Scotland’s premier art fair returns this November with over 500 artists from around the world showing with the 65 exhibiting galleries who are descending on Edinburgh from the UK and abroad.
Now in its 12th year, the Edinburgh Art Fair has firmly established itself on the international art scene and is known for its friendly and informal approach to buying art and introducing first time buyers and seasoned collectors alike to a wide and eclectic mix of contemporary and cutting edge art not widely available in this country.
There will be literally thousands of artworks available for sale over the weekend, guaranteeing something to suit all tastes and pockets, indeed, the Fair demonstrates that original artwork need not be out of reach and, with prices ranging from £50 to five-figure sums, the Fair stands by its slogan of “Art for Everyone”, and it delivers just that.
Organisers, Arte in Europa, are proud of the fact that they have created an event that is accessible and open to people from all walks of life. They see the Fair as a perfect opportunity for introducing the general public and, in particular, those who may feel ‘out of place’ in a normal gallery setting, to a large number of galleries and artists while surrounded by thousands of like-minded individuals. Indeed, last year saw the Fair welcome over 12,000 enthusiastic visitors and witnessed just short of 1,300 artworks selling, with a large percentage of those sales going to first time buyers.
The Fair is particularly keen to encourage young families and professionals to consider buying original art. “People can be a little intimidated about visiting galleries, but the Fair is the ideal place to take this first step” says EAF director Andy McDougall, “there is no pretentiousness at our Fair, just great art and appreciative gallery owners eager to meet a new audience, gain new clients and, who will point you in the right direction to help find that special piece for the home or office”. “If you are considering starting an art collection or, if you are looking to add to an existing one, then look no further.” concludes Andy.
The Fair positively welcomes young families and operates a professional and complimentary crèche service for younger visitors (birth to 12 years) where they can enjoy art-related activities while their parents explore all that the Fair has to offer.
Visitors, young and old, are encouraged to find out more about art while at the Fair and there will be live art demonstrations, open easel sessions, artists talks, and hands-on workshops, while professional artist Leo du Feu will be holding drop in painting and drawing classes for kids aged from 4 – 104.
All this means that you should plan to make a day of it. That’s easy as there is a fully licensed bar and restaurant on site where you can take a breather, relax over lunch and contemplate making a purchase with a glass of bubbly.
The Edinburgh Art Fair can be enjoyed on your own, with friends, or with the whole family, and is an experience guaranteed to leave you richer in mind, if not in pocket!
Many galleries will be operating the Own Art interest free payment scheme and Own Art will be on site offering guided tours twice daily making it even easier to purchase original art and, in this day and age, when we have too many opportunities to buy mass-produced generic prints and gadgets, here is a chance to buy something unique: made with skill, time, and love, by another human being.
Take this chance; it will enrich your life.