The 2022 artistic calendar was a busy one. Post-Covid, and with in-person events in full swing, the art world was back to being as bustling as ever before. The market has seen the loss of some established industry events, welcomed new fairs to the table, and ever-increasingly embraced digital technology as a key feature of the art market. 2023 is set to bring even more innovation to the mix. As a gallery or artist, going to fairs, exhibitions, conferences and biennales is an excellent way to expand your knowledge of the market, network with industry professionals, and discover new artists and trends. Our specialists have put together a list of six exciting upcoming art events that you should consider adding to your artistic schedule.
1. The Art Business Conference, Shanghai, London, New York and Maastricht
Industry experts gather to discuss trends and offer business advice at the annual Art Business Conference. © The Art Business Conference
For those wanting to gain insights from industry experts, look no further than the Art Business conference. The one-day conference series, held across three continents, allows art market specialists to offer their insights on running galleries, starting collections or managing art businesses - a useful event for gallerists and artists to pick up some expert tips!
2. Venice Biennale of Architecture, Venice
Explore the world of architecture for some artistic inspiration © Giulia Marchi/Bloomberg
From May 20th to November 26th, Venice will welcome the Biennale of Architecture. This year, the event will be curated by academic, educator and best-selling novelist Lesley Lokko, who aims to highlight the ambition and creativity of architects, and their role as designers of the future. Given the close relationship between art and architecture, and the focus that will be placed on design, this event will be equally profitable for galleries and artists as an opportunity to network and discover new artistic inspiration.
3. Vienna Design Week, Vienna
The worlds of art and design collide at Vienna Design Week. © Karo Pernegger / Kollektiv Fischka
For galleries and artists wishing to expand into the world of design, Vienna Design Week poses a perfect opportunity. Austria’s most important design and multidisciplinary festival will take place between September 22nd and October 1st, 2023, comprising around 200 events and with an estimated attendance of 40,000. With design now becoming a key feature of the art world, why not use this festival as a way of expanding into new artistic-territory?
4. Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure, New York
Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure offers an intimate view Into the artist’s life. © PrintMag
Hopping across the pond, if you want to take a break from the at-times hectic world of art fairs, why not peruse an exhibition for some artistic inspiration? Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure, New York’s most anticipated exhibition of 2022, is extending its exhibition into 2023. The exhibition displays over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, and artifacts which tell the story of Basquiat from an intimate perspective. As an artist or gallery, you can put together a vernissage of works inspired by the exhibition, or a social media campaign, making the most of the “Basquiat-buzz”. Equally, you could offer your most valued clients tickets to the coveted event.
5. Paris+ par Art Basel, Paris
Paris+ par Art Basel is reshaping the landscape of Paisian art fairs. © Art Basel
Moving back to Europe, after a successful first rendition in October 2022, Art Basel’s Paris+ art fair is set to return to the Grand Palais Éphémère from October 19th - 22nd, 2023. After taking the spot from the long-running Parisian art fair FIAC, in 2022, Paris+ proved itself as an important player both on the European and international art scene. Following its roaring success, and influx of a large number of international clients to the French capital, the weekend of Paris+ is a great time for galleries and artists based in France and Europe to maximize their sales potential.
6. The Affordable Art Fair, London, New York, Hong Kong, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Brussels, Singapore, Stockholm, Melbourne and Sydney
Art should be accessible to all. A message echoed by the Affordable Art Fair. © Affordable Art Fair
For first-time collectors, navigating large art fairs can often seem daunting. With big-shot clients and sky-high prices, you may seem put-off. This is where the Affordable Art Fair comes to the rescue. Since its first edition in 1999 in Battersea, London, the fair’s aim is to make art accessible to all, with prices ranging from around $50 - $2,500. The fair takes place in 10 locations ranging from Hong Kong to Hamburg throughout the year, and is attended by a total of around 200,000 art lovers.
An international affair…
From Asia to Latin America, North America to Europe, 2023 brings with it a whole host of artistic events that are not to be missed. Whether it be a biennale, art fair or an exhibition, why not expand your reach into the art market and add a few of these events to your calendar this year?