Art - the new black?
September 24th, 2009 by Julie WilsonThere’s been much debate around the value of the contemporary art market over recent months, however despite the unstable economic climate, the demand for art remains at a high.
Launched last year, following the publication of the Taste Buds report, which revealed the market for original art is thriving in the North West with the potential to more than double the number of art sales in the region, Buy Art Fair debuted with impact.
Now entering its second year, the consumer art buying event is commanding increased attention with the launch of The Manchester Contemporary, an exclusive showcase of the UK’s most cutting edge contemporary artists chosen by an independent panel of curators.
To be unveiled later this evening with an exclusive performance by John Strutton’s band, Arthur Brick, at The Urbis, Manchester, there is much anticipation surrounding the new contemporary art platform and the interest this will attract.
Certainly the event has been successful in securing some of the most current and exciting galleries of this time. There will be thirteen in total, including DOMOBAAL, NETTIE HORN, Limoncello, Works/Projects and Man&Eve, and from closer to home Castlefield Gallery and International 3. A specially commissioned work by internationally acclaimed artist, Nathaniel Mellors, and curated by Ceri Hand, will be at the heart of the new exhibition and is expected to be a big draw amongst avid art enthusiasts.
But who will be buying at this weekend’s events? With over 500 guests confirmed for tonight’s invitation only preview, including John Squire, Ben Kelly, Kevin Cummins, Mani (Stone Roses) and former-bassist for Joy Division, Peter Hook, the interest in Buy Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary is unquestionable.
You’d be wrong, however, to think that the events are only for the big spenders. Last year’s success was, undoubtedly, down to the event organiser’s desire to break down the boundaries to art and provide something for everyone, in other words, not just those with a spare few thousands under the bed.
This year’s event will see prints available from just £50 and everything in between and up to £35,000 - good news for me.
If you’re in the market for a new piece of art or indeed are just looking for an alternative way to spend your weekend, then Buy Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary are a must-visit. And if you need any further persuading let the Guardian’s preview convince you…
Tags: Art Galleries, Buy Art Fair, Contemporary Art, The Manchester Contemporary



October 13th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Hello
My name is Kelsey Lenert and I am the gallery assistant at The BLDG,and today we will be releasing our latest Digrent print, entitled “Toy Soldier” We’re really excited about this print as it kicks off a new direction of Digrent’s work… dissension. Digrent’s most recent feelings that there is not enough dissent amongst American artists has driven him to speak out against the apparent evils in the “Land of the Free”.
This latest print is a 19_x25_, 4 color hand pulled screen print on French Brilliant White paper. It goes on sale at a random time today: Tuesday, Oct. 13th for $50.
Thanks so much!
Cheers.
Kelsey Lenert
Gallery Assistant
The BLDG