© FNB ART JOBURG
Travel for art has become a major interest for artists, collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. From Manhattan to Marrakech, galleries and fairs showcase modern masters alongside emerging talents. While a few events focus on Old Masters, most concentrate on contemporary art—sometimes broadening to include decorative arts, jewelry, antiques and photography. Major fairs typically gather under one roof, with satellite events, pop-ups and museum shows nearby that turn a single city into a compact cultural circuit. Buyers continue to travel to see works in person: according to the Art Basel & UBS global collectors survey, nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of collectors had attended art fairs in person during the first half of 2022.
Art Basel—the high-profile, privately operated international fair—remains one of the market’s most influential platforms. With editions in Basel, Hong Kong, Miami Beach and Paris, Art Basel attracts blue-chip galleries that represent renowned artists and high-net-worth collectors. At Art Basel Hong Kong in March 2023, for example, several galleries recorded million-dollar sales, signaling strong demand and a renewed energy for in-person events. Dealers noted a sense of optimism among international visitors and local attendees alike as fairs resumed full-scale operations.
Market reports support the idea that top-tier platforms remain robust. Research by Dr. Clare McAndrew, founder of Arts Economics, published in partnership with Art Basel and UBS, estimated global art sales rose modestly year-on-year to about $67.8 billion—exceeding the market’s pre-pandemic level in 2019.
Art Basel’s 2023 edition in Switzerland expected around 200 galleries and roughly 4,000 artists, while related citywide programming such as Zurich Art Weekend offers additional exhibitions and events within easy reach. Art Basel Miami Beach, which has become a cornerstone of North America’s contemporary art calendar, takes over the Miami Beach Convention Center each December, converting a traditionally quieter season into a major cultural moment.
The Venice Biennale, often called the “Olympics of the Art World,” runs through the peak tourist months and draws a global audience. Dating back to 1895, the Biennale stages national pavilions and large-scale exhibitions across the Giardini, Arsenale and venues throughout Venice. Past editions have presented hundreds of artists from dozens of countries and have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, reinforcing Venice’s central role in the international art calendar.
Art Fair Magazine’s calendar tracks several hundred international shows spanning Old Masters to cutting-edge, technology-driven art. Collectors seeking historical works often turn to TEFAF, which gathers dealers in Maastricht and New York and maintains a reputation for quality and connoisseurship. Dealers and curators note sustained interest in Old Master paintings, viewing them as assets that may be undervalued relative to other categories.
Paris remains a major hub for fairs and exhibitions, hosting events that range from antiques and decorative arts to contemporary practices. FIAC and other Paris-based fairs, along with specialized events that highlight Middle Eastern and North African art, help position the city as a year-round art destination. Similarly, Art Dubai spotlights contemporary work from the Middle East and beyond each March, expanding access to regional talent for an international audience.
PHOTO: © FNB ART JOBURG
1-54 is the principal international fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, named for the continent’s 54 countries. Since its debut in London in 2013, the fair has expanded to New York, Marrakech and Paris pop-ups, and it is recognized as an important platform for African modern and contemporary artists. Collectors interested in South African art often attend Art Joburg in Johannesburg, which brings regional galleries and artists together in Sandton.
Other notable international fairs include ARCOmadrid, a major contemporary fair in Spain; India Art Fair in New Delhi, which serves as South Asia’s leading arts event; and Zona MACO in Mexico City, the largest fair in Latin America. These fairs attract hundreds of galleries from many countries and often introduce dedicated programs such as residencies and special awards.
In the United States, New York remains a focal point for art fairs across the calendar. The Armory Show, named for the landmark 1913 exhibition, is a major fall event, while Frieze New York, SCOPE and other fairs present contemporary, experimental and tech-forward work. Independent art fairs and curated shows have also flourished, offering platforms for both established and emerging artists and contributing to a lively citywide scene.
© ART MARKET HAMPTONS
Some fairs cater to collectors in vacation regions or affluent communities, such as Art Market Hamptons, which attracts buyers in the Hamptons each summer, and Art on Paper New York in the fall. The International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe highlights handmade works from dozens of countries and supports artists directly through sales that often return to communities around the world.
Not all fairs are focused on high-end galleries. The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art and founded by Ryan Stanier, showcases independent artists and connects them directly with buyers. Since 2011 it has supported thousands of artists across editions in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia, promoting accessibility and a more democratic approach to art collecting.
Together, these fairs and festivals create a global ecosystem that serves artists, galleries, collectors and audiences. They offer opportunities to discover new work, engage with emerging trends, and experience art in person—an enduring incentive that keeps travelers returning to cities and countries where art and culture intersect.