The 28th edition of the London Art Fair will take place 20-24 Jan. 2016 at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The fair will display some of the UK’s premiere modern British and contemporary art and will exhibit 126 UK and international galleries.
The fair sent out a survey to these galleries asking their predictions for the future of the art market. 53 out of 126 galleries responded, with the majority being positive. 44 percent predicted that it would be about the same as 2015 – a strong year for Modern British and contemporary art sales – while 41 percent were confident that it actually improve.
The exhibiting galleries revealed that “they predict this will be fueled by a growing number of people interested in buying art and increasing sales to international collectors,” according to the survey.
The UK art market in 2016 was projected by the exhibitors to have an increased profile through collaboration and partnerships. Along with growing interest and increasing sales, these three improvements were seen as key opportunities for development.
“It is encouraging to see an upbeat prediction for the art market in 2016 as we celebrate the start of another artworld year at London Art Fair,” London Art Fair Director Sarah Monk said.
She said that fairs provide a way for galleries to reach new audiences, which she believes is a valuable opportunity.
“London Art Fair provides a welcoming and supportive environment for collectors looking to discover quality Modern British and contemporary art – whether they are first-time buyers or experienced patrons,” Monk said.
Contrastingly, the artists are concerned about rising rents and business rates affecting the UK’s competitiveness in a global art market. This was projected to be the greatest threat to the UK’s prominence, followed by concerns about local government cuts to arts funding, rising costs and reduced availability of studio space for artists, and an education system that prioritises STEM subjects over the arts.
“In the long term, our initiatives such as Art Projects ‘Dialogues’ and Photo50 are devised to encourage new modes of presentation and to foster relationships which can continue beyond the Fair,” Monk said. “With Jerwood Gallery, our Museum Partner, we are able to showcase an important private collection that continues to grow and present it to a wider public.”
London Art Fair tickets are now on sale for £15 plus an additional £1.50 booking fee in advance, which includes a 2016 Fair Guide which can be collected at the location. Tickets at the door are £20.
Tickets are available at www.londonartfair.co.uk or via the ticket hotline: 0844 8480 136.
