Tips Before Visiting an Art Fair

Art fairs are unique in their ability to bring together a diverse range of artworks for a collective visual feast for the soul. They offer an experience where creativity and imagination meet, inspiring art enthusiasts at all stages of their collecting journey to own the art they love. Whether you’re new to the scene, or you’re a regular art fair attendee, there are questions to ask yourself before your visit that will help you best navigate the vibrant space.

We’ve curated a list of essential tips that will elevate your fair adventure and make sure you pick an artwork that’s right for you. From what to spend, to where to hang and how to envision a game plan, our guide will give you confidence to attend one of our fairs with confidence.

Consider your setting

Are you itching for a major decoration switch-up? We know the feeling. It may seem obvious, but contemplating the place you’re hoping to brighten up will make purchasing a piece of original art a whole lot easier. Style, colour, layout, dimensions: all of these are crucial components.

Firstly, it’s worth thinking about the style of your room. Should it complement or contrast with your existing interior? Bold showstopper pieces might fit in a large hallway or an airy living room. Or, if it’s for the bathroom, it’s worth thinking about hanging in a splash proof spot.

The mood and atmosphere of the area will come down entirely to your own taste.

Once you’ve had a think about style, the practical considerations can take over. Don’t forget to…

• Measure up the space beforehand
• Photograph the room and take these with you as a reminder of your décor
• Check how different light could affect your chosen position
• Consider if you need the artwork framed

Keep a budget in mind

With so much on offer at our fairs, having a rough sense of budget can help scale down the list of works available. Different mediums tend to be in different price brackets – you’re more likely to find a limited edition print for under £250 than a painting or sculpture – so it’s helpful to have some parameters in mind before you browse.

But just because a work is over budget, doesn’t mean it is off limits. The galleries might have a smaller piece by the same artist up their sleeve – or they may offer a payment scheme to allow you to spread the cost over monthly or quarterly instalments.

Having a sense of what you want to spend can help you be realistic, whilst also being prepped to turn your art collection dreams into a reality. Many galleries will be more than happy for you to return a piece if it’s not right, so it’s always worth having a chat with the gallerist before making the purchase.

Do your research

Take a sneak peek at some of the highlights from our galleries, or keep an eye on the fair page to peruse the Gallery Preview. Each gallery boasts a range of styles and colours, mediums, and materials. If something piques your interest, doing further background research on the artist could help you prepare to see their work in the flesh.

If you spot a piece that captivates you and leaves you wanting more, this is a great sign. Did you know you can speak to our gallerists in advance? Get in touch with any questions or let them know if you’re planning to beeline straight to one of their artists – they might bring a selection of your favourite artist’s work to the fair, just for you.

Have a game plan

With 1,000s of artists and so many galleries to meet, you can get a little art-struck on arrival. It can be daunting knowing where to begin. You’d be amazed at how many visitors arrive, head to the information desk, and ask the legitimate question – where do we start?

Planning ahead will mean you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed on the day and make your fair experience more relaxing and fun. You might choose to move A-Z through the galleries, stopping for a drink at one of our bars, or having some lunch in the café as you go. Alternatively, you can download the fair guide ahead of time and highlight the galleries you want to hit.

Why not start on our Inspiration blog page, where you’ll find our latest blogs filled with art recommendations, artist interviews, curated collections and more.

With these tips, you’re sure to feel like an art fair aficionado in no time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the Affordable Art Fair team or gallerists, they’re a friendly bunch and are more than happy to help.

Images: Visitors and gallerists at Affordable Art Fair’s around the world.