One of the biggest contemporary art fairs outside of London is set to return for 2021.
Art Fair East annually hosts artists, galleries and art dealers from across the world, attracting thousands of visitors to the East of England.
The fair, now in its sixth year, will reemerge to share the buzz of the real-life art world after last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
As the major art fair for the East, the fair was founded in 2015 by leading Norfolk-based artists Will Teather and Brian Korteling, who will both be exhibiting at the event which will take place at St Andrews Hall in Norwich.
The pair are passionate about bringing contemporary art to the region, supporting artists and creating excitement around the visual arts.
Mr Teather, who has had his work showcased at New York’s Market & Design Fair, said: “We are thrilled to see the fair finally return after an extraordinary year. We can’t wait to see the artworld we know and love start to reemerge.
“Artworks are objects to be seen and enjoyed in the flesh, rather than online, and there is nothing quite like meeting the artist in person or talking to an expert, as is often possible at art fairs.
“We have received a record number of applications to take part in the event and alongside national and international artists being brought by dealers we already have many local talents, including both figurative surrealists like Chedgie and landscape painters like Alice Wilton, on board.”
Mr Korteling added: “It’s really great to be able to transform St Andrews Hall into an art space once again. I know for a fact that artists have not been resting on their laurels during lockdown so we can expect to see lots of new, vibrant and inspirational works of art.”
Organisers have also confirmed a new sponsor for this year’s event.
East Anglian wealth management firm Chadwicks are supporting Art Fair East alongside longstanding supporters Musker McIntyre Estate Agents.
Mr Teather said: “We are delighted to have Chadwicks joining us alongside our long-term sponsors Musker McIntyre, who have stood by us since the fair was just a pipe-dream. These two outward- looking dynamic companies, that serve the Eastern Region, reflect our ongoing vision for the event to be a major Art Fair for the East of England. Long may it continue.”
With around 1,000 artworks on display, a range of contemporary art will be exhibited including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, video art, installation, performance and original limited- edition prints.
This year’s fair will run from Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th December at St Andrews Hall in Norwich.
