The much-loved and eagerly anticipated Affordable Art Fair (AAF) is back, returning to London's Battersea Park from 10-13 March 2011. Now in its thirteenth year, the fair founded by Will Ramsay to "make contemporary art accessible to everyone" and "to show you don't need to be an art expert or a millionaire to enjoy and buy art" will play host to 120 galleries showing paintings, prints, sculpture and photography – all priced between £100 and £4,000.
Filipendula by Dan Bennett, £1730 at Art*. Pic: Affordable Art Fair
Taking the intimidation factor out of shopping for art, the AAF's formula is, according to the team behind the event, simple: a relaxed, unstuffy environment and lots of good quality contemporary art.
The American Widow by Hannah Barnes, £225 at Enid Lawson Gallery. Pic: Affordable Art Fair
The price ceiling of £4,000 and the compulsory labelling of all artwork ensures you know what you can and can't afford (without the awkwardness of having to ask), and the huge array of paintings, sculpture, photography and prints means there is something to suit every taste.
It's a simple formula that seems to be working, with the recent AAF in October 2010 attracting 22,500 art-lovers who spent a cool £4.25 million. There are also lots of other arty activities going on at the fair, plus an emerging artist exhibition, which features the work of recent graduates.
For those who wish to create their own masterpiece, everything from drypoint printmaking to collaborative mural-making is on offer - and for those who prefer to listen, there are talks on collecting art and printmaking.
Children can be kept entertained with a Kids' Activity Pack and under 10s can be left at the crèche. Sold.
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, London
For more information call 0208 246 4848. For tickets call 0870 777 2255 or visit www.affordableartfair.co.uk