Liverpool Art Fair is back tomorrow and it’s a ‘gift’ for artists and the city

Liverpool Art Fair’s returning to the city tomorrow and celebrating its 10^th anniversary with the biggest event yet.

There’ll be work from more than 200 artists on display at the Liverpool Art Fair, with the chance not just to view it, but to buy it too.

And Angela Samata, a Merseyside arts professional and broadcaster who’s helped to choose those taking part for the last 10 years – Liverpool Art Fair began in 2012 but missed two years because of Covid – says it’s a hugely important event for the public and creatives in Liverpool.

“Liverpool Art Fair came from Lucy Byrne at Dot Art, and it is so important because it showcases artists in the North West, and it’s grown and grown.

“I think this year we have chosen the most artists we have ever chosen – without realising it when we did – in any one show, and it’s the only place in the North West where you can see 200 artists who produce original work.

“We have things like an under £200 section so people can buy original pieces of art for under £200, and we have prints and photographs starting from £20, and having that affordable price bracket is super important when people want to support local artists but are stretched financially.”

And there are many more reasons why it’s such a crucial event.

“I used to look after the John Moores Painting Prize, and that was a privilege because every two years I’d be able to almost take the temperature of where British painting was at from a UK perspective. But this is exactly the same, because when you’re sitting in the judging room you get a sense of excitement about what you’re going to see and a sense of where painting is up to in the North West.”

Angela adds: “I’m always really heartened every year because we get some very famous landmarks and we see them coming up each year, the Superlambanana and the Iron Men at Crosby, but you also get really contemporary abstract paintings and ambitious works, and a whole range of different mediums, like sculpture, and it just feels like it’s such an important annual event.

“The other thing that restricts artists from showing their work and having that platform is whether they are trained or not, and Liverpool Art Fair is open to everybody, and means you don’t have to be trained or be a professional artist.

“I don’t know how else you would see all this work in one place in the flesh – and in the Royal Liver Building which is such a brilliant location. It’s genius to hold it in such a prestigious building and it’s where it should be.”

Angela says this year is a really strong year for painting and she has witnessed, as she has over the last 10 years, a real increase in the strength of the photographs that are coming in.

Liverpool Art Fair also provides collectors with a chance to see what’s available, Angela adds: “In the city and the North West we have a great tradition of art collectors, and there are collectors who want to support artists within a geographical area and this helps them to do that.

“Liverpool Art Fair has had 55,000 visits and shown the work of more than 2,000 artists which is just incredible. It’s a gift for artists, for collectors and for the public walking in.”

Where is Liverpool Art Fair being held?

It’s being held at the Royal Liver Building, on the Pier Head.

When is it on?

Artists will be exhibiting from Friday, June 28 and run until Sunday, August 18. Opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, 12-6pm.

How much are tickets?

Not a thing. You don’t need to book and entry to the fair is free.

Will the art works be expensive?

No. There’s an upper limit of £2,000 – but don’t panic yet! Everything is priced under that, and art prices start at just £20, with a substantial section of art below £200 to make sure there’s something to suit every pocket.

How many artists will be showing work?

Artists were selected from an open call – with anyone based within a 35-mile radius of Liverpool eligible to apply – and the judging panel, made up of Sarah Lovell, Lead Officer for Culture at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; Faith Bebbington, sculptor; Patrick Kirk-Smith, editor and director of Art in Liverpool, and Angela, whittled down around 400 applicants to 210.

People’s Choice Award

During the seven weeks of the fair, there’s a packed programme of events, with opportunities to meet the artists, and The People’s Choice Award is also returning to allow visitors to vote for their favourite artist.