Bluenight participated in EuropArtFair 2021 edition

At EuropArtFair, Amsterdam, artists can retain the total value of their sales

Unrepresented creatives and forging connections in the art market: at EuropArtFair there is no need for artists to be affiliated with galleries to participate

EuropArtFair, Amsterdam: an art fair with no commission fees to support artists

Raoul Locht is the fair manager and CEO of EuropArtFair, an initiative to display the tapestry of European art and cultural diversity in Amsterdam: «EuropArtFair is an event that offers European artists a platform to exhibit their artwork. Held in the cultural hub of The Netherlands, this fair allows artists to showcase their work to a diverse audience of potential buyers and art enthusiasts. What sets this event apart is that the organizers do not charge commission fees on sales at the Fair. This means that artists can retain the total value of their sales. Furthermore, this event allows artists to expand their network beyond their own country’s borders, connecting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds».

Inclusivity and diversity: the values that EuropArtFair aims to promote

The Fair’s commitment to comprehensive representation is at the heart of its selection process, combining a consideration of applications received from artists and the discerning invitations extended by its curatorial team. «The selection process for artists at the Fair combines applications received and invitations extended by our team. We strive to ensure a diverse selection of artists», adds the Art Fair manager.

Inclusivity goes beyond merely assembling a diverse group of artists; it also encompasses creating an environment where their voices are celebrated and heard. This direct engagement allows visitors to better understand the artists’ visions, inspirations, and narratives that drive their artistic endeavors.

EuropArtFair, Amsterdam: ethics and positionality

«Our organization is dedicated to upholding the principle of neutrality in all social and political matters. Art should express itself without limitations or restrictions, regardless of its message or theme. By remaining open to all art forms, we strive to embody the inclusivity and diversity that should characterize the art world», these are the words of Raoul Locht addressing the social and political positionality of the Fair.

By advocating this principle, the fair fosters an environment that embraces the inherent power of art to spark discourses and challenge conventional thinking and societal norms. This commitment ensures that the Fair remains an unbiased platform for artistic expression. By providing a space where artists are free to explore and echo their urgencies without restrictions, the Fair allows for a tapestry of diverse voices to emerge.

This celebration of inclusivity and diversity forms the core of the Fair’s ethos, ensuring that it remains a flagship of artistic integrity and creative freedom.

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Note on the curatorial process of EuropArtFair

«EuropArtFair is committed to providing a platform for artists of all backgrounds and experiences to showcase their work. The curatorial committee examines the work and curriculum vitae of artists who wish to participate. They also consider the variety of art styles that will be showcased at the event. It’s worth noting that the fair welcomes artists who have established themselves as professionals and have attained a proven status, regardless of whether they are affiliated with galleries», illustrates Raoul Locht about the curatorial process behind EuropArtFair.

EuropArtFair fosters direct connections between the artists and the audience

The primacy conferred on individual artists rather than galleries transforms the conventional art fair format. Indeed, within the context of EuropArtFair, visitors are invited to engage in personal conversations with the artists, forging connections that transcend mere transactional exchanges, lifting the veil between the creator and the audience.

The Art Fair manager says: «EuropArtFair focuses on showcasing individual artists rather than galleries. This creates an atmosphere that allows visitors to interact with artists and learn about the stories and inspirations behind their works. Furthermore, we give our participants tips on effectively communicating with potential customers and expanding their professional networks».

How EuropArtFair supports emerging artists: compact stands

Recognizing the financial challenges often accompanying the early stages of an artist’s career, EuropArtFair addresses this urgency enabling emerging artists to present their creations without the financial constraints that often can hinder their progress.

«Our interest lies in collaborating with artists who lack representation from galleries, providing them with a starting point in the art industry. Our organization is pleased to provide compact exhibition spaces tailored for artists who are thirty-five years old or younger. We welcome and encourage emerging artists from the younger generations to showcase their creative works and talents through our smaller, more budget-friendly stands», says Raoul Locht.

EuropArtFair as a zone of contact with the art market

Art fairs hold the position of arbiters within the art market, capable of orienting its trajectory. EuropArtFair, cognizant of this transformative potentiality, navigates the line between reflecting current artistic flows and encouraging the exploration of boundary-pushing practices. Central to this approach is the Fair’s commitment to collaborating directly with artists who may lack representation from galleries, offering them a foundation upon which to launch their artistic careers.

«We invite gallery owners from across the Netherlands to attend our Fair. They participate in this event to identify emerging talents and are invited to act as judges for the prestigious EuropArtAward. As a result of this event, many of our artists have established connections with galleries», concludes the Art Fair Manager.

Indeed, while the fair celebrates pioneering artistic practices, it also acknowledges the connections with galleries, recognizing their role in shaping the artists’ exposure to the audience. This proves EuropArtFair’s commitment to bridging the gap between artistic research and the circulation and distribution of it.

EuropArtFair

EuorpArtFair takes place annually in Amsterdam. As an arts fair, it gives artists the opportunity to display and sell their own work directly to collectors and the public, without intermediaries. EuropArtFair showcases a range of pieces available for sale, like drawings, paintings, ceramics, glassware, and textiles.

Giovanni Bartolini