Art fairs in Barcelona

There’s some serious appeal to the art fairs coming up this year in Barcelona, with events focused on the creativity of contemporary video art through to showcases that enable accessibility to the art market to young emerging artists. So if you want to support young creatives through the purchase of unique pieces at affordable prices, then get yourself a ticket to Swab taking place at the end of September. Plus be sure to mark your diaries for LOOP in June if you’re into experiencing an art form that prides itself on being far from the norm. And if you’re interested to see work covering an international scene, then make note of the Barcelona International Art Fair coming up in December. In a city that’s buzzing with creativity and originality, you’ll be sure to find your own piece of art from local and international artists at these upcoming art fairs in Barcelona.

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Swab

Open to the public from 30 September to 2 October, Swab’s premise is to break with elitist ideals that can often surround contemporary art by focusing on accessibility and openness with the general public. The event, which has been running since 2006, takes place at a pavilion near Font Màgica de Montjuïc. Its grounding in being an art fair to ‘discover’ means that you’re bound to find works that haven’t been seen at other fairs. And this ideal rings true with its focus on creating opportunities for emerging galleries as well as artists at the beginnings of their careers by enabling access to the art market. As well as its objective to support early-career and emerging artists, Swab enables affordable art works to be purchased by art lovers. Keep an eye on the Swab website closer to the event date, which is around the end of September.

LOOP

Coming up in early June, LOOP describes itself as the place for video art lovers. For €20, the two-day entry pass gives you full access over 3 and 4 June at the Hotel Ramblas Catalunya to experience inspiring and interactive video art by a wide collection of video artists. LOOP’s claim as one of the first in the field exclusively dedicated to the discovery, promotion and acquisition of contemporary video art works presents a unique opportunity to visit an art fair that sets itself apart from others. Check out the LOOP website for more details, where you can also subscribe to the LOOP newsletter.

Barcelona International Art Fair

At the end of the year, the Barcelona International Art Fair (BIAF) is highly worth the visit, not only for its collection of modern and contemporary art but also to see the incredible space where the event is based. On from 16 to 17 December, the BIAF is held at the Sala Marqués de Comillas within the Museu Marítim de Barcelona and features a showcase of original paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations and photographs. The BIAF prides itself on presenting over 100 contemporary exhibitors from 30 countries, showcasing the next generation of talent alongside some of the most established galleries from Europe and around the world. There’s free entry on 17 December but you can also purchase a VIP ticket for €10 on 16 December.