Art Fair East 2021

East of England’s biggest Art Fair returns for 2021

One of the biggest contemporary art fairs outside of London is set to return for 2021. Art Fair East annually hosts artists, galleries and art dealers from across the world, attracting thousands of visitors to St Andrews Hall in Norwich, Norfolk. The fair, now in its sixth year, will re-emerge to share the buzz of the real-life art world after last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

With around 1,000 artworks on display, a range of contemporary art will be exhibited including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, video art, installation, performance and original limited edition prints. This year’s fair will run from Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th December at St Andrews Hall in Norwich.

As the major art fair for the East, the fair 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 region, supporting artists and creating excitement around the visual arts.

Mr Teather, who has had his work showcased at New York's Market & Design Fair, said: “We are thrilled to see the fair finally return after an extraordinary year. We can't wait to see the artworld we know and love start to reemerge. “Artworks are objects to be seen and enjoyed in the flesh, rather than online, and there is nothing quite like meeting the artist in person or talking to an expert, as is often possible at art fairs. “We have received a record number of applications to take part in the event and alongside national and international artists being brought by dealers we already have many local talents, including both figurative surrealists like Chedgie and landscape painters like Alice Wilton, on board.”

Mr Korteling added: “It's really great to be able to transform St Andrews Hall into an art space once again. I know for a fact that artists have not been resting on their laurels during lockdown so we can expect to see lots of new, vibrant and inspirational works of art.”

Organisers have also confirmed a new sponsor for this year’s event. East Anglian wealth management firm Chadwicks are supporting Art Fair East alongside longstanding supporters Musker McIntyre Estate Agents.

Mr Teather said: “We are delighted to have Chadwicks joining us alongside our long-term sponsors Musker McIntyre, who have stood by us since the fair was just a pipe-dream. These two outward-looking dynamic companies, that serve the Eastern Region, reflect our ongoing vision for the event to be a major Art Fair for the East of England. Long may it continue."

Director of Chadwicks Richard Ross said: “We are delighted to support this event alongside Musker McIntyre. This year it seems particularly important that the events go ahead. “It has been an extremely difficult year for everyone, particularly the arts, culture and entertainment sectors. Supporting Art Fair East will not only provide a real boost for the sector, but for the local business community too – and give clear signal for better times ahead! “The most important thing we do with our clients is to help them look at things differently so it’s wonderful for us to be able to support such a prestigious art fair.”

Independent estate agents Musker McIntyre have been supporting Art Fair East since the event launched in 2015. Owner of Musker McIntyre Estate Agents & Financial Services Simon McIntyre said: “After a tough 18 months, especially for the arts, I think it's important to have something to celebrate. “I truly believe the arts should be supported - after all where would we be without art?! Art Fair East showcases some of the brightest talent in the region, bringing together artists across all genres under one roof. That's why the team at Musker McIntyre are proud to support the event again this year.”

There is still time for artists, dealers and galleries to apply to exhibit at the event - visit www.artfaireast.com