, Hugo Barclay’s, top tips for success: 

• Curation. Show us your vision! Sending our team a pre-prepared stand mock-up or previous stands you’ve had can really help with envisioning where you fit at the fair. 

• Collaboration. We have years’ worth of knowledge at hand, so let’s work together to ensure you put your best foot forward. 
  
• Cultivation. Developing real collector relationships takes time, and your success at any art fair requires deliberate focus and patience. In my opinion, you should treat any art fair as a 3-edition project, where you will cumulatively grow your address book edition on edition.  

Main image: Aerial shot of Battersea Autumn 2022 in mid-swing.