Art Fair East is returning to Norwich this November. As the biggest art fair in the East, the event is celebrating its 10th year with a move to a new venue.
Founded and run by leading Norfolk-based artists Will Teather and Brian Korteling, this year’s event will host artists, galleries and art dealers from across the world in the spectacular setting of The Assembly House.
Here, Will reveals all you need to know about this year’s event.
Why did you choose The Assembly House as this year’s venue?
The Assembly House is an iconic landmark in the city, a destination in its own right, with a history of hosting arts events.
The Georgian splendour of the building will make an incredible backdrop for Art Fair East. This will be the largest visual arts event of its kind to ever take place at The Assembly House, bringing international and regional talent together.
The line-up for 2024 is our best yet, including many works never seen before in the East of England. There is nothing else quite like Art Fair East in the area.
Art Fair East co-founder Will Teather (Image: Martin Marsh)
How many artists will be taking part, and where are they from?
There will be well over 100 artists’ work on display, from individual artists to galleries that represent multiple artists from a particular genre.
Gathered from across the UK and overseas, they will bring a slice of the art world to both seasoned and new art lovers.
We have many celebrated artists joining us from Norfolk and Suffolk such as photographer Katha Wood and painter Colin Revell, alongside venues from across the UK. These include Art & Horse Racing Gallery from Newmarket, which focuses on equine and sporting art, and Clifton Fine Art from Bristol, which deals in an international roster of artists.
We also have local dealers such as Urban Art Store, which specialises in street art from emerging artists through to Banksy.
What can visitors expect to see?
Among the international range of exhibitors this year we have dealers in traditional and contemporary fine art, modern art, urban and street art, photography and sculpture.
Gallery specialists will be available to advise on collecting contemporary art, from affordable prints by recognised artists and new talent through to serious investments, including original paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and artworks made to commission.
Artwork by Alex Bell (Image: Alex Bell)
Will artists be on hand to chat to visitors about their work?
Artists and experts will indeed be on hand to chat to visitors about their displays. That is one of the most special aspects of the fair and creates a real buzz at the exhibition.
Is all the work for sale?
All of the work is for sale – this is a fantastic opportunity to choose a unique artwork for your home, support artists and perhaps invest in a future star.
Artworks typically start from £40 upwards for signed prints by emerging talent to tens of thousands of pounds for major pieces by established names.
Artist Hannah Buchanan in her studio (Image: Lottie Topping)
Why do you think Art Fair East is such an iconic event in the region’s art calendar?
Perhaps it is because the fair creates a focus for the visual talent in our fantastic region. It also highlights the passion the public around here have for the visual arts, which is what draws exhibitors from far and wide to our fine city.
How would you sum up Art Fair East in three words?
Oh gosh…unique, friendly and exciting!
Art Fair East takes place at The Assembly House, Norwich from November 8-10. The event is sponsored by Musker McIntyre and Chadwicks with The Assembly House as venue sponsor.
To find out more, please visit artfaireast.com