Following its Battersea Spring edition (6th-10th March), the first UK fair in its 25th Anniversary year, Affordable Art Fair has now reached the milestone of £500,000,000 in global art sales generated for independent galleries and artists.
The artwork that brought the Fair to this important milestone was Fly Away With Me by Sudanese artist Hussein Salim (Barnes Collective), exhibiting at the fair for the first time with Barnes Collective, and acquired by art lover Laura Kellett (pictured below).
Influenced by his experience of displacement as a refugee, Salim’s abstract paintings explore a dialogue between different cultures, using extensive layering motifs to mask or reveal certain elements.
Artwork credits: Hussein Salim, Fly Away With Me, Barnes Collective.
Will Ramsay, CEO and Founder at Affordable Art Fair, commented: “It’s incredible to think about what the fair has contributed to the art world in London and beyond, emphasising accessibility, education and innovation – all while supporting the livelihood of thousands of artists and bringing art into thousands of homes.”
Demand
Founded in 1999 by Will Ramsay, Affordable Art Fair’s objective has always been to democratise the art market. Over the last 25 years it has grown into a global phenomenon with 16 fairs across 14 cities worldwide, visitors reaching over 3.3 million, and 600,000 artworks finding new homes with collectors. In London alone – which hosts three fairs a year in Battersea Park and Hampstead Heath – Affordable Art Fair generated £13.4million in art sales last year, proving the huge demand for art at the affordable end of the market, with many pieces under £500.
By placing living artists and independent galleries at its heart, Affordable Art Fair has helped support the careers of over 40,000 artists, including the brightest emerging and graduate talent. The milestone of £500m in art sales generated for independent galleries and artists is a testament to the Fair’s ongoing commitment to artistic talent and spreading the joy of owning art.
Hugo Barclay, UK Fair Director at Affordable Art Fair, said: “This milestone shows our impact, having helped people start and build collections over the years. It’s very fulfilling to see the joy on people faces as they fall in love with artwork at the fair.”
To find out more about Affordable Art Fair, visit: https://affordableartfair.com
See also: Lauren Baker at the Venice Biennale
