Now in its sixth year, and back for their first IRL fair since 2019, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair offers an incredible line-up of nearly 1000 artworks, from over 500 artists, famous names and specialist galleries across a range of styles and techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to collect original prints from the most exciting artists working today at accessible price points, as well as take part in an interactive programme of talks, seminars, workshops and more from leading Curators, Collectors & Creatives.
The Fair takes place 11 – 14 November 2021 at the newly refurbished Fireworks Factory; an architectural gem at the heart of London’s historic Royal Arsenal heritage site. This year, they will also be online from 11-28 November, reaching audiences across the UK and internationally.
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is the largest event of its kind in the world, and is your opportunity to #FindArtThatFits. From established artisans to emerging graduates, artists from their International Open Call will join an exciting line-up of well-known names and specialist galleries. For 2021, this expands to include Zuleika Gallery, Long & Ryle, and Oliver Projects who will join many long-standing partners such as Jealous Gallery and Atelier Rose & Gray.
“Our mission as a Fair is to showcase the very best in international contemporary print; to push the boundaries of the medium, demonstrating the versatility and ambition of what print can achieve. We want to shake off and challenge preconceptions of what print is, and for people to discover the rich heritage and new interpretations, the intricate and varied techniques, a world-wide network of incredible draughts-people, and situate printmaking within wider contemporary art conversation. For aspirational collectors, print is a brilliant and savvy way to establish an art collection with the nature of editioning often making owning an original piece of art more affordable. It is a great way to learn about different artistic processes and how they can be adapted and interpreted to inform other fine-art practises. It can be an exciting way to experiment with, or develop your own tastes or collection narrative, while encountering a broad and diverse community or artists. Original print can also be a more accessible way of bringing famous names into your collection without paying the price tag of their large paintings or sculptural works.” Lizzie Glendinning, WCPF Curator.
As well as discovering the best printmakers today, visitors can take part in an interactive programme of talks, seminars, and workshops from artists and industry experts. Relax in their Mirabeau wine bar, or grab something for all the family in the new Woolwich Works cafe. There’ll also be a live DJ set and printing press demonstrations from leading artists and studios to enjoy.
One of the top highlights of their interactive programme is their CAMPARI New Collectors’ Evening. New for 2021 with help from their friends at Campari, this complimentary cocktail-fuelled affair is specially tailored to those who love art, but hate the pretensions surrounding it. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear hot tips from leading experts about what, when, and how to buy art with the Own Art panel. There’ll also be a live DJ, have-a-go print demos, drop in (optional!) speed-dating sessions, and of course hundreds of artworks from today’s best artist-printmakers. You can purchase tickets for this event on the 12th November here.
Other must sees include the specially curated Living With Art section which will offer new approaches to art and the interior, and free drop-in children’s workshops as part of the Young London Print Prize initiative.
Conrad Shawcross, David Shrigley, and Hormazd Narielwalla, amongst other big names, will all be releasing new launches at the event. Even better, thanks to generous support from their friends at Jealous gallery, everyone who purchases a print at the fair will be entered into a prize draw for Shrigley’s new Edition.
“As a legacy, we would hope to be recognised in supporting thousands of independent artists through our unique model of 50% Gallery booths and 50% curated hang – many artists, if not represented by a gallery might not have the opportunity to show within a large-scale art fair, but our open call means many international independent artists can exhibit alongside big names and specialist galleries as equals. Our selection panel made up of industry experts means you can’t buy bad – and we hope this will echo through, and we will be the go-to place for the best in contemporary print.” Lizzie Glendinning, WCPF Curator.
WCPF21 takes place 11 – 14 November 2021, 12:00 – 18:00. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to www.woolwichprintfair.com.
Want to know more about our membership? Give us an email at members@peopleofprint.com.
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