Welcome back to our blog series with CEO Ann Priftis, where we explore the fascinating intersections of the art world—one practical topic at a time. 

If you’ve ever scrolled past glamorous photos of an art fair on social media or read headlines about record-breaking sales and wondered, What exactly happens at these events?—you’re not alone. With more than 100 major fine art fairs taking place worldwide each year, the landscape can be overwhelming for both seasoned collectors and first-time attendees. In this post, Ann unpacks the world of art fairs: what they are, who attends, how to choose the right ones for you, and the etiquette that will help you navigate them like a pro. 

Let’s dive in.

If you follow pop culture or are tapped into the art market specifically, chances are you’ve heard of some of (or maybe even attended) the larger art fairs.  With the global total of fine art fairs exceeding 100 annually, it can be confusing knowing which ones to attend, how to obtain passes and what the unspoken rules are of the fairs once you’re there.  Following is a high level overview of what art fairs are.

Art fairs are major international events where galleries, collectors, curators, artists and art lovers gather to view, buy and discuss contemporary and modern art.  Many art fair ‘brands’ like Art Basel, have multiple fairs throughout the year in various key cities like: Basel Switzerland, Basel Miami Beach and Basel Hong Kong.  These fairs attract top-tier galleries and artists, adding to their prestige.  Most fairs now also include special sections dedicated to niche markets like “Unlimited” for large scale works, “Statements” for solo projects by emerging artists and “Parcours” showcasing site-specific installations.  

Attendees of these fairs will be a broad cross section of guests including Collectors and investors looking to acquire high-value works, museum curators and critics scouting the next big thing in art, celebrities and influencers, as well as art lovers and students looking for a new art experience.  

How you decide which art fairs to attend depends on what type of art you’d like to see: Contemporary, Antiquities, Modern, Street Art, Emerging Art and where you’d like to see it: Aspen, Gstaad, Monaco, Miami, New York, etc.  Fairs build out robust educational and event programming that’s usually included in the price of the ticket.  These events can range from panel discussions with industry professionals on topics like Collecting Art Glass or Art and Investment to special after hours museum tours and book launches.  

Passes can be purchased for a premium price at a VIP level which typically allows you access to view the fair a day sooner than the standard passes.  VIP passes usually also include unlimited access to the fair for the 5-7 day duration of the event whereas a standard pass may specify which days you’re able to attend.  

If you’re interested in attending an upcoming art fair, reach out to your Off Piste Fine Arts Consultant for guidance.  We can often provide complimentary passes, insight into the fair curation and events and even personally lead tours of the fair. 

Ann Priftis

CEO