As summer heats up, the art world comes alive with some of the most anticipated art fairs of the year. These events are vibrant hubs where galleries promote artists and forge connections with collectors. Among the must-see art fairs are Photo Basel, Artmonte-Carlo, Art3f Monaco, VOLTA New York, and Viennacontemporary, each offering a unique platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange.
Photo Basel takes place during the same time as Art Basel (June 13th to 16th 2024).
Photo Basel, created in 2015, is Switzerland’s first art fair dedicated solely to photography. Located in Basel, Switzerland, this international event unites global galleries in a distinctive setting, fostering a vibrant dialogue among collectors, visitors, and buyers while highlighting photography’s growing prominence in museums and the art market over the past decade.
The fair features a diverse range of galleries, from emerging to established international exhibitors. It showcases both contemporary and historical works, highlighting artists who are emerging, underrated, or well-established. Notable participating galleries include AN INC from Seoul, Fotografija from Ljubljana, and Francis Boeske Projects from Amsterdam, featuring artists such as Anna Lim or Ana Zibelnik.
The section”Beyond Photography” includes works that transcend traditional photography, employing various mixing and special printing techniques, transitioning from flat images to 3D forms.
This year’s fair spotlights Africa’s rich photographic heritage, tracing back to the late 19th century. Featured artists like Morgan Otagburuagu, Lee Ann Olwage, and Sarfo Emmanuel redefine portraiture with techniques such as collages, photo montages, and layering, often using vibrant colors. Their work blurs the lines between fashion, editorial, and documentary photography.
Day ticket: 20.- CHF
Reservations possible here
Open from Tuesday 11th to Saturday 15th from 12h-20h and Friday 16th from 12h-18h
Free guided tours possible on reservation
This year marks the 8th edition of Artmonte-Carlo, scheduled for the weekend of July 6th and 7th at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, under the high patronage of Prince Albert II. The fair will feature 35 leading international galleries of modern and contemporary art, presented in an elegant and carefully designed setting. Reflecting the Principality’s refined and internationally radiant image, Artmonte-Carlo promises a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere.
Open on invitation: Friday 5th of July from 2 – 8 pm
Open July 6th from 2 to 6pm and July 7th from 2 to 8pm
Free guided tours possible on reservation
Founded in 2012 by Serge Bennica, Art3f is an affordable contemporary art fair aimed at making art collecting more accessible. With events held across 20 different European cities , Art3f aims to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists, welcoming art enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Art3f showcases diverse styles, from abstract to street art, and pop art, encouraging open-minded exploration. The fair promotes exchanges between artists, galleries, and the public, offering a welcoming environment with culinary delights and family-friendly activities, ideal for both established collectors and first-time buyers.
Location: Chapiteau de Fontvieille Price: 10 euros
Friday: 4pm to 10pm / Saturday: 10am to 8pm / Sunday: 10am to 7pm
Dedicated to fostering intimate connections, VOLTA serves as a platform for enterprising galleries to flourish in key art market cities. With a 19-year legacy, this art fair presents collectors with a unique opportunity to explore and invest in compelling artworks that capture the contemporary zeitgeist, establishing it as a significant art fair.
This year marks the 16th edition of VOLTA New York, taking place from September 4th to 8th. This art fair will feature over 300 esteemed galleries in its new venue, Chelsea Industrial, located in Manhattan’s Chelsea district.
Location: Chelsea Industrial, 8th St New York, NY 10001 Reservations here
This art fair is composed of three sections, each featuring curated exhibitions and thematic focuses. ZONE1, curated by Bruno Mokross, highlights emerging Austrian talent through solo exhibitions, examining the influence of Vienna’s environment on artists’ work.
In 2024, the annual content focus, Statement, addresses significant social issues, with this year’s theme centered on Energy. The program includes two high-profile international panel discussions titled Nexus Thinking, and the special exhibition The Color of Energy, fostering meaningful dialogue on sustainability through the lens of art. Additionally, the new section, CONTEXT, showcases individual presentations by Central and Eastern European artists from the late 20th century, emphasizing the region’s cultural history and its relevance to contemporary art.
Location: Messe Wien, Halle D, Trabrennstraße 7, 1020 Vienna
Friday: 4pm to 10pm / Saturday: 10am to 8pm / Sunday: 10am to 7pm
As the summer of 2024 unfolds, it maintains the momentum of innovation seen in art events over the past year. The outlook for the art fair community appears especially promising. Which art fair will you prioritize attending this summer?
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Our specialists have put together a step-by-step guide on contemporary art fairs for both experts and first time fair goers alike.
Dos and don’ts ! What to do and what not to do in an art fair: DO : Charge your mobile phone, you will surely need it during the venue to take pictures of the artwork. Use a map, a good collector traces his whole day by selecting beforehand the galeries he wants to see or the ones he already…
Art fairs are back and better than ever! Discover Artsper's tips on how to successfully buy an artwork at any contemporary art fair.
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