The essential guide to contemporary art fairs worth visiting in 2024

2024 is poised to be a pivotal year in the art world, boasting a plethora of major art fairs across the globe that celebrate the richness of the global art scene. From well-established, renowned showcases like Art Basel and Frieze to burgeoning fairs in the Far East, Africa, and South America, there's an abundance of destinations worth exploring this year. Dive into our essential guide to discover the must-visit art fairs of 2024.

Art Basel

Art Basel Miami Beach 2023. Courtesy of Art Basel.

#FLODown: Art Basel is widely considered the pinnacle of contemporary art fairs, spanning four key global locations: Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; Hong Kong; and Paris. Originating in Switzerland in 1970, it expanded to Miami Beach in 2002, Hong Kong in 2013, and ventured into Paris in 2022. Each location serves as a vibrant stage for modern and contemporary artworks, enticing visitors with a spectrum of mediums, from traditional art to innovative digital creations. Basel is always a good idea!

Dates: Hong Kong 28 -30 March 2024; Basel 13 - 16 June 2024; Paris+ par Art Basel 18 - 20 October 2024; Miami Beach 4 - 8 December 2024. Website: artbasel.com. Instagram: @artbasel.

TEFAF

TEFAF, The European Fine Art Foundation. New York 2023.

#FLODown: TEFAF, The European Fine Art Foundation, is an annual fair exhibiting exceptional fine art, antiques, and design. Hosted in both New York City and Maastricht, these fairs provide diverse experiences. The Maastricht event, marking its 36th anniversary this year, showcases 260 renowned dealers from 20 countries, presenting a broad range of pieces from Old Master paintings to jewellery. Meanwhile, the New York edition, now in its 10th year, held in Spring at the Park Avenue Armory, focuses on contemporary art and antiquities.

Dates: TEFAF Maastricht 9 – 14 March 2024; TEFAF New York 10-14 May 2024. Website: tefaf.com. Instagram: @tefaf.  

ARCOmadrid

ARCOmadrid 2023. Image courtesy of ARCOmadrid.

#FLODown: "ARCOmadrid, Spain's leading International Contemporary Art Fair, marks its 43rd edition in 2024 with a special focus on the Caribbean. Under the theme 'The shore, the tide, the current: an oceanic Caribbean,' curators Carla Acevedo-Yates and Sara Hermann unite art scenes connected by this sea. Meanwhile, ARCOlisboa has been a May staple in Lisbon since 2016, shining a spotlight on global contemporary art, accentuating Portuguese and international pieces, new galleries, and groundbreaking artist projects.

Dates: ACROmadrid 6 March – 10 March 2024; ARCOlisboa 23- 24 May 2024. Website: ifema.es. Instagram: @feriaarco.

 

Venice Biennale

Sonia BoyceFeeling Her Way. British Pavilion, Venice. April 23 – November 27, 2022.Curated by Emma Ridgway. This project is a part of Venice Biennale 2022: The Milk of Dreams. Images courtesy of the British Pavilion, Venice. Photos by Cristiano Corte.

#FLODown: The Venice Biennale, established in 1895, alternates between art and architecture annually from May to November and draws half a million visitors. It's a vital celebration of art, probing politics, contemporary culture, and social issues through diverse mediums like performance, sculpture, and installations. It is one of the world's largest contemporary art exhibitions, hosting artists from over 75 countries in collective spaces and national pavilions. Initially held biannually, it now runs in even years (2022, 2024) for art and odd years (2021, 2023) for architecture due to the pandemic. The 60th Venice Art Biennale in 2024, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, already sees countries announcing their artists for national pavilions, with John Akomfrah set to represent Great Britain.

Date: April - November 2024. Website: labiennale.org. Instagram: @labiennale.

Frieze Art Fair

Frieze London 2023. Photo by Lyndon Douglas. Courtesy Frieze / Lyndon Douglas Photography.

#FLODown: Frieze Art Fair, among the most sought-after international contemporary art fairs, happens yearly in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul. Making its debut in 2003 in London, this fair has a reputation for launching emerging talents and drawing influential collectors. The original Frieze London serves as a central hub for emerging art movements, coinciding with major contemporary sales by auction houses during 'Frieze Week.' With 160 galleries from 30+ countries, Frieze London attracts 60,000 visitors annually, showcasing a vibrant mix of established and emerging artists. Situated in Regent’s Park, it stands as a cornerstone alongside Frieze Masters, spotlighting modern, contemporary, and pre-20th-century art.

Dates: Frieze Los Angeles 29 February - 3 March 2024;Frieze New York 1 – 5 May 2024; Frieze Seoul 4-7 September 2024; Frieze London 9-13 October 2024; Frieze Masters 9-13 October 2024. Website: frieze.com. Instagram: @friezeofficial.

Paris Internationale

Paris Internationale 2023. Paris. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Paris Internationale, founded in 2015, offers a fresh approach to art fairs by supporting emerging galleries while providing a platform for both new and established artists. Grounded in solidarity and inclusivity, the fair showcases contemporary artwork, emphasising affordability for participation, and encouraging risk-taking. Their 2023 edition hosted 71 participants from 25 countries at the Central téléphonique Le Coeur on rue Bergère, a stone’s throw from the Grands Boulevards. It was one of our favourite art fairs of 2023. The 10th edition of Paris Internationale will take place in October 2024, coinciding with Paris+ par Art Basel.

Date: 15 - 20 October  2024. Website: parisinternationale.com. Instagram:@aaaahhhparisinternationale.

The Armory Show

The Armory Show. Photo by Vincent Tullo.

#FLODown: The Armory Show, NYC's predominant art fair since 1994, akin to what Frieze represents for London, stands as the cornerstone of 'Armory Show Week,' hosting smaller fairs and special events. Named after the groundbreaking 1913 modern art exhibition, it initially introduced trending European artists and styles to America. Today, the show spotlights top global talents alongside New York's finest artists, representing diverse creatives worldwide. A vital part of NYC's cultural landscape, this annual event unites leading international contemporary and modern art galleries. The 2024 edition is scheduled to take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Centre in September.

Date: 6—8 September 2024. Website: thearmoryshow.com. Instagram:@thearmoryshow.

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair

Kyle Weeks, Spo and Holali, 2021, photography, size tbc, from the series Good News. Courtesy of Galerie Gomis. 1-54 2023. Somerset House.

#FLODown: 1-54, conceived in London in 2013, expanded to New York in 2015, and then to Marrakech in 2018, exclusively showcases contemporary African and diaspora art, its name a nod to the continent's 54 nations. With editions in London (October), New York (May), and Marrakech (February), it offers a comprehensive dive into diverse artistic expressions. Its recent announcement of a debut in Hong Kong in March 2024, coinciding with Art Basel at Christie's, marks a significant milestone. Typically aligning with Frieze London and Masters during Frieze Week, its London fair is a notable highlight in the art calendar.

Dates: 1-54 Marrakech 8-11 February 2024; 1-54 Hong Kong from 26–30 March 2024; 1-54 New York (TBC expected in May 2024); 1-54 London (TBC expected in October 2024). Website: 1-54.com. Instagram: @154artfair.

Dak’Art :Dakar Biennale Festival Senegal

El Hadji Sy, 'Now/Naaw', 2022, installation view. Courtesy: Selebe Yoon, Dakar.

#FLODown: The Dakar Biennale, also known as Dar'art, originated in 1990 in Senegal, initially focusing on literary and visual arts before shifting its emphasis to contemporary arts in 1996. Supported by the Senegalese Ministry of Culture, the biennale was initially exclusive to African artists until 2014 when it opened participation to non-African nationals under the theme "Cultural Diversity." Held annually between May and June, Dar'art has become a vital platform for globalising African art, providing an inclusive space for emerging creatives. The upcoming 15th edition in 2024, titled "The Wake," will explore the intricate relationship between art, society, climate, and history, particularly within Dakar's context. Featuring 58 artists from Africa and its diaspora working across various mediums, the biennale aims to raise awareness of global social and environmental issues.

Date: 16 May - 16 June 2024. Website: biennaledakar.org. Instagram: @dak_artbiennale.

Also Known As Africa (AKAA) Art Fair

AKAA Art Fair 2023. Paris. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Established in 2015 by Victoria Mann, the Also Known As Africa (AKAA) fair celebrates diverse artistic expressions from Africa and its diasporas. This showcase, held annually during Paris Art Week at Carreau du Temple, highlights cultural diversity through various mediums such as art, design, photography, and fashion. In a significant move, AKAA expands to Los Angeles in May 2024 as AKAA: LA, featuring over 80 artists, galleries, and curators from around the world, challenging traditional art narratives and addressing the historical underrepresentation of Black artists. The Parisian edition of the fair is set to return for its ninth edition in October 2024, coinciding with Paris + Par Art Basel.

Dates: AKAA LA: 2 - 12 May 2024; AKAA Paris (TBC expected in October 2024). Website: akaafair.com. Instagram: @akaa_fair.

Art Toronto

Art Toronto. Image Courtesy of Art Toronto.

#FLODown: Since its inception in 2000, Art Toronto has been a canvas for local, national, and international galleries to showcase their creativity. Situated on traditional Indigenous territories, the fair is a celebration of Canadian art, amplifying the diverse narratives from First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and immigrant communities. It's more than an exhibition; it's a vibrant and inclusive space inviting both Canadians and global visitors to immerse themselves in this rich tapestry of artistic expressions. Committed to sustainability, Art Toronto collaborates with partners to champion eco-friendly practices, ensuring a seamless blend of art appreciation and environmental responsibility. Mark your calendars for Art Toronto in October 2024.

Date: 24 – 27 October 2024. Website: arttoronto.ca. Instagram: @art_toronto.

BRAFA Belgium

BRAFA 2023. © Jean-Michel Clajot.

#FLODown: BRAFA is highly regarded among Europe's esteemed art fairs. Established in 1956, this 8-day event features 130 international galleries showcasing ancient and modern paintings, tribal art, jewellery, silverware, and design. Held at Brussels Expo, it annually welcomes over 65,000 visitors. The 2024 edition is scheduled for January.

Date: 28 January – 4 February 2024.Website: brafa.art. Instagram: brafaartfair.

Melbourne Art Fair

Ronnie van Hout, Surrender, 2018 (Commission by Bendigo Art Gallery in partnership with the Melbourne Art Foundation and supported by Artwork Transport) Installation view, Melbourne Art Fair 2018.

#FLODown: The Melbourne Art Fair holds a prime spot on the annual Australasian cultural calendar. With a steadfast commitment to living artists, the Fair serves as a premier platform for contemporary art, featuring both iconic and pioneering works from the region's esteemed galleries. Melbourne Art Fair is poised to make its return in February 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. It continues to play a pivotal role in cultivating fresh audiences for contemporary art in the region.

Date: 22-25 February 2024. Website: melbourneartfair.com. Instagram: @melbourneartfair.

ART SG

Tai Shani, THE NEON HIEROGLYPH / FESTIVAL DEI DUE MONDI, SPOLETO, 2021. Courtesy of Gathering.

#FLODown: ART SG, Southeast Asia's latest international art fair, will debut in January 2024, marking the largest launch of an art fair in a decade across the Asia Pacific. Held at Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, it will showcase top modern and contemporary art galleries and artists from Southeast Asia. The fair promises an outstanding array of international and regional galleries, emphasising progressive ideas, cultural dialogue, and artistic brilliance in Southeast Asia and the broader Asia Pacific.

Date: 19 – 21 January 2024. Website: artsg.com. Instagram: @art.sg.

Art Dubai

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES_ General view, Art Dubai 2023, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Spark Media for Art Dubai).

#FLODown:Since its inception in 2007, Art Dubai has annually showcased art from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Asia, establishing itself as a crucial platform for local, regional, and global artists. Departing from prevailing Western narratives, the fair actively promotes diverse global perspectives. Deeply engaged in the cultural heritage and contemporary practices of its focal regions, Art Dubai extends its influence across Southeast and Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The 17th edition of Art Dubai is due to take place in March 2024.l

 Date: 1- 3 March 2024.Website: artdubai.ae. Instagram: @artdubai.

Art X Lagos

Art x Lagos. Image courtesy of Art x Lagos.

#FLODown: Founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, ART X Lagos serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing contemporary African art, both locally and internationally produced. It has swiftly risen as a pivotal fixture in the African art scene, breaking away from traditional fair models. Attracting participants from over 40 nations, the event offers diverse experiences, from ART X Talks to the groundbreaking showcase, ART X Live!, which unites emerging and established artists and musicians from the continent. Renowned figures like El Anatsui, Wangechi Mutu, and Njideka Akunyili-Crosby have graced its prestigious programs. The ninth edition is scheduled for November 2024.

Date: 31 October - 3 November 2024.Website: artxlagos.com. Instagram: @artxlagos.

Art Jakarta

Art Jakarta 2023. Image Courtesy of Art Jakarta.

#FLODown:Art Jakarta is Indonesia's leading art fair, dedicated to spotlighting Southeast Asian artistry and drawing global attention to the flourishing contemporary art scene in Indonesia and neighbouring countries. In 2023, it attracted over 35,000 visitors and hosted 68 galleries from the region, underscoring its significance in the art landscape. The upcoming 2024 edition is eagerly awaited, slated for early October at JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta, maintaining its commitment to showcasing the richness of Southeast Asian artistry.

Date: TBC expected to be early October 2024. Website: artjakarta.com. Instagram: @artjakarta.

ZⓢONAMACO

Zona Maco. image courtesy of Zona Maco.

#FLODown: ZⓢONAMACO is Latin America's top art fair platform, hosting four annual events at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City. Founded in 2002 by Zélika García, it encompasses contemporary art, design, antiques, and photography sectors. This year, a landmark edition combines the main fair with its design, photography, and salon components, uniting 170 galleries from 25 countries, including renowned names like Gagosian, kurimanzutto, and Marlborough. It remains a vibrant showcase, spotlighting diverse artistic expressions on an international stage within the heart of Mexico City.

Date: 7-11 Febuary 2024. Website: zsonamaco.com. Instagram: @zonamaco.

ART COLOGNE

Franz Ackermann, Helikopter Nr. 21 (Flucht- und Befreiungsfahrzeug), 2003, Kaufhausbrand (Evasion) 2018. Installationsansicht: Die Aufwertung der Lage, Meyer Riegger Berlin, 2018, Courtesy of the artist and Meyer Riegger, Berlin/Karlsruhe (photo: Jens Ziehe).

#FLODown: Established in 1967, ART COLOGNE proudly claims the title of the world’s oldest art fair, born from the vision of pioneering dealers in West Germany. Despite the ongoing competition from Art Basel, it remains an esteemed event in the art world. Welcoming approximately 200 international galleries, the fair serves as a vibrant stage for diverse artistic expressions—from paintings and sculptures to photographs, installations, and video art. It stands as a testament to the thriving artistic landscape in Europe’s Rhineland and neighbouring Benelux countries.The 57th edition of ART COLOGNE will take place in November 2024

Date: 7 - 11 November 2024. Website: artcologne.com. Instagram: @artcolognefair.

Investec Cape Town Art Fair

© Investec Cape Town Art Fair.

#FLODown: The Investec Cape Town Art Fair stands as Africa's largest, bringing together celebrated exhibitors and primarily focusing on contemporary art from around the globe. It offers a glimpse into Cape Town's unique creative landscape. This renowned fair unites over 100 leading galleries and 500 artists from four continents, hosting multiple high-quality exhibitions across Cape Town. Serving as a focal point for an art-filled week, connecting the African art market with international enthusiasts. Proudly entering its 11th edition in February 2024, the fair will showcase works from 54 nations and 24 countries.

Date: 16-18 February 2024. Website: investeccapetownartfair.co.za. Instagram: @investeccapetownartfair.

 

PAD Art Fair

Galerie Philia’s ‘Contrasts’ show at PAD London 2023. Photo by Maison Mouton Noir.

#FLODown: Established in 1998, PAD is the leading design fair worldwide, hosted annually in London and Paris. Across its 24 editions, it continues to attract design collectors, featuring prominent international and French galleries presenting historical and contemporary designs. Each event embodies the current aesthetic trends, exhibiting exceptional design pieces and fostering a conversation between historical and contemporary design. PAD has curated a distinctive perspective on the art of living and collecting, establishing its unique identity in both London and Paris.

Dates: PAD PARIS 3-7 April 2024; PAD LONDON 8-13 October 2024. Website: padesignart.com. Instagram: @padesignart.

Art Düsseldorf

Art Düsseldorf 2023 © Felix Hild.

#FLODown: Since 2017, Art Düsseldorf has transformed Areal Böhler's industrial halls into an annual art fair, creating an ideal setting for gallerists, collectors, artists, and enthusiasts. Against this industrial backdrop, each edition has celebrated a diverse range of artworks, blending established art history with a forward-looking focus on emerging contemporary artists and the Rhineland's artistic legacy. The upcoming fifth edition introduces two new sections: NEXT, spotlighting young galleries and emerging artists, and SOLO PROJECTS, delving deeply into a single artist's body of work.

Date: 12-14 April 2024. Website: art-dus.de. Instagram: @artduesseldorf.

India Art Fair

India Art Fair. Image courtesy of India Art Fair.

#FLODown: The India Art Fair, a leading hub for modern and contemporary South Asian art, is set to return to New Delhi in February 2024. Embracing the region's diverse artistry, the fair seamlessly integrates contemporary visual art, modern masters, and traditional artistic heritage. Organised by Angus Montgomery Arts, it showcases South Asian and international artists across various sections, featuring solo exhibitions, tech-art projects, traditional art displays, outdoor installations, and an engaging parallel program celebrating New Delhi's vibrant art scene.

Date: 1-4 February 2023. Website: indiaartfair.in. Instagram: @indiaartfair.