Kristina Sretkova, ‘Heavenly Kingdom’, 2016. Image courtesy of Kypriaki Gonia Gallery

The Affordable Art Fair (AFF) returns to Singapore from April 7 to 9 at the F1 Pit Building. Since its launch in Singapore in 2010, the fair has been an enjoyable addition to the growing calendar of local arts events. Breaking down assumptions about what it means to be an art collector, the AAF has been a key event promoting art appreciation and developing the art market here in Singapore.

Taking place across nine countries globally each year including London, New York, Hong Kong, and Germany, AAF has built a reputation for showcasing a reliably high quality of contemporary art that appeals to established and new collectors alike. The 2017 Spring edition in Singapore promises engaging programmes and an opportunity to acquire unique and affordable pieces of art to supplement or start a burgeoning art collection.

Jieun Park, ‘A little talk, Hong Kong’, 2016. Image courtesy of REDSEA Gallery

With works priced between S$100 and S$15,000, the fair brings 41 international and local galleries together to present a wide selection across artistic styles and mediums including paintings, photography, sculpture, drawing, edition prints, contemporary calligraphy, and more. Featured this time are artists such as Jieun Park from Korea, Chinese artist Wong Xiang Yi, and well-known Singaporean sculptor Lim Leong Seng. With works from over 300 artists on view, there is something for everyone’s budget and taste.

Past editions have seen 20% of visitors buying their first piece of art at the fair, and new buyers can take full advantage of the welcoming atmosphere to explore freely, and to ask questions about buying art. Helping to facilitate a smooth and pleasant experience for buyers, there will be free professional wrapping for artworks as well as advice on the framing and display of works.

Lim Leong Seng, ‘Mid-Autumn Lantern Procession’, 2001. Image courtesy of Artredot

There is something for visitors of all ages. For one, there are free art tours such as the daily 35-minute Gallery Speed Dating Tours for visitors to hear from five to six galleries about their artists, along with other complimentary workshops and demonstrations. Open throughout the day, the Children’s Art Studio will be running sculpture workshops for children aged four and above, providing an entertaining and educational programme for the youngest of art lovers. There will also be a variety of art installations throughout the fair that will provide the opportunity for a sensory engagement with artworks.

The #ArtHappy Evening on April 7 hosted in association with Art Republik will be a fun evening to kick off the fair, and will feature art performances, tours, workshops, and music. Fair-goers can enjoy a glass of wine and unwind while soaking in the creative atmosphere and seeking out interesting works of art.

Kim Dong Seok, ‘Earth-of Mother – Beautiful travel’, 2014. Image courtesy of Gallery Tableau

Continuing a tradition of charitable giving, S$1 from every ticket sold (including public days and the #ArtHappy Evening) will go to the Woodbridge Hospital Charity Fund (WHCF). Managed by the Institute of Mental Health, the WHCF works towards improving the lives of persons with mental illnesses in Singapore and hopes to bring art therapy to more patients, and use art outreach to raise awareness for mental health issues. AAF will also be bringing back the Charity Feature Wall with all works priced at S$500 and with 50% of sale proceeds going towards the WHCF.

Art Republik looks forward to discovering great artworks and an unforgettable experience at the Affordable Art Fair.

Lee Dong Uk, ‘Scatterd’, 2016. Image courtesy of Gamo Gallery

This article was published in Art Republik 14.