Art & the Artist Travel, Food & Drink

Seven of the Hottest International Art Fairs

Cutting-edge finds, emerging works of art, and pieces from established artists are on full display at these global events

Nothing quite compares to a Christie’s art sale: the bang of the gavel, glitterati decked out in their finery, the electricity that grips the sale room as the bidding climbs. That said, international art fairs are supported by Christie’s and Christie’s International Real Estate as opportunities to discover emerging artists as well as established art, often times in tandem with fine real estate displays. Located in the world’s most glamorous destinations and featuring pieces represented by prime art galleries, Luxury Defined profiles seven of the most popular international art fairs with private jet travel data from leading aviation firm, NetJets.

Frieze London
October 6-9, 2016

The prestigious Frieze London art fair at Regent’s Park features more than 160 art galleries and more than 1,000 artists as well as Frieze Projects and Talks that reveal new artist commissions and art market insights. In addition to Frieze London, the concurrent Frieze Masters show displays art from ancient times to present day.  Be sure to check out these two shows, as well as London’s fantastic theater, historic landmarks, world-renowned museums, and quaint neighborhoods. NetJets data reveals that 2015 saw an uptick of 23% in private jet flights the week of the fair.

Miami Art Week
November 29-December 4, 2016

During the first week of December, Miami becomes such a focal point in the art scene that a simple stroll offers a viewer the chance to see ambitious large-scale installations, cutting-edge street art, films, and performances. Art Miami, the leading international contemporary and modern art fair, takes place at the midtown Miami complex in the renowned Wynwood Arts District.  Art Basel, with its work from the masters of modern and contemporary as well as emerging stars, is held simultaneously at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Of course, wherever art can be found, the jet-set crowd is close at hand, and these two events trigger an increase in private jet flights of 202%, according to NetJets. From chic boutiques to the rooftops of classic South Beach hotels, art world insiders mingle with tastemakers and fashion editors at receptions and parties following the fair’s events.

Art Wynwood and Yachts Miami Beach
February 16-20, 2017

The fashionable crowd loves to leave the cold and soak up the sunshine, returning to Miami over President’s Weekend to savor Art Wynwood—the five-day international contemporary art fair. While visiting the show, save a little time to browse the shops in Coconut Grove, get steeped in the Caribbean culture of Little Havana, or cruise down Ocean Drive through the Art Deco District.  Sailing enthusiasts take note, Yachts Miami, the international Yacht Show, runs concurrently with Art Wynwood. The popularity of these events is evident—NetJets reports private jet flights increase 28%.

The Armory Show
March 2-5, 2017

Now in its 22nd year, The Armory Show remains an anticipated event on the global arts calendar, connecting the world’s leading galleries with international collectors, curators, and art professionals. To help international visitors learn more about New York’s many artistic communities, Armory Arts Week offers a cultural event about a different city neighborhood each day of the show. In addition to viewing the high-quality modern and contemporary art at the Armory Show, take time to catch a Broadway show, visit any of the city’s world-class museums, shop along Fifth Avenue, or dine at some of the world’s top restaurants.

TEFAF Maastricht
March 10-17, 2017

Maastricht, one of Holland’s busiest commercial and tourist centers, has hosted The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) for more than 30 years. Because of its strategic location on both sides of the Meuse River, Maastricht suffered numerous sieges across the centuries and changed hands many times since its founding in 50 B.C. Those sieges are why, beginning in 1575, Maastricht’s citizenry would spend the next 250 years building a fascinating underground landscape of tunnels called the Casemates. The art and antiques lover who comes to TEFAF will certainly want to save some time to explore them. And, as proof of the must-see caliber of this leading European fair, private jets swoop into the normally quiet medieval-era city. This fall, TEFAF will begin hosting additional fairs in New York City:  with shows October 21-26 and May 4-9 at the Park Avenue Armory. 

Venice Biennale
May 13-November 26, 2017

The oldest art show on the list, La Biennale was born from a resolution by the Venice City Council to start a “biennial national artistic exhibition.” The first Venice Biennale opened in April 1895, with the goal of helping contemporary art find its market. Since its inception, the Venice Biennale has served a model for other shows, but it has managed to retain its unique character. In addition to a curated show, it includes individual exhibitions of art from many countries. Through its international exhibitions, the Venice Biennale has become an important forum for countries to showcase their national artistic and cultural identities.

Art Basel
June 15-17, 2017 

Art Basel has served as an international art world destination since 1970. The high quality and wide variety of art from global galleries gives Art Basel a “don’t-miss” reputation with private jet flights increasing nearly 375%. Art Basel has expanded from its original show in the second largest city in Switzerland to include shows in Miami (December 1-4, 2016) and Hong Kong (March 23-25, 2017). The original fair also offers the chance to explore the beautiful city of Basel, Switzerland. When visiting the fair, take time to stroll through Basel’s Old Town with its medieval and baroque buildings and experience a history very much present today.

Data used in this article is based on 2015 private jet data supplied by NetJets