Accordingly to the Artsy Art Fair Report 2024, art fairs continue to be a central plank of the art world. Some 69% of the gallerists that they surveyed participate in art fairs, and those that do champion their role as a way to meet new collectors, and increase the presence of their gallery: Some 75% of those surveyed that participated in an art fair in 2023 said that they gained new clients, and 47% described the collectors of artworks at these events as mostly new to their business. Those who are planning to participate in more art fairs this year list expansion into new markets (45%) and increased sales (37%) as their primary motivations for doing so.
Art fairs not only provide a marketplace for buying and selling art but also facilitate dialogue and critical engagement within the artistic community. They catalyze the exchange of ideas, pushing boundaries and redefining the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. Through curated exhibitions, talks, and immersive experiences, art fairs play a pivotal role in shaping and reflecting the zeitgeist of contemporary artistic practice, driving forward the discourse and appreciation of art in all its forms. Join us as we dive into some of the most important players in the international scene.

Frieze Art Fair stands as a pivotal player in the contemporary art world, renowned for its role in shaping trends and facilitating transactions on a global scale. With editions hosted in London, New York, Los Angeles and Seoul, Frieze has firmly established itself as a beacon of artistic and commercial activity. Since its inception in 2003, the fair has garnered widespread attention from collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts alike, drawn by its curated showcases of cutting-edge artworks and its reputation for fostering critical dialogue within the art community. The recent fair in London was the most international edition of the fair to date, with more than 200 exhibitors from six continents taking part in it. Beyond its exhibition halls, Frieze serves as a marketplace where significant sales transactions occur, with artworks commanding substantial prices—Louise Bourgeois’s sculpture Knife Work (1949) selling for $3 million. The fair's expansion into new markets underscores its ambition to remain at the forefront of the international art scene, offering artists, galleries, and collectors a platform for engagement and exploration. Frieze Art Fair cultivates an experimental and dynamic atmosphere, with its focus on emerging talent and innovative artistic practices, appealing to a diverse audience.

TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) stands as a venerable institution in the art world, renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence, connoisseurship, and scholarly rigor. With editions held in Maastricht, New York, and more recently, TEFAF Online, this prestigious fair has solidified its status as a global leader in the art market. Since its inception in 1988, TEFAF has served as a nexus where collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts converge to explore an unparalleled array of artworks spanning millennia of artistic achievement. The fair's meticulously curated presentations encompass a diverse range of genres, from Old Masters to contemporary masterpieces, decorative arts to design, offering attendees a comprehensive survey of the art historical canon. TEFAF's significance extends beyond its exhibition halls, as it serves as a barometer of market trends and a catalyst for significant sales transactions, with artworks fetching substantial sums and setting auction records. With its expansion into new markets and its recent foray into the digital realm with TEFAF Online, the fair continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the art world, reaffirming its position as an indispensable platform for artistic discovery, connoisseurship, and commerce.

In the realm of photography, Paris Photo reigns supreme as the ultimate celebration of visual storytelling. Held annually at the historic Grand Palais, Paris Photo attracts photographers, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world. From the dawn of the medium to the cutting edge of contemporary practice, Paris Photo is a journey through the annals of photographic history. Including documentaries all the way to fine art, the fair's curated exhibitions showcase the breadth and depth of photographic expression. It's not just an event; it's a testament to the enduring power of the image to captivate, inspire, and provoke.

Amidst the splendor of France's art fair scene lies Art Paris, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Since its inception, Art Paris has been a beacon of artistic diversity, showcasing the very best of contemporary art from France and beyond. Art Paris embodies both the regional and cosmopolitan spirit of the contemporary art scene, with a clear focus on discovery and exploration. Happening at the beginning of Spring, with 60% of exhibitors being French, Art Paris highlights the richness of the ecosystem of French galleries: from renowned establishments in modern and contemporary art to regional galleries, all the way to supporting younger initiatives. The 2023 edition welcomed more than 80,000 visitors, a record number that demonstrates the appeal of art fairs not only as a marketplace but as a space for creative exchanges and artistic dialogues.