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Affordable Art Fair Battersea: What you need to know about the London fair this weekend

Affordable Art Fair/Adrian Brooks/Imagewise
Affordable Art Fair/Adrian Brooks/Imagewise

Art doesn’t have to cost the earth and you needn't be a multi-millionaire to enjoy your own little bit of it.

If the price tags at Frieze left you a little faint, revive yourself in Battersea this weekend, where the Affordable Art Fair will be both showcasing and selling art from £100.

If your wallet is tingling at the prospect, here's everything to know before heading Wandsworth way.

What is the Affordable Art Fair?

(Affordable Art Fair/Adrian Brooks/Imagewise)
(Affordable Art Fair/Adrian Brooks/Imagewise)

The clue is in the title: it's an alternative to the typical art fairs offering pieces with stratospheric prices attached. It first launched in Battersea nearly 20 years ago and now boasts fairs in 10 cities around the world. This year, 114 galleries will showcase more than 1000 contemporary artists at Battersea Park, with all art on sale for less than £6,000 and some prices as low as £100.

Where and when is the Affordable Art Fair?

The Autumn edition of the fair will take place in the heart of Battersea Park from October 18-21. Thursday will see the fair open late until 9pm for a special opening event.

What can you see at the Affordable Art Fair?

(Affordable Art Fair/Marc Quinn)
(Affordable Art Fair/Marc Quinn)

Plenty of art to covet. Galleries will be showcasing work by artists both well-known and up-and-coming, with names including former Fourth Plinth artist Marc Quinn and Turner Prize winner Richard Deacon. If you’re looking for art’s next superstar then be sure to take a look at the Recent Graduates section, where curator Cassie Beadle has picked her favourite artists to recently leave the UK’s top art schools.

But don’t just stand there staring – you can also get involved. More than 20 workshops will run throughout the weekend, ranging from a Frida Kahlo-inspired self-portrait class to printmaking and collage sessions. Affordable Art Fair will also host a series of talks over the course of the fair, covering topics including identity in art and figurative painting. Many workshops and talks will led by tutors from Central Saint Martins.

How much are tickets and how can you get them?

(Affordable Art Fair/Adrian Brooks/Imagewise)
(Affordable Art Fair/Adrian Brooks/Imagewise)

Tickets are available to buy online through the Affordable Art Fair website, or on the door. Online, they're priced at £10 for standard weekday tickets and £12 for weekend tickets, with concessions available. Buying on the door will cost you a couple of quid extra, while tickets for the Thursday late view are £20.

For more information, visit affordableartfair.com