There is a great deal that is inspired about the fourth annual Inspired Art Fair (IAF) running at Christ Church, Spitalfields in London, from 8th to 12th November.
Take the venue for a start. Christ Church is regarded as one of the finest baroque buildings in London. It was built over 15 years (1714 to 1729) and designed by influential architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, a contemporary and assistant to Sir Christopher Wren.
The building’s interior is a maze of opulent rooms with dramatic high vaulted ceilings. It was lovingly restored and reopened to the public in 2004. The Inspired Art Fair is the major art exhibition to be held at the venue in 2006.
Unlike the inaugural IAF held in October 2003, which featured over 250 pieces of contemporary art by self-taught painters, sculptors and photographers exhibited at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, this year’s show is open to all contemporary artists – whether schooled or self-taught. The change in policy reflects the popularity and growth since the IAF has experienced in such a short time.
IAF was founded by Jo George, a self-taught North London painter who was frustrated at the lack of interest shown by galleries towards ‘unknown’ artists. She founded IAF with a commitment to “support promising independent artists, inspiring art patrons and engaging new audiences.”
Establishing a respected vetting committee that determines which artists will be accepted into the fair has been important in cementing IAF’s reputation as a quality exhibition worth the price of admission (£5 per day for adults, or £10 for multiple entry over the four days). This year the committee is Susan Brades (former Director of the Hayward Gallery), Jo George (IAF Managing Director), and Kirsten Dunne (the Arts Council’s Visual Arts Officer).
As well as the vetting committee the IAF has received public support from a notable gaggle of arts afficionados, including Brian Chalkley (Director MA Fine Art, Chelsea College of Art & Design), Cylena Simmonds (Exhibition Curator Institute of International Visual Arts), as well as a range of gallery owners and successful artists.
Previous exhibitors have also publicly praised the IAF and some of their quotes are even presented on the IAF website. Nairobi born artist Phoebe Boswell exhibited at last year’s fair at says, “I met some truly beautiful people, got some important contacts, sold work, and gained valuable experience just by being at the fair everyday. What is more, following the fair, I was approached by a number of galleries, events organisers, buyers, and dealers regarding my work. Many artists take part in such an event, and everybody’s experience of it is different, but for me, it could not have gone better.”
Of course exhibiting at IAF isn’t guaranteed to give your career a boost and as with anything an artist does these’s an element of risk involved. Even though the fair charges for admission and has secured significant corporate sponsorship, artists whose work is selected by the committee must pay between £500 and £500 + VAT for their stand. Exhibits are curated by the artists who are strongly encouraged to be at their stands throughout the fair in order to maximise networking and sales opportunities. Also, sales negotiated by the artists are subject to 30 percent commission, whereas any sales brokered by IAF staff will be subject to 50 percent commission, plus VAT of course.
This year the work of over 40 international artists will be on display at Christ Church. In addition to the artworks IAF is also hosting a series of free seminars for artists. The seminars key themes are networking, strategies for professional development, and sales and marketing techniques for emerging artists.
Last year the fair attracted hundreds of gallery owners, serious collectors, and appreciative members of the public and this year looks to be no different. There are less artists on display in 2006 than there were the year before (when there were over 100) but the added intimacy will have no bearing on the quality. The opening day will also see the announcement of the winners of the Art Challenge competition held in partnership with Ministry of Sound and Aprilia.
Anyone who suspects they might be walking away from IAF 2006 with a painting or two will be pleased to know that Christ Church is outside the congestion zone there is plenty of parking, so you can avoid lugging home your artwork on the Tube.
