Keep it Curious: Spring Art Fairs in Europe

Spring is well and truly upon us. Easter is over and now it’s the long (hopefully warm) stretch to summer. Europe bursts into colour and life at this time of year, bringing forth new growth and a heady mix of possibility. It’s also the time for new exhibitions, those of which bring a sense of freshness and rebirth to visitors.

But, for most people, museums present themselves as winter activities, as places to hunker down in away from the bad weather. Cold days are spent warming hands in heated exhibition rooms, quietly browsing famed artworks and then, afterwards, nursing a cup of hot tea in the museum café.

When the warmer weather finally makes its appearance, museums are sacked off in favour of parks and outdoor adventures, but you can still add a hearty dose of art to your spring trips in Europe.

How? I hear you ask. Well spring is the time to discover new things, to try new ventures, and to seek out new inspirations. So what better place to do this than at a spring art fair?

Art fairs are all the rage in Europe, showcasing emerging talent and established creatives from all over the world. Spring is riddled with amazing exhibitions that cover all parts of Europe, so there’s bound to be one near you.

Milan Image Art Fair

10th – 13th April 2015

You’ll have to hop over to this one quickly as it’s happening within the next week. This annual art fair celebrates photography and video art from all over the world, highlighting local Italian artists as well as big names in the industry. Browse through exhibitions filled with moving image installations, unusual films, and inspiring photography.

Find out more about the Milan Image Art Fair here.

Art Cologne

16th – 19th April 2015

Surrounded by gothic cathedrals and intricate architecture, this art show in Cologne, Germany, is the world’s oldest of its kind. That’s worth the visit alone, right?! Throughout the four-day event, you can wander amongst 20th and 21st Century modern art.

Find out more about Art Cologne here.

NADA Art Fair

16th – 19th April 2015

Running alongside Art Cologne, this collaborative event also takes place in the German city. However, NADA aims to highlight and promote the work of young, emerging artists, providing them with a platform where they can exhibit their work to the world. It hopes to break down barriers in the art world and dissolve linear beliefs between generations.

Find out more about NADA here.

Market Art Fair

17th – 19th April 2015

This prominent Nordic fair is held in the stylish city of Stockholm and proffers an eye-catching array of contemporary art and design. Touted as the leading fair for modern art in Scandinavia, it draws in numerous artists and art-lovers from all over the region.

Find out more about the Market Art Fair here.

Art Brussels

25th – 27th April 2015

This fair is set amongst the winding, fairytale streets of Brussels, which oozes with charm and style. This two-day event covers a lot of ground in such a short space of time, showcasing the work and stories of emerging artists from contemporary galleries.

Find out more about Art Brussels here.

COLLECT

8th – 11th May 2015

We head to London now for this international event. Tucked away in the upmarket area of King’s Road, the COLLECT fair promotes a range of contemporary objects and designs. Expect to see weird and wonderful sculptures, unusual installations, and thought-provoking displays.

Find out more about COLLECT here.

Art 15

20th – 23rd May 2015

Another fair set in the stylish Kensington district of London, Art 15 is a global creative showcase that’s now in its third year. The event hosts a number of themed exhibitions that highlight new and established artists from all over the world.

Find out more about Art 15 here.

The London Photograph Fair

23rd – 24th May 2015

It looks like May is a great time for art-lovers in London! This is yet another fair taking place in the UK’s capital, but this one is dedicated solely to photography. Browse through all manner of photography, from traditional black and white prints to experimental, mixed media designs.

Find out more about The London Photograph Fair here.

KunstRai

27th – 31st May 2015

Taking place around the cobbled streets and dipping canals of Amsterdam, this art fair is the oldest in Holland and promises a rich schedule of events and exhibitions. Last year it celebrated 30 years in the business, and this year you can expect to see more of the impressive contemporary works that it’s famed for.

Find out more about KunstRai here. 

Visiting local art fairs is a great way to get to know the creative scene of a city whilst indulging your artistic side and gaining a heavy dose of inspiration. And there’s no better time to visit than when the sun’s beginning to peek its head out after a long, cold, European winter!

Will you be heading to any of these art fairs this spring? Let us know in the comments!

This post is part of ArtSmart Travel, a collective of art bloggers who share tips, tricks, and advice for indulging in your passion of art all around the world. This month the theme was “Spring”, one of my favourite times of year! Take a look at what the others have written about this month:

• Alexandra of ArtTrav – Art Parks in Tuscany
• Pal and Lydian of ArtWeekenders – The World’s Best Open Air Museums
• Jenna of This is My Happiness – Botticelli’s Primavera… And So What?
• Christina of Daydream Tourist – Real Gardens that Inspired Art