Despite the prevailing instability in the region, the Arab Art Fair, committed to supporting independent artists and with the primary mission of making art accessible to all, is returning for its 3rd edition. It will be held from November 2nd to 5th at the Coral Beach Hotel in Beirut. Farhat Farhat, founder of Educity and the Arab Art Fair, provides further insight.
What sets the Arab Art Fair apart from other art fairs?
The Arab Art Fair is the first international art fair in the Middle East that allows independent artists to showcase their work. Each artist’s participation is subjected to a rigorous selection process overseen by a specialized committee, followed by classification supervised by a curator. During the first two editions, we had the privilege of welcoming 130 exceptional artists to the Arab Art Fair from over 8 countries. Moreover, this event stands as the region’s first affordable art fair where one can find original artworks by both renowned and emerging artists at highly competitive prices.
How does the Arab Art Fair democratize art and make it accessible to everyone?
The Arab Art Fair democratizes art by making the majority of artworks available at the event affordable, with pieces ranging from 50 dollars up to 7,000 dollars. This offers opportunities for new collectors, middle-class individuals, employees across sectors, small businesses, and entrepreneurs wanting to adorn their spaces with high-quality artworks. These range from 100 dollars to several thousand, directly from talented artists, without commission fees to intermediaries.
What opportunities are available to new art collectors?
At the Arab Art Fair, new art collectors, exhibition curators and art galleries can discover highly talented artists who just need a stepping stone to launch. We provide independent artists with a platform to meet art enthusiasts and professionals directly, to promote themselves in a professional manner and, hopefully, find a launching pad for their careers. Furthermore, new art collectors, hotels, hospitals, various businesses and institutions can find artworks that suit their budget.
Can you tell us more about the challenges faced by your fair?
The most significant challenge is likely the current situation in the country and the conflict in the region, resulting in the absence of numerous artists from Palestine, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
What activities are planned for the upcoming editions of the Arab Art Fair?
Parallel to the exhibition, we host an art-focused conference, welcoming over 16 speakers distributed across 4 panels. This group comprises art collectors, exhibition curators, art critics and renowned artists. Their insights and expertise will enrich the discourse and deepen artistic dialogue.
Our panel for the edition from November 2nd to 5th, 2023 are as follows:
Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM Art and Media: Fine Arts in the Context of Arab Media
Friday, November 3, 2023, at 6:00 PM Art and Business: Why, When, and How to Start an Art Collection?
Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 5:00 PM Art and Education: How Does Art Develop Our Children’s Skills?
Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 5:00 PM Art and Religious Icon: History, Theology, and Spirituality of Icons
Is there a registration process for participants? For the third consecutive year, the fair is entirely free. However, we recommend visitors register online at: https://ihjoz.com/events/7480
https://www.agendaculturel.com/article/arab-art-fair-revient-pour-sa-3eme-edition
