In 2024, Affordable Art Fair marks two significant milestones: its 25th anniversary globally and its 15th anniversary in Singapore. This 7-10 November 2024, the F1 Pit Building will once again come alive as the fair returns, continuing its mission to make art accessible to everyone and celebrating its enduring influence on the global and local art scenes.

The 15th anniversary of Affordable Art Fair Singapore is testament to the transformative impact the fair has had on the local art ecosystem. Since its inception in 2010, the fair has hosted over 1,200 galleries and welcomed over 215,000 visitors since 2010, and facilitated art sales totalling over S$56.5 million, with nearly 20,000 pieces of contemporary art finding happy homes. It has played a pivotal role in democratising art ownership, making high-quality art accessible to a broader audience in Singapore.

Alan Koh, Fair Director of Affordable Art Fair Singapore, reflects on this journey: “Singapore has made remarkable strides in embracing arts and culture over the years. When I first ventured into the art world in 2007, institutions like La Salle, NAFA, Polytechnics and Sotheby’s Institute of Art’s first Singapore outpost were beginning to introduce and expand their arts programme structure. Today, with institutions like the School of the Arts (SOTA) and the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), we see a growing commitment to arts education. We are proud to have played a part in integrating the arts into everyday life and witnessing the evolution of Singapore’s art scene.

“In 2010, we started with 50 galleries. Being a launch fair, we were hoping to receive 7,000 visitors. We were overwhelmed by the turnout of 9,500 art lovers and knew then that there is a gap in the market – people were looking to buy art but were not sure where to go or have the confidence to. Now, we are the longest running art fair in Singapore, and consistently have over 80 galleries showcasing with us. Visitors have evolved into passionate collectors, and our art sales have grown from S$1.75 million in 2010 to S$5 million in 2023 — an affirmation to the nation’s growing appreciation for art and culture. We are deeply thankful to our art-loving audience, whose enthusiasm and support have been the driving force behind our success. They are the reason we have come this far, and we look forward to continuing on this trajectory together.”

The 2023 edition of Affordable Art Fair Singapore was a landmark event, with 16,000 visitors and record-breaking art sales of S$5 million. Nearly 50% of the attendees were first-time visitors, many of whom left with their first piece of art, reflecting the fair’s ongoing success in fostering a new generation of art lovers.

“We’ve been part of Affordable Art Fair since its inception in Singapore, and it’s been an incredible journey. As the very first gallery in Asia to sign up, we immediately recognised that the fair’s philosophy of making original art accessible to everyone resonated deeply with our own ethos,” says Pwee Keng-Hock, Managing Partner of Utterly Art LLP Singapore. “Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of introducing some of Singapore’s most exciting talents to a broader audience—artists like TR853-1 and Boo Sze Yang—who have since become prominent figures in the local art scene. The fair has provided a platform not just for us, but for many artists to grow and flourish. This year, we’re excited to once again showcase a range of works that continue to capture the imagination of both seasoned collectors and new art enthusiasts alike.”

Every piece of art sold at Affordable Art Fair tells a story, and behind each story is a living artist. By purchasing art at the fair, visitors contribute directly to the livelihoods of contemporary artists and the galleries that represent them. The fair has been instrumental in supporting the careers of over 40,000 artists globally, providing them with a platform to reach new audiences and achieve their creative aspirations.

This year, the fair will feature 83 galleries, including 19 new participants, offering a fresh selection of affordable artworks. The fair continues to emphasise accessibility, with 75% of artworks priced under S$7,500 and all pieces capped at S$15,000 • Returning local galleries such as White Space Contemporary, Bruno Gallery, Wasuka Art Gallery, Art Forum and artcommune gallery will showcase artists Andry Boy, David Gerstein, Ong Xing Ru, Tung Yue Nang, Ho Sou Ping, alongside new local gallery Intersections Gallery showing Gilles Massot • International galleries include Alessandro Berni Gallery (United States), Lime Tree Gallery (United Kingdom), Gallery Jeeum (Hong Kong SAR)

Beyond the array of artwork, the fair features new curated exhibitions like the #SPOTLIGHT section, which showcases artists who have been with the fair since its inception, highlighting the evolution of their work over the years. Some of these include galleries such as Singapore’s Utterly Art, ArtBlue Studio Redsea Gallery and Artcommune Gallery, as well as international exhibitors, such as South Korea’s T&B, and the UK’s Linda Blackstone Gallery.

Additionally, visitors can experience immersive Special Project installations designed to connect and engage the public with contemporary art. These include South Korean artist Shin Yerin’s Moving Urban Landscape, which displays a series of hanging drawings created with a 3D pen, allowing cityscapes and characters to come to life. Of course, each individual drawing is also available for purchase.

Meanwhile, Li Shudan’s Spirit of the Apple comprises 365 handcarved wooden apples, from camphor wood – appearing to be actual apples from afar, picking one up will make you realise that they are far heavier than your typical apple, and explores how significant the individual is – in a pile, they represent layers of spiritual peace and contemplation. Visitors can also adopt an apple for $99, with $10 from each sale going to AAF’s partner charity Caregiving Welfare Association, in line with the installation’s message of communal good and peaceful impact.

Visitors can even step into a recreated home-studio of artist Deborah McKellar, of Talking Textiles to better understand and get a glimpse into the mind behind her varied mixed-media installations, many of which draw heavily from the natural world and its place in an urban city in Singapore. Throughout, Deborah demonstrates silkscreen printing, while during the Arty-licious Evening, the booth will also host a stamp rally where visitors can collect an original handmade print, specially made for AAF’s 15th anniversary.

The fair also offers a robust programme of educational and hands-on art activities, including engaging talks and interactive workshops designed to deepen visitors’ connection to the art world. For younger visitors, the Children’s Art Studio provides a space filled with curated activities aimed at nurturing the talents of tomorrow, fostering creativity and inspiring the next generation of artists. The Affordable Art Fair is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of 15 years of art, culture, and community in Singapore. Whether discovering a first piece of art or expanding an existing collection, the fair creates an inviting environment where art and lifestyle converge.

After exploring and purchasing art, visitors can unwind at the Gastro Park, Cafe, or Champagne Lounge, indulging in food, coffee, wine, and champagne from some of Singapore’s most beloved local vendors, which include coffee from Group Therapy, mapo tofu from Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant, Mexican fare from Chimichanga, pizza and tiramisu from Mia Tavola, and Italian pasta from Strong Flour.

“As we celebrate 25 years globally and 15 years in Singapore, it’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come in making art accessible to everyone,” says Will Ramsay, founder and CEO of Ramsay Fairs. “The Affordable Art Fair has always been about breaking down barriers and connecting people with art. Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this mission by expanding our reach, nurturing even more artists, and fostering a global community of art lovers. The journey doesn’t stop here—it’s just the beginning of the next exciting chapter.”

Affordable Art Fair Singapore 2024 runs from 7th to 10th November 2024 at the F1 Pit Building. Tickets and more information available here