The call for applications has gone out from one of the biggest contemporary art fairs outside of London, which is set to return to Norwich later this year.

Art Fair East, a major fair for the Eastern Region, is inviting artists, galleries and art dealers to be a part of the event which will take place between 29 November and 1 December. his key event in the region’s cultural calendar will take place at St Andrews Hall, in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. Art Fair East was founded in 2015 by leading Norfolk-based artists Will Teather and Brian Korteling, who will both be exhibiting at the event.

The pair are passionate about bringing contemporary art to the area, increasing interest in the visual arts and supporting artists.
Mr Teather, who recently had his work showcased at New York’s Market & Design Fair, said: “We are delighted that the fair is now in its fifth year. It has brought artists and galleries from across the globe to the East of England. “We have already had enquiries about this year’s event from as far afield as Japan, India and Mexico. We aim to create an event where the best of the Eastern region’s art scene is shown alongside international talent, in a London style art fair. “The fair acts as a creative hub of talent, bringing a slice of the art world to Norfolk. It is a great opportunity for the public to buy art from a wide range of talents and meet many experts and artists in person.

“We set up the fair because we have both exhibited at similar events around the world and felt Norwich was the perfect location in the East for an art fair. There is a long history of visual arts in Norwich, with a number of museums and galleries, a university and various art movements originating here. The response from the public to the fair has been fantastic with works selling for anything between £50 – £7,500. We turnover more sales than many London events, which is fantastic for the galleries and exhibitors who benefit from this.”
Mr Korteling added: It’s great that we are in our fifth year, we had no idea if the event was going to be a success when we organised our first show in 2015 but each year the event grows and I’m super excited about how this year’s event is taking shape.

“We aim to make Art Fair East an event that draws art lovers to our wonderful city from far and wide but we also want to engage with those closer to home. Norwich has a great art scene with lots going on and we are sure Art Fair East will help raise the profile of the city, as a place to see and buy great art.”

In 2018 Art Fair East featured around 1,000 artworks and attracted thousands of visitors from across the country. This year the fair – which has previously brought signed editions by Banksy and other famous artists to the region – promises to offer the most international line up to date with enquiries already received from artists in India, Mexico, Sweden and Japan.

Art Fair East is open to artists, dealers and galleries interested in exhibiting all manner of contemporary art including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, video art, installation, performance and original limited-edition prints.

All of the artworks must be one-off or limited edition and the closing date for applications is October 31 and is subject to available space.
The 2019 Art Fair East – which is presented in association with media partner Archant – will take place at St Andrew’s Hall, in Norwich, from November 28 to December 1.

For more information about Art Fair East, including how to submit an application to take part in the fair, visit www.artfaireast.com