An Art Fair Survival Guide
Melanie Roger Gallery is returning to the Aotearoa Art Fair this year 30 April - 3 May. We know that art fairs can be overwhelming, so – based on conversations at previous fairs - this is our survival guide....
We recommend you buy a premier pass that allows you early access previews as well as the opening night event and unlimited access on general entry days. It’s good value and means you can visit and re-visit throughout the fair.
All tickets are heavily discounted in advance. Buy early to get the best deal.
Do your research in advance. Look online on the AAF website as well as the individual gallery websites and social media channels. Many will indicate who and what they are showing in advance and if you are interested, get in touch with them to register your interest.
If works are sold, talk to the gallerist. Chances are there may be other pieces by the same artist. Most have storage and are able to change works around rather than leaving a sold piece on the wall.
Get a map and find out where your favorites are. Head there first, then make your way around the entire fair. Be curious.
Pace yourself. Grab a drink. Stop for a coffee. Wear comfortable shoes.
Be aware that most galleries rehang and change things around each morning. Many galleries do a full rehang for the weekend – we will. If this is the case, they will usually indicate this well in advance. Check who is showing when if you are specifically interested in viewing or purchasing a work.
Talk with the gallerists and artists – many who are often there – particularly on opening day / night. We promise we are not scary and we love talking about art.
Don’t forget upstairs.
Get onto to mailing lists. Galleries are open throughout the year – not just for the week of the fair. Visit. Often.
Check the public programmes – artist talks, tours etc. This is a great way to find out more about the artists and their work. These talks are very popular.
Gallerists are not mind-readers. Talk to them. Remember too, that they are talking to enormous amounts of people over the Fair period, and may not remember everything.
Don’t pitch your own work to gallerists at the fair. We pay a lot of money to be there and need to make it worthwhile. If you like what they do and think your work might be a good fit, briefly introduce yourself, grab a card and follow up with an email in a week or so once we have had a chance to catch our breath.
Remember that you won’t like everything and that’s ok. Hopefully you’ll like some things though. Art can be fun, challenging and hugely rewarding to engage with. There are no rules.
www.artfair.co.nz
