The highly anticipated Manchester Art Fair is back, taking over the city centre next month, and there’s so much to look forward to. Established in 2008, this event has blossomed into one of the largest and most significant art fairs in the UK, firmly securing its place in Greater Manchester’s cultural calendar. The Manchester Art Fair blurs the boundaries between traditional and contemporary art, creating an inclusive and approachable art-buying environment.

Event Details

When and Where

Manchester Art Fair 2024 will be held at Manchester Central, transforming the venue into a vibrant gallery space from Friday, November 15, at 5 PM to Sunday, November 17. This year, the fair promises an exciting lineup featuring a diverse array of artists, galleries, and artist studios, along with an extensive program of talks and art classes. This year’s fair is particularly significant, featuring numerous artists and galleries, and highlighting the high level of competition among over 1,000 applicants.

Ticket Information

Advance tickets for Saturday and Sunday, available from 10 AM to 6 PM, are priced at £12 until November 14, rising to £15 thereafter (plus booking fee). Entry is free for children under 16. Tickets can be purchased online, allowing art enthusiasts to join over 13,000 attendees expected this year.

A Welcoming Experience

The Manchester Art Fair prides itself on creating a “friendly, unpretentious, and quintessentially Northern art-buying experience.” This year’s fair features more new exhibitors than ever, with over a third making their debut. Fair Director Sophie Helm noted, “The number of applications for this year’s edition surpassed all expectations, making for an extremely challenging selection process. The final list of exhibitors is incredibly strong, presenting a more diverse range of work than ever before.”

Notable new galleries include the Francis Iles Gallery, showcasing a mix of UK and international artists, and Linton 59 Gallery, known for its vibrant use of color and texture. Individual artists to watch include Alec Cummingswhose work captures fleeting moments inspired by his time in India, and Zoe Ankerwho fuses silk screen printing with bold colors and geometric shapes.

Engaging Talks and Workshops

This year’s event will feature an extended program of talks and workshops included with your ticket. Here are some highlights:

• Scarlet Page: The renowned music photographer will discuss her experiences with iconic bands and present exclusive work at the fair.
• Art Talk with Jez Dolan: Delve into the values of art collection with author Gemma Rolls Bentley, who will also be signing her book celebrating queer voices.
• Book Signings: Catch discussions with authors including Andy Spinoza and DJ Dave Haslam.
• Liverpool Biennial 2025 Discussion: A look ahead to next year’s event with insights from Marie-Anne McQuay and Paulette Terry Brien.
• Panel Discussion on Women’s Leadership in Art: Explore women’s contributions to contemporary art with speakers from Harper’s Bazaar and the British Council.
• Creative Workshops: Engage in creative activities with workshops on oil painting and abstract art inspired by Piet Mondrian.

Featured Artists

Among the many talented artists exhibiting this year are:

• Amanda Wigglesworth: An artist based in South Manchester, her work has gained recognition across the UK and Europe, with collectors spanning the globe.
• Genevieve Leavold: A critically acclaimed abstract painter, Leavold’s work explores the relationship between self and nature through layers of transparent glazes and movement. Her intuitive approach creates a dialogue between process and outcome, inviting viewers into a world of energetic exchange.
• Nick Chaffe: A graphic artist whose bold style fuses everyday objects with bright colors and clean lines, creating striking visual collisions.
• Lindsey Tyson: Winner of the Women in Art/Hampstead School of Art Emerging Abstract Painting Prize, Tyson has achieved significant milestones, including a solo exhibition in London this year.

With its rich tapestry of exhibitions, engaging talks, and interactive workshops, the Manchester Art Fair 2024 promises to be an unmissable event for art lovers and curious minds alike. For the full list of galleries and artists participating, and to secure your tickets, click here.

Embrace the vibrant art scene this November and be part of Manchester’s cultural renaissance.

Event Overview

The Manchester Art Fair 2024 is a premier art event that brings together a uniquely diverse mix of acclaimed galleries and independent artists. Taking place at Manchester Central from November 15 to 17, the fair promises to deliver an immersive experience for art enthusiasts. With a rich programme of artist talks, panel discussions, performances, and installations, the event is set to blur the boundaries between traditional and contemporary art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time attendee, the Manchester Art Fair 2024 is the perfect platform to discover new art and artists.

Featured Artists and Exhibitors

This year’s art fair features an impressive lineup of over 170 UK and international artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces. Some of the notable exhibitors include Sabina Swan Art from Knutsford, Geoff Beckett from Malpas, Paul Dunkerley from Crewe, Lee Herring and Louisa Boyd from Chester, Gareth Tristan Evans from Macclesfield, and Cheshire Art Gallery from Bramhall. These talented artists and galleries were selected from over 1,000 applications, making this year’s fair one of the most competitive and exciting yet.

Tickets and Events

Tickets for the Art Fair are now available, priced from £12 for a weekend ticket or £25 for the preview night. With your ticket, you’ll gain access to a programme of artist talks, panel discussions, performances, and installations. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the fair’s critically engaged environment, which provides a unique platform for artistic exploration and development. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to discover new art and artists – book your tickets now

Discovering Manchester Art

The art fair is a celebration of the city’s vibrant art scene as well as quality art. With its rich history and cultural heritage, Manchester is the perfect backdrop for this exciting event. From street art to contemporary galleries, the city is home to a thriving arts community that is waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the Manchester Art Fair 2024 is the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s artistic offerings and discover new talent.

Venue and Accessibility

The Manchester Art Fair takes place at Manchester Central, a state-of-the-art venue located in the heart of the city. With its excellent transport links and accessible facilities, Manchester Central is the perfect venue for this exciting event. The venue is easily accessible by car, train, or tram, and there are plenty of parking options available. Once you arrive, you’ll find a welcoming and inclusive environment that is designed to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.