Affordable Art Fair Stockholm: An affordable art revolution

Affordable Art Fair Stockholm challenges our perception of art by killing the myth of it being something inaccessible, only for a certain few. The fair, founded 20 years ago in London, has the same aim now as then: to make contemporary art available to all. Today, there are 13 annual fairs in over ten cities around the world, and each of them celebrates the concept of affordable art by uniting galleries, artists and customers around high-quality art.

“We want to democratise the art market,” says Bernice Glimberg, fair director of the eighth Stockholm edition, taking place on 10 to 13 October this year. “People are often hesitant to enter art galleries due to the preconception that everything is too expensive and out of their budget.”

Affordable Art Fair has tackled this problem with a win-win solution for the artists, galleries and customers. “We’re working closely with around 60 galleries, providing a platform where their artists can display their work. The difference from a traditional art fair is that all pieces are clearly marked, and with reasonable prices starting from round 600 SEK (just over 50 GBP) and up to a maximum of 60,000 SEK (just over 5,000 GBP),” Glimberg explains. “We have a wide breadth of styles, and all art on display must be originals or limited editions that sit within the defined price range.”

This year, the fair focuses on original art that still embraces a new, progressive and modern style. Visitors can, as always, expect a mix of well-established artists and freshly baked talent. “A recurring success is our Recent Graduate section, where promising new grads get the chance to exhibit their work,” says Glimberg.

Art as therapy

Affordable Art Fair is always organised around a charity topic. This year’s focus is mental health and art therapy, a theme well-received at previous fairs in New York and London. Mind, a health care provider for mental health, will give talks throughout the fair and provide information at their on-site stand. An art talk will also be held by Carolina Gynning, a popular Swedish artist who has always been open about her personal connection between art and mental wellness.

Lilium Asteraceae by Brandy Kraft. Photo: Artely

For young families interested in visiting the fair, the Saturday morning’s Stroller Hour provides an excellent opportunity to discover favourite art pieces in peace and quiet.

“Our hopes and wishes are for people to open their hearts and homes for art – to be inspired, and in turn inspire artists to continue creating amazing art,” Glimberg concludes.

Web: affordableartfair.com
Instagram: @affordableartfairsthlm