The North’s leading art fair, Buy Art Fair, opens today with its biggest line-up of artists yet. Works by more than 500 artists from the UK and across the world will grace the walls of iconic Old Granada Studios, Quay Street, until Sunday September 27.
An exclusive preview event takes place tonight, with ticket-holders vying for the first look at works to go on sale when Buy Art Fair opens at 11am on Friday September 25. Free tickets are still available online for the four-day North West cultural celebration, which this year sees a roaming live art opera performance add to the atmosphere for art enthusiasts and those curious to discover the world of art buying and collecting.
Artist JJ Adams will sign copies of a limited edition print up for grabs at the Cloud Gallery stand on each day of Buy Art Fair. 25 lucky people will walk away with the unique and colourful artworks, inspired by Star Wars.
Fair goers will have the chance to mix with renowned artists painting live at the fair, with Lowdown painting live outside the fair entrance today and artists Rob Wilson and Katy Jade Dobson creating new works as the fair unfolds on Saturday 26 September.
Salford print studio Hot Bed Press will host free, all-ages interactive workshops and demonstration sessions, with children’s art and crafting activities along with guided tours free with fair entry across the weekend. Award winning North-West operator Living Ventures will deliver a selection of drinks and food from their popular Artisan menu, with live art talks from industry experts rounding out the cultural offering.
On Sunday 27 at 1pm, Pavel Büchler will lead a conversation with a panel of artists on what living and working in the North West means for them. Confirmed panellists include Leo Fitzmaurice, Maeve Rendle and Magnus Quaife.
Buy Art Fair CEO, Thom Hetherington, said: “The fair gets bigger and better each year, so we wanted to offer something truly special to visitors in 2015. For the first time ever not only will we exhibit work for sale from over 500 artists but we are inviting the general public to see established and emerging artists at work and to get their hands dirty in free workshop sessions and of course the chance to take home an original by JJ Adams or another of our well-loved artists.”
For further information on all the featured galleries and artists visit www.buyartfair.co.uk or www.themanchestercontemporary.com. Follow us on twitter @buyartfair and @mancontemporary
