Art Fair East is returning to Norwich this November. As the biggest art fair in the East, it is celebrating its tenth 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 tells us all we need to know about this year’s event…
This year, Art Fair East has moved to The Assembly House, tell us why you chose this spectacular venue…
The Assembly House is an iconic landmark in the city, a destination in its own right, with a history of hosting arts events. I had some of my own formative shows there, as a young painter. The Georgiansplendour 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.
A wide range of artists, galleries and dealers are gathered from across the UK and overseas, bringing a slice of the art world to both seasoned and new art lovers. There is a real buzz at the exhibition, with so much to see and many artists there in person for visitors to chat to. 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.
How many artists will be taking part and where are they from?
There will be well over 100 different artists’ work on display – we have both individual artists coming as well as galleries who represent multiple artists from a particular genre. 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 like Clifton Fine Art from Bristol who deal in an international roster of artists. We have local dealers too such as Urban Art Store who specialise in street art, from emerging artists through to Banksy.
What can visitors expect to see?
Hundreds of artworks will be on display, amongst 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.
Will artists be on hand to chat to visitors about their work?
Artist 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.
Is all the work for sale?
All 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.
What motivated you to start Art Fair East in 2015?
Art Fair East is organised by myself – Will Teather – and Brian Korteling. We are both artists and could see a need for an event of this kind in the area. We are passionate about bringing contemporary art to the region, supporting artists and creating excitement around the visual arts. We will both be displaying new work at this year’s Art Fair East.
Art Fair East is such an iconic event in region’s art calendar, tell us why you think that is?
We are very lucky that so many people have really got behind us. 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. Events like this bring a sense of community to the art world and we have people who have shown with us for the full ten years since we began.
How would you sum up Art Fair East in three words?
Oh gosh…Unique, friendly & exciting!
How can people book tickets?
There is no need to book in advance – tickets are available on the door. Tickets £5 or £3.50 concessions, under 16s Free.
When is Art Fair East taking place?
Art Fair East takes place at The Assembly House, Norwich between 8th and 10th November 2024.
Thursday 7th November, VIP Private View, 6pm – 9pm
Friday 8th November, 10.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday 9th November, 10.30am to 6.00pm
Sunday 10th November, 10.30am to 5pm
Art Fair East is sponsored by Musker McIntyre and Chadwicks. The 2024 fair sees The Assembly House kindly join the event as venue sponsor.
How can people find out more about Art Fair East?
Visit www.artfaireast.com
Facebook ArtFairEastUK
Twitter / X @ArtFairEast
Instagram @ArtFairEast
