Hi there!

If you are reading this you have most likely asked me about my experience of doing The Other Art Fair. Perhaps you met me at TOAF and are thinking about applying yourself.

To date I have exhibited at the fair 6 times and at each fair I often get approached by people looking to exhibit and of course, have lots of questions. So I thought I would try to answer some common questions here.

Why do a fair?

As an Artist, showing your work publicly is so important. It helps you reach a new audience, it showcases your work, it helps connect you with other Artists, it encourages you to talk about your work with others and it’s an opportunity for you to reflect on your work and how you might want to develop it.

How much does it cost?

Stand: £1600 - £2000 for a 5-6m stand. Extra is you want it painted.

Van Hire: £100 - £300

Framing costs: Vary

Business cards: £30+

Why do I prefer TOAF to other fairs?

The set up is slick and professional, with air of fun that makes you feel you are part of something special, like a private club. They often have murals, tattoos, a bar, DJ and guest artists who often hold workshops and and events for visitors to get involved with.

I've exhibited at other fairs but TOAF out performs in terms of organisation, promotion, footfall, networking opportunities, support and the camaraderie amongst the Artists. TOAF attracts lots of people from the creative industries who would you not otherwise meet. I was contacted by an Art direct for Netflix after seeing me at TOAF.

For me, I am not interested in exhibiting with another fair.

How do you apply?

Check out The Other Art Fair website to be notified of when applications are open. There are usually 100-150 places depending on the size of the venue, with around 700-1000 people applying for each fair.

Fill in the online form and include 4 images of your work, a bio and some basic info. You will be selected from a panel at Saatchi Art. If you don’t get accepted you will be put on a waiting list and may be offer a place last minute if someone cancels (which happened to me once). Don’t be put off if you don’t get selected first time round.

Is it tiring?

Yes, but It’s worth it.

What if I don’t sell any work?

I have not always sold well at the fair but I always have after sales and make connections with Art dealers and designers. I tend to see a fair as advertising and aim to cover my costs as I know it will pay off in the long run. I frequently have customers that have seen me at several fairs before committing to buy work.

I don’t think my work is good enough.

Visit a fair. Look at the standard of work and presentation. How could you improve improve you work over 6-12 months? I coach other Artists to help develop their work and prepare them for an event.

Need more help?

If you need more help I offer personalised support and resources to help you prefer for a fair. To find out more see my coaching services and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.