Discover unique art for your home or office at one of the UK’s largest art fairs outside London this winter.
Manchester Art Fair, taking place from November 15 to 17 at Manchester Central, is a key event in the city’s cultural calendar and a must-attend for art enthusiasts.
Attracting over 13,000 art enthusiasts, the fair showcases more than 170 UK and international artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces in Manchester’s vibrant heart.
It merges traditional and contemporary art, offering a welcoming and unpretentious Northern art-buying experience.
Sophie Helm, Director of Manchester Art Fair, enthused: “We can’t wait to bring the Manchester Art Fair community together again in November.
“We received a record number of applications this year, resulting in an incredibly strong exhibitor line-up.
“Indeed, a third of the exhibitors are new to the fair so we’re offering a truly diverse range of work.
“With a mix of galleries, independent artists, engaging talks, workshops, and installations, it’s the perfect experience for collectors, curators, and the simply curious.”
A truly diverse range of work
Since its launch in 2008, the fair has hosted more than 110,000 visitors and generated more than £7m in art sales.
Over 500 artists will participate this year, including newcomers like Francis Iles Gallery, known for its eclectic mix of UK and international talent, and Linton 59 Gallery, celebrated for its vibrant use of colour and expression.
Individual artists such as Alec Cummings and Zoe Anker will also showcase their distinct works – Cummings, inspired by time in India, captures fleeting moments, while Anker uses bold colours and geometric shapes to create striking prints.
Other featured artists include Mark Gibbs, Gareth Tristan Evans (aka The Trunk of Funk), Cody Choi, Jamie Frost, Annie Luke Turner, J R Oatts, Lily Greenwood, and Amanda Wigglesworth.
Talks, immersive experiences, and workshops
In addition to the art, the fair offers an extended programme of talks, immersive experiences, and workshops.
Although the speaker line-up remains under wraps, the organisers hint at major names from the worlds of art, music, and culture, including a few Northern firsts.
Also returning is The Manchester Contemporary, curated by Nat Pitt from Division of Labour and supported by Arts Council England.
This section provides a space for young galleries, artist-led initiatives, and institutions to showcase cutting-edge art in a critically engaged environment.
‘Follow your heart’
In fact, with so many incredible works available you might ask where to start if looking to make your first art purchase
Sophie smiled: “Follow your heart. Go with the piece that speaks to you and that you know will make you happy every time you walk past it. If you do that, you’re never going to lose out.”
Find out more
Manchester Art Fair opens with an exclusive preview night on Friday, November 15 (5pm to 9pm), and continues Saturday, November 16 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday, November 17 (10am to 4pm). Advance tickets start from £12 plus a booking fee.
For further information, including the full list of galleries and artists, a preview of works available for purchase, and booking details, see www.manchesterartfair.co.uk
