Affordable Art Fair Milan 6 – 9 March 2014: what should we expect from a low-cost art fair?

March 8, 2014

The Affordable Art Fair Milan opened its doors to the public on Thursday 6th March, after a crowded private view on Wednesday evening.

Superstudio Piu’, the Tortona Creative District venue, hosts the 4th edition of the most glamorous event among the low cost art fairs: featuring more than 80 international galleries, the Affordable Art Fair Milan is a unique opportunity to approach contemporary art in a user-friendly and informal way.

Cest Parti Guy Oliver – Photo courtesy The Art Shop Amsterdam

Launched in Battersea Park, London in 1999, the concept of the Affordable Art Fair is simple: a number of friendly galleries presenting a wide mix of paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics and print-making ranging from 50 to 5000 euro, so that there’s something for every budget and every taste.

Competent audience mixes up with non-experts and neophytes, engaging with a wealth of different activities such as sculpture demonstrations, hand-on workshops, talks and tours for both adults and kids.

Angelo Accardi Misplaced – Photo courtesy Palma Arte

The ethos of the founder, Will Ramsay, is “to open up the art market to that huge potential bulge of population of people who can afford it, maybe who are intimidated by the lack of knowledge or perhaps realize that you don’t have to be a squillionaire to buy art.”

Here you have his 3 top tips for the new buyers:

1) As you pick out your favourite piece just take a pen and paper and write down your notes and impressions

2) Don’t be afraid to ask the gallery owner anything about the work!

3) The price will be there on the walls, so there’s nothing to worry about that, though the more you know about the artist and the more you understand about the artwork, the more you’ll appreciate it.

4) Lastly…..chill out over a glass of wine, mull over your choice and have fun!!