Stockholm 2025: Enhance your visit with curated Team Route Guides
With 75+ exhibitors and hundreds of artworks at the Affordable Art Fair Stockholm, it can be a challenge to know where to start! That’s why we’re bringing you three curated Route Guides to help you plan your visit.
Affordable Art Fair
Monday 8 September, 2025
It can be challenging to know where to start when you visit Affordable Art Fair Stockholm. So, we’ve brought you three route guides curated by our Stockholm team!
The Art Lover Route, with Lovisa Smyth Vasseur
Looking to uncover hidden gems and unexpected favourites? Inspired by our Fair Manager Lovisa’s perspective, we focus on slowing down, sparking conversations and keeping an open mind. From bold statement pieces to intimate works and final stops at emerging talent, this route shows how every corner of the fair holds the potential for a new love-at-first-sight artwork!
Are you here mostly to get inspired, or are you on the hunt for something to take home?
A bit of both, actually! One of the joys of the fair is that it sparks so much inspiration — you never know what you’ll fall in love with. But yes, I always keep an open mind in case something wants to come home with me. I mainly look for smaller artworks or sculptures, as they have to travel back home to Zimbabwe with me. I always have a few pieces in mind, and have been following the Under 1500, Under 5000 and Under 10,000 series on Instagram, to find something within my budget.
There are a few pieces that I’ve fallen for, and my top 3 pieces at the moment are Amanda Malm’s artwork “Soft Space” which we feature in our campaign (I just love the abstract shapes, colours and movement of this work), Dani Handcraft’s newly released artwork that he’s made for the fair (pink and organic shapes), and last but not least Lena Wieczorek, ”Color Sphere” from one of our new galleries Colour Crush Contemporary.
What kind of art do you vibe with – contemporary, classic, or a little mix of both?
Definitely contemporary — that’s at the heart of what we showcase here. But I appreciate when artists bring a bit of classic technique into a modern expression. It’s that mix that often makes a piece really powerful. I bought a piece from Maura Tavares a few years ago at the fair, which looks like a classic oil painting, but as you step closer you realise that all the items, subject and things featured are modern. So, I’d definitely stop by Atelier Avant on my route around the fair.
Do you like to speed through and see a bit of everything, or slow down and dive deep into a few galleries?
I try to slow down as much as I can, even though it’s not always easy when you’re managing the fair! But I think the most rewarding experiences come from taking time with the art — asking questions, hearing the stories behind the work. I like the early mornings at the fair, just as we have opened and the pace is a bit slower, and you have time to really take the art in.
Where along the way would you grab a coffee, a glass of wine, or something to eat?
We always make sure the café is a cosy, welcoming spot — and Fabriken is perfect for a fika break with good coffee and a sweet treat. And toward the evening, I’m definitely up for a glass of wine at the bar to catch up with my mom (and her dog who enjoys an art stroll).
We normally do our own laps around the fair, at our own pace, and then meet up to discuss which artworks we need to go and revisit or discuss which has caught our eye. Might even make a pit stop at the new wine bar, to send a few photos to my husband, Josh, who’s back home in Harare, to see which artworks he prefers.
Any galleries you already know you don’t want to miss?
Oh yes, several! I always keep an eye on our local favourites who’ve shown year after year, but I’m also very excited about a few of our new exhibitors, as they bring such fresh perspectives. I’m looking forward to seeing Mankovsky Gallery’s artist David Horgan (who will be painting live at the fair on Saturday the 4th), as well as a few of our new exhibitors such as Eyte, Nartscape and House of Photography!
If you could choose one type of medium, what would it be?
Something with texture, maybe mixed media or layered paint — and with a bold colour palette. I love pieces that have energy but also a bit of mystery. Something you can live with for a long time and still notice new details. So, I’d stop by Studio Caroline Nyström, DIVE Madhouse, OOV Gallery, ROUCO Creative Lab and Nina Rimér Studios.
Are you more into bold statement pieces or smaller works that fit anywhere?
Statement pieces, absolutely! I love when art anchors a space and becomes a talking point. That said, I think there’s real charm in smaller works too — especially when you create little curated corners at home.
The Family Explorer Route, with Carl Wilhelm Hirsch
Families, this one’s for you! Inspired by our Fair Director Carl’s perspective, the Family Explorer Route is a colourful, playful way to experience the fair with kids in tow. Think interactive activities, creative pitstops, snack breaks, and plenty of opportunities for little ones to discover their favourite artworks along the way.
What time of day do you think works best for families to visit?
Any time is a great time to visit the Affordable Art Fair for families. Everyone is always welcome. Personally, I would come for the “Family Hour” on Saturday or Sunday, the first hour we are open. Kids are filled with energy from a good night’s sleep, there are activities for them to do, and it’s just a great vibe!
How old are your kids, and what kind of experience would make them light up (playful, interactive, colorful)?
My kids are 6 and 4. They love drawing and crafting, meaning that the Roxeha’s kids’ space is where I’m going to find them throughout their visit to the fair. They can draw on paper, on the mural created by Roxeha, which lets their imagination run wild. My favourite activity at the fair however is to bring them one by one and walk through the fair and let them hypothetically choose paintings for our home (if they got to choose).
This is a great way to learn more about the kids, their likes, dislikes, preferences and more, but also teach them that art is individual – whatever they prefer or like, is allowed. Art should be appreciated by all!
What’s on the food plan, a sit-down meal, snacks on the go, or both?
I tend to go for both. For me, it’s about making sure that they are having a good time and associate the visit in a positive way. Depending on where we are during our visit I will stop first at the bistro for a light snack, maybe some fruit, to fuel up on energy, and then follow up with a lunch at Pontus “Fabriken” located in Hall 1 at the fair.
Do you know any fun little “hideouts” for kids to take a quick break?
This year the fair has a brand-new layout, and I look forward to exploring this a bit further. It’s difficult to anticipate in advance what could be a good hide out spot given all the improvements we have made to this year’s layout. But I think a mix between letting the creativity flow at Roxeha’s stand, viewing exhibitors’ art and taking a break at the Fabriken’s bakery would be the perfect plan.
Which galleries or exhibitors do you think kids would enjoy the most?
Now that is impossible to predict. I think the best way to discover this is to do as I previously mentioned, walk through the fair with perhaps one of your kids at a time and let them explore what they are drawn to. Let them explain why they are drawn to it, what they like about it. Let them ask the gallerists questions – so they can learn more about a certain artist, style or process. I’d also stop by the Artist in Action stand, to let my kids see and learn more about the artistic process, and what goes on behind every artwork.
Have you shown your kids a few of the artworks? Any favourites?
I have of course shown her some but I like it when they get to explore on site. My eldest is the explorer. She has her eyes set on a sculpture from Christina Juulsgaard, OOV gallery this year!
When’s the best time to hit the restaurant with kids, and what would you recommend ordering?
I would hit the restaurant with the kids around 11.45, this gives almost 2 hours of exploring if you come at 10 and you beat the lunch crowd to ensure fast service and a good seat! If you come in the afternoon I would suggest opting for an early dinner around 5 after having seen the fair for a few hours and then doing a final round hopefully, deciding to get the one piece that you’ve been looking at, before it gets away!
The Collector’s Route, with Margaretha Grönvall
For those with an eye for detail and a passion for discovery, the Collector’s Route, inspired by long-time art enthusiast and team member Margaretha, offers a thoughtful way to navigate the fair. With a balance of trusted favourites and fresh new talent, it’s about when to visit, how to take it all in, and where to pause and reflect before deciding which piece deserves a place in your collection.
Are you looking for that next investment piece, or just adding something special to your collection?
I’m not looking for an investment, more for something special that I like — something that stirs emotions, something I can appreciate and enjoy every day. In that way, it actually becomes an investment for me.
Do you usually stick to well-known names, or do you enjoy spotting fresh new talent too?
It’s a mix of both, but the most exciting part is probably discovering new talents who are doing great things. No one knows what the future holds, so maybe you’ll find a hidden gem among all the artworks.
I’ll go past the “Fresh at the Fair” selection this year, as I’m intrigued by the selection of artists and how they are presented. You never know when you find an artwork that speaks to you!
Which three galleries or exhibitors are at the top of your list to check out?
Next up, would be to stop by a few of my favourites Painters Posters (Wetterling Gallery), Galleri Mats Bergman, Mankovsky Gallery and Couleur Konsthandel. I always seem to find a piece or two at their stands, and I’ve had my eye on Kristin Andreassen sculptures for a few years now – this year might be the year one of them get to come home with me!
Are there any themes, styles, or time periods you’re especially into right now?
My interest lies in Contemporary Art. I’m not looking for a specific style or theme, but I’m drawn to works that have a connection to music. Many of the paintings I’ve bought are by women artists — no strategy, it’s just turned out that way.
After a day of walking around, where’s your secret spot to sit down and recharge?
There’s a small corridor next to the exhibition hall with little café tables — quieter pace but still close to the buzz. It’s a place where you can sit and reflect for a while, maybe get closer to a decision. Have a coffee, call a friend, and check in.
I like to take photos of the artworks I’ve enjoyed or found interesting at the fair, and sitting down with a coffee to look through these is a great way to collect your thoughts and land in what you prefer and maybe would like to buy.
When’s the best time to visit if you really want to have good conversations with artists and gallerists?
If you’re hoping to have meaningful conversations with artists and gallerists, aim to arrive mid-morning, ideally within the first couple of hours after the venue opens. This is typically a quieter period—before the afternoon crowds arrive, and the social buzz takes over. Exhibitors are usually more relaxed and present at this time, not yet caught up in back-to-back meetings, press obligations, or sales discussions.
During these calmer hours, gallerists are more likely to have the time and mental space to engage in deeper conversations about the work on display, the artists they represent, or current trends in the art world. Artists, if present, are also more open to discussing their process and ideas without the distraction of large crowds or networking demands. Whether you’re a collector, a curator, or simply someone passionate about art, mid-morning offers the best chance to connect on a more thoughtful level.
We hope these routes inspire your visit! Get your tickets now and get ready to explore the fair, discover new favourites and enjoy a day full of art and inspiration!
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