Culture in the North is Our Passion

Organised by EASEL Projects, Manchester Art Fair is one of the UK’s most ambitious art fairs, selling modern & contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography and editioned prints from a selection of UK and international galleries.

Launched in 2008 as Buy Art Fair, Manchester Art Fair had an exciting first 15 years including a charity auction of Damian Hirst doodles, the development of The Manchester Contemporary and its collector programme, limited edition print releases by artists including JJ Adams, Stan Chow and Simon Buckley and live painting by artists such as Kerry Darlington, Pure Evil and akse p19.

In recent years, highlights have included installations from Manchester School of Art, WTF is an NFT? collaboration with KnownOrigin, and exclusive print releases and talks with Ryan Gander, Stanley Chow and Ghislaine Howard.

EASEL Projects' current portfolio includes Manchester Art Fair, The Manchester Contemporary, The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund, Salon Hang, EASEL and EASEL Bespoke. We champion the arts ecology of the North all year round.

The team behind the fair have over 20 yrs experience in the exhibitions industry organising events in the arts and culture and food & drink sectors. Managing Director Sophie Helm has advised multi-million pound Manchester property developments on their art collections, been invited to judge several leading art prizes, and curated Manchester Art Fair for over ten years.

Executive Chairman and founder, Thom Hetherington, has become one of the leading cultural figures in the region and was named ‘Cultural Icon’ in the Manchester Evening News City Life awards 2016. A trustee of Manchester Art Gallery, Thom also consults for arts organisations such as the Manchester International Festival, comments on arts and hospitality in the regional and national media, and has acted as a judge for awards such as the New Light Art Prize.

The Manchester Contemporary

Launched in 2009, with careful selection and bold curatorial vision, The Manchester Contemporary takes a uniquely artist-focused approach, inviting the most exciting international and UK galleries to participate. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

TMC Art Fund

In 2017, CEO Thom Hetherington launched The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund with a group of local businesspeople and since then it has gifted nine pieces of work, acquired from galleries at the Manchester Contemporary Art Fair, worth a combined £16,000 to Manchester Art Gallery.

TMC Collector Programme

The Manchester Contemporary Collector Programme exists to develop a new generation of private collectors. The programme includes unique social events, guided tours of the fair with gallerist introductions and the chance to meet other like minded collectors.

EASEL

EASEL, The art buying platform from the creators of Manchester Art Fair, brings original art from hundreds of British and international artists together in one simple, elegant space where you can view, explore and buy.

EASEL Bespoke

EASEL Bespoke provides a unique insight into the art world and relationships with the very best established and emerging artists from EASEL and Manchester Art Fair. EASEL Bespoke is here to advise and guide architects, developers and interior designs in curating a selection of artworks for your next development or commercial project.

Salon Hang

Salon Hang delivers bespoke events to bring world class art into private residences, balancing informality and exclusivity, and offering engagement, conversation and the opportunity to acquire work by some of the UK's most sought after artists.

Wishlist

For the collector, the curator and the simply curious

The Organisers

In addition to Manchester Art Fair

The Manchester Contemporary

TMC Art Fund

TMC Collector Programme

EASEL

EASEL Bespoke

Salon Hang