As much as I love living in Durban, there are times when I wish I had those ruby red slippers to click three times and transport myself back to London for events such as this – The Affordable Art Fair. Running from the 7th to 10th March, situated at the infamous Battersea Park in south-west London, the fair brings you exactly what it states in the title – affordable art.
The concept was founded by Will Ramsay of ‘Will’s Art Warehouse’, back in 1999. He wanted to make art more accessible to everyone, not just the elite, so by concentrating on relatively unknown artists not carrying a premium, he was able to widen the circle of collectors by offering works ranging from £50 to £2,500.
Today the fair offers a very fair price range of £40 to £4,000, cleverly capturing a wide and varied audience. The show provides even more by way of educational talks, interactive art for kids and a place for adults to chill out and enjoy a glass of wine or three. You also have the unique chance to view the latest artwork emerging from various UK Art Colleges – always a great way to spot the next Tracey Emin!
I have been lucky enough to frequent the fair three times over the years and it never fails to disappoint. Even if you aren’t there to buy, you still have the magical experience of visiting a giant art museum!
The Affordable Art Fair is growing far and wide, and is now reaching venues as far as Hong Kong, proving that the idea has really taken off. Art, after all should be accessible to each and every one of us. Fingers crossed they consider South Africa to widen the circle!
To find out more, visit The Affordable Art Fair here.
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