The Affordable Art Fair: Bristol

Recession-savvy purchases are in vogue and so will you be if you go along to the Affordable Art Fair (AAF), which is returning to the Passenger Shed, Temple Meads, Bristol on 15th-17th May 2009 with our 2-for-1 ticket offer.

The fair offers an exciting line-up of contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography and original prints, all priced between £50 and £3,000.

The diversity of style and price across the 55 exhibiting galleries – who come from all over the UK – guarantees there's something to suit both the new art buyer looking to establish their own taste as well as the seasoned collector researching up-and-coming artists.

Fair founder Will Ramsay offers some key tips for those who are unsure where to start:

Ensure you have an idea of the space you are considering for the work (including the amount of light and wall colours, as well as dimensions).
Have an idea of your budget already in mind; look online to see what galleries are exhibiting and get a feel for individual styles.
When you get to the fair, pick up a stand plan or catalogue at the entrance and take some time to look around a few times, making notes on galleries and pieces that you like, and the essentials, including artist, size and price.
When you are considering a piece of work, ask about the artist's history, if their work is included in any major collections or if the artist has won any public art prizes – building knowledge is key to making a sound investment.

2-for-1 Ticket Offer For 50connect Readers

Receive two-for-one entry on presentation of this page at the door (normal price £5).
You can print this page and take it with you to the Affordable Art Fair to admit a guest free when you buy one ticket.

If you are uncertain about investing, Will has some reassuring advice, "The Affordable Art Fair is an oasis in an uncertain economy where there appear to be no secure financial investments. The price of 'affordable art' is unlikely to decrease because you are not paying a premium for the artist's reputation, or speculation; you are simply paying for the artist's time and materials, and this will not get cheaper."

Regardless of whether or not your purchase increases in value, with the instant pleasure of purchases you can take home with you immediately and enjoy for a lifetime, AAF is an uplifting experience not to be missed.