Best Art Fairs for Emerging Artists in the UK

For emerging artists, art fairs are one of the most effective ways to gain exposure, connect with collectors, and generate sales. Across the UK, a number of fairs are specifically designed to support early-career talent, offering accessible entry points into the commercial art world.

New Artist Fair (London)
👉 https://www.newartistfair.com
An artist-led fair dedicated to emerging talent. With affordable pricing and direct-to-collector sales, it’s an ideal first step into exhibiting.

The Other Art Fair (London & UK-wide)
👉 https://www.theotherartfair.com
Presented by Saatchi Art, this fair combines strong curation with an independent spirit, offering a professional yet approachable platform.

Affordable Art Fair (Battersea, Hampstead & beyond)
👉 https://affordableartfair.com
A major international fair that actively supports emerging artists through curated sections and high collector footfall.

Roy’s Art Fair (London)
👉 https://www.roysartfair.com
Founded by artists, this fair focuses on community, accessibility, and direct engagement between artists and buyers. Cancelled in 2024 - we hope to see it back soon!

Rochester Art Fair (Kent)
👉 https://www.rochesterartfair.co.uk
Set against the lavish backdrop of the 18th Century Rochester Corn Exchange in the historic town of Rochester, Kent, this fair is quite new but gaining a good following.

Beyond London and the South East: Opportunities Across the UK

While London remains a key hub, artists based in the North, East Anglia, and Scotland have access to a growing number of high-quality fairs and regional platforms:

The Manchester Contemporary (North West)
👉 https://www.manchesterartfair.co.uk
A leading platform for emerging and experimental work, this fair actively champions artist-led spaces and underrepresented voices, attracting collectors from across the UK. 

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (Manchester & Newcastle)
👉 https://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk
One of the North’s premier selling events, offering a curated platform for artists and makers to connect with engaged buyers and collectors. 

MAC’s Arts Market (Midlands Arts Centre)
👉 https://macbirmingham.co.uk/events/macs-arts-market
In inimitable Midland’s fashion! MAC's Arts Markets bring together the best independent makers from Brum, the West Midlands and beyond. Free to attend the markets take place on selected days, with stalls throughout the public foyer.

Greyfriars Edinburgh Art Fair (Scotland)
👉 https://www.greyfriarsartfair.com
Set in the historic Greyfriars Kirk, this fair brings together emerging and established artists in an intimate, collector-friendly environment. 

Glasgow Contemporary Art Fair (Scotland)
👉 https://glasgowinternational.org
A dynamic event featuring galleries and independent artists from across the UK, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and new work. 

Why It Matters
These fairs provide more than just exhibition space—they offer real market experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to build a collector base.

Crucially, the growth of regional fairs is helping decentralise the UK art world, creating more inclusive opportunities beyond London and supporting artists within their local ecosystems.

For emerging artists, the right fair—whether in London, Manchester, Newcastle, or Edinburgh—can be a powerful catalyst for visibility, sales, and long-term career growth.