For those outside the art industry, attending an art fair can be a somewhat daunting experience. From booths manned by austere gallerists to the eye-watering prices attached to many works, the standard fair can leave the everyday patron with a severe case of imposter syndrome. Fortunately, an art fair that breaks down those barriers to offer a more accessible and personable experience for artists and fairgoers does exist – and it will make its way to Sydney shores once again in early December.
The concept for The Other Art Fair (TOAF) was born a decade ago, at a time when opportunities for emerging independent artists to showcase their work and gain recognition were scarce. Meanwhile, there was an untapped market of art lovers excited by the prospect of discovering new artists, connecting with them early in their career, and finding something original to add to their homes.
10 years on from its inception, TOAF’s artist-led approach facilitates all this and more, with fair editions now staged in cities spanning several continents. As one of the only art fairs in the world dedicated to providing the opportunity for the public to buy art directly from the artists rather than via a gallery, TOAF has a refreshingly intimate and casual feel. “We try not to take ourselves too seriously,” explains fair director Luke Potkin, “and instead try to create an environment where people feel welcomed into the art world even if it’s their first time – a scenario which sadly isn’t always the case elsewhere.”
TOAF has been part of the Melbourne and Sydney fair circuits since 2015, delighting both industry-savvy and novice Australian audiences with its showcase of art encompassing a wide variety of styles, subject matter, and mediums. Adopting an equal opportunity approach, any artist can apply to be included in the fair, and selections are made on the basis of artistic merit rather than prior accolades. Artists are also encouraged to bring a range of sizes and price points, prints, limited editions, and originals – “so no matter where a visitor is in their collecting journey, there will be something for them,” says Potkin.
Held at The Cutaway at Barangaroo, TOAF has found a home perfectly suited to purpose. “Its big vaulting ceiling gives the fair some real grandeur and the stunning giant exposed rock wall that forms the backdrop of the whole fair really is something to behold,” says Potkin. “We love the inclusion of the natural environment in a place that holds such a rich Indigenous history too.”
To emerge relatively unscathed from the shutdowns that have crippled much of the live events industry worldwide over the past couple of years is no mean feat, and testament to the fair’s popularity.
“We had to postpone our Sydney event a week before it was due to open in March 2020,” recalls Potkin, “but our first show back was in March 2021, long before most other events were returning, and we delivered a record audience.” That record was once again beaten in December 2021, as TOAF continues to earn renown and cement its place within Sydney’s cultural calendar.
This December’s edition will present a new line-up of more than 120 artists – some returning, and many of whom have never shown at TOAF before. It will also host the boundary-pushing feature programming TOAF has become known for, including hand-poked tattooing, DJs, neon life drawing, and even taxidermy in past years. “I can’t reveal more just yet but watch this space!” says Potkin.
Now well established, TOAF has shed any teething issues to become a much slicker operation according to Potkin. However, its mission remains unaltered: “At the end of the day, we’re still just a tiny team working hard to deliver an enjoyable and inspiring experience for art lovers and help them to forge new connections with art they love.”
The Other Art Fair returns to The Cutaway at Barangaroo from 1 to 4 December 2022.
Featured image: The Other Art Fair Sydney, 2022. Courtesy: The Other Art Fair.