New York Exhibitor Guide

The New York editions of Affordable Art Fair offer potential exhibitors the opportunity to expand client networks, build valuable connections and enjoy the perks of showcasing within the central hub of the global art market. Taking place in both Spring and Fall, we’ve got all the top tips you need to succeed with us in New York.

Get to know the details that make this an event of unique advantages in the city’s busy art calendar.

Why New York?

With its reputation for quality artwork, Affordable Art Fair New York is an ideal platform to expand your reach, establish brand presence and, ultimately, drive growth for your gallery. Our commitment to affordability ensures that we appeal to a broad range of art buyers, whether that be experienced collectors looking to discover emerging artists, or the art-curious Next Gen seeking to gain confidence in building their collections.

Contrastingly to the more scattered EU, we’ve got the biggest and the best in one place and, at the center of the art market, it pays to be present. New York comes with the added fortune that, as a city, we’re always moving and evolving. Opting to present at an edition of Affordable Art Fair New York means being a part of this evolution and taking a slice of our audience’s receptivity to trying new things, wanting to be introduced to new artists, and urge to be the first to know about new ways to fill their calendars. With 1,000s of options of what to do every day, night or weekend, it speaks volumes that 60% of our visitors definitely want to continue visiting the fair each edition regardless of the surplus of things to do in New York City.

First impressions of the fair

Affordable Art Fair New York is designed to act as a gentle embrace into the art fair experience. We want to make visitors, whether they be new or returning, feel comfortable within our uniquely bright, energetic and fun environment at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

We know a large proportion of our visitors attend our fair to improve their own knowledge and understanding of art, so we make sure to satisfy this with innovative programming and a ‘know before you go’ mentality. Thus, the entrance is inviting, with staff primed to ditch any stuffiness and be open, friendly and approachable to all visitors coming through the doors.

Our venue itself is in a great location, right in the center of Chelsea, a neighborhood with art at its core. Affordable Art Fair New York is a sanctuary for gallery hoppers, bringing together homegrown businesses and international exhibitors into one buzzing space. We’ve established our own identity within the city, and the great foot traffic we receive from our central location welcomes in more and more potential art buyers each year.

Who are our audience?

With an inherent sense of discovery and cultural savviness, New Yorkers are constantly on the hunt for new experiences, new stories and new creative outlets to share with others. At our Fall 2022 fair, the majority of visitors were inspired to visit to see the beautiful and fascinating artwork on display with a mind to unearth new talent. It’s essential to our audience to feel as though they’re the first to discover something different. For this, you’ll need to be information-ready! Visitors don’t want to be intimidated; they want to be welcomed with approachability and detailed narratives around your artists. 

That being said, our New York audience are pro-active art buyers. They’ll mostly feel comfortable coming up to you directly with any questions or to seek more information, so there’s no need to pester or pander. In fact, 27% of visitors at Affordable Art Fair New York Fall 2022 came with the intention to buy – a higher figure than we typically see globally. This means it’s essential to be ready to engage with a diverse blend of people. Although art experience will vary, you’re safe to assume a certain level of knowledge purely by absorption from living in art-centric New York. Our art buying audience spans different ages, backgrounds and personal styles, so also make sure to banish any preconceptions about what a traditional art buyer looks like: our city’s healthy art market is bolstered by New Yorkers’ distinct love for self-expression and uniqueness of all kinds.   

Fair Director, Erin Schuppert’s, top tips for success:

Put a lot of thought into your presentation. Make your booth stand out, whether that’s through the artwork you hang or use of stand extras. New York moves fast and you need to draw people in.

Have artist stories and personal touches on-hand. Remember, you’re speaking to a curious and culturally savvy audience.

Engage with pre-fair comms and marketing. Put a plan in place and follow it, including high-quality videos and images. Share plenty of information and materials with us on time, so we can best promote your activity.