We are thrilled that you are interested in applying for the fair! 

For more information please also see our Artist Guide 2020. If your questions are unanswered by the below, please feel free to contact the team: 

Fair Director
Sophie Lucas
sophie@theotherartfair.com 

Fair Assistant
Sasha Ali
sasha@theotherartfair.com

FAIR SCHEDULE

What is the fair schedule? 

WEDNESDAY
5:00pm-10.00pm – Private View

THURSDAY
5:00pm-10:00pm – Regular fair hours

FRIDAY
3:00pm-10:00pm – Regular fair hours

SATURDAY
10:00am-8:00pm – Regular fair hours

APPLYING FOR THE FAIR

Where can I apply for the fair? 

Applications for The Other Art Fair Chicago Spring 2020 are now open. You can apply online here. The deadline to apply is February 28.

I am represented by a gallery, can I still exhibit at the fair? 
Yes. Provided you do not have exclusive representation with the gallery in Chicago, you are welcome to apply for the fair. Many of our artists have relationships with galleries and work with them to showcase their work independently.

Can a gallery exhibit my work on my behalf?
No. This is an artist fair for artists.

I have shown at a previous fair, do I need to reapply? 
Yes. Each edition has a new selection committee with a new set of ideas.

Can I share a booth with another artist? 
Yes. Each artist must submit an independent application and be accepted by the committtee. The minimum size for a booth shared by two artists is 20 linear ft; the minimum size for a both shared by three artists is 24 linear ft.

Once the applications are submitted, please contact Sophie Lucas, Fair Director, so we can make a note of the applications that you wish to share a booth.

I live abroad and need to obtain a visa. Can you help with this? 
The fair cannot offer advice re visas, however, if your application is successful, you will receieve a confirmation letter which can be used as proof of acceptance to the fair.

ONSITE AT THE FAIR

Do I need to be present during the fair? 
Yes. This is not a gallery fair. The ethos of the fair is artist self-representation – each artist must set-up, manage and breakdown their booth.

Will tools and hanging hardware be provided to install my artwork? 
No, artists must provide all materials necessary for hanging their works, including tools and hardware. There will be a limited amount of ladders available for artists but they are circulated around on a first come first serve basis. Artists must also provide any additional manpower needed to install their booth, there will not be extra laborers onsite to help load, unload or install artwork in booths.

Is there a wrapping service onsite? 
Yes. Our wrapping partner provides a complimentarty wrapping service for all artworks purchased at the fair. Customers can also arrange shipping directly with the partner.

Is there storage onsite? 
There is no storage available and due to the fire risk, storage will not be allowed behind your booth. We therefore recommend you consider this when planning the build and break of your booth. The organisers cannot accept any responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged stock. If your work is shipped in crates, it may be possible to store within the venue, please contact the fair team about this.

Is there any furniture (small table, chair or stool) included in my booth package or available for rent?
We recommend exhibitors bring a small table, chair or stool in your booth but it is not something that is provided by the fair.

I am bringing someone to help me install my booth, will I get a guest pass? 
Yes, you will receive this when you check in at the welcome desk onsite.

What additional items are available to order? 
Additional spotlights, nameboards and electrical sockets are available to order.

BOOTH DETAILS

What are the booth prices? 
16 linear ft + 2 spotlights = $1,680
20 linear ft + 2 spotlights = $1,980
24 linear ft + 3 spotlights = $2,350
28 linear ft + 3 spotlights = $2,760
32 linear ft + 4 spotlights = $3,150

What shape are the walls? 
The majority of walls are U-shaped. So a 16 linear ft booth would follow the configuration: 1x8ft back wall + 2x4ft side walls.

SHIPPING

I am planning to ship my artwork to/from the fair, what is the address of the venue and when can the work arrive and when does it have to leave?  
Artists may ship their artwork to the venue before the fair. The earliest time that shipped works can arrive onsite is the day before installation. They cannot arrive any earlier. All artworks must be de-installed from the booths and removed from the venue by 8:00pm on the Saturday of the Fair.

NB: If pick up on Saturday evening is difficult for your shipper, please contact the Operations Manager to arrange pick-up before 10am on Monday morning.

SELLING AT THE FAIR

Sales
All payments are processed through a central till system (via a PDQ machine, a system that enables buyers to easily purchase your work). The 15%+sales tax commission covers a 3% credit card transaction, handling fees, a full wrapping service for purchased items and staff to manage the tills and sales process. Please ensure you factor this commission into your pricing.

Is there a restriction on pricing? 
No, however, it is fair policy that all artwork on display must show prices. We strive to create an accessible, welcoming atmosphere at the fair. Not pricing your work can discourage visitors from buying or even asking about it. There is no set template for labels.

If someone wishes to buy a piece, can they take it right away after payment or do they have to wait until the end of the fair and come back? I would need to know so I can bring extra art to replace something that sells.
As this is an art fair, visitors come to the fair expecting to purchase an artwork and take it home on the same day. However, each sales scenario is different and this is something to discuss with the buyer. If you would prefer to display the piece on your booth until the end of the fair, this is not usually a problem for customers. Many artists use red-dots to indicate purchased work and often bring extra works. There is no storage for additional artworks onsite at the fair, any extra works you bring must be stored in your booth or offsite.

SAATCHI ART

What is the relationship with Saatchi Art?
We are thrilled to partner with Saatchi Art, the world’s leading online gallery, which provides artists with an expertly curated environment in which to exhibit and sell their work to collectors around the world. Working across 100 countries with over 50,000 artists, their ethos parallels that of The Other Art Fair: providing an invaluable channel for artists to sell their work directly to art buyers who wish to discover original artwork. We invite you to sell your work via The Other Art Fair on Saatchi Art and reach an international audience throughout the year.

As an exhibitor at The Other Art Fair, you will be presented as a fair artist to Saatchi Art’s extensive network of curators, collectors, and interior design buyers, with your profile linked to The Other Art Fair page. There will also be scope for selection as a highlighted fair artist or for inclusion within Saatchi Art’s curated collections ‘One To Watch’ and ‘Curator’s Choice’; the possibility of being featured in Saatchi Art’s quarterly catalogues and being hand-picked by their Art Advisory team; and benefits from exposure to their social media network of nearly 1M followers. With Saatchi Art’s support, the fair will expand its content by creating Canvas blog posts and onsite filming to further promote individual fair artists – unique material that will support your practice.

Key Points
• Following the ethos of the fair, you are free to edit and curate your own profile.
• There is no sign-up fee or monthly subscription fee.
• Saatchi Art handles all shipping on your behalf.
• Saatchi Art takes a 35% commission fee on sales.
• These profiles form the only Exhibitor list and basis for all online artist marketing including e-shots, social media and Canvas.
• Further details about selling your work on Saatchi Art can be found here.

PREPARATION MATERIALS

What preparation materials are provided? 
Each artist will receive an Exhibitor Handbook.

Is the fair curated? 
Yes. Booths cannot be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. The fair is carefully curated taking into account the nature of the work and how it is complemented by that of adjacent booths. Each artist will be given the number of linear feet as requested on the contract.

What is the artist workshop? 
Taking place in Chicago, the artist workshop is led by the Fair Director. It will cover all asepects of the fair including logistics, marketing, PR and sales. It is also a chance to meet other exhibitors.

I live abroad and will not be able to attend the artist workshop. Does this matter? 
Not at all! We will send you follow-up notes after the events and you are welcome to call us with questions any time!

KEEP IN TOUCH

How can I receive news about future fairs? 
Sign up for our newsletter here

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Good luck with your application!