Every year, Art Rotterdam draws art, artists and collectors from all over the world. As the premier art fair in the Netherlands, Art Rotterdam is a great opportunity to view and even purchase amazing new art from local and international artists.
What is Art Rotterdam?
Art Rotterdam is the main art fair in the Netherlands. The annual fair provides a platform for the newest developments in visual art. In particular, the fair's focus on recent art, the variety of its participants and sections, the event's connection with the city of Rotterdam and the iconic location (Van Nelle factory) give Art Rotterdam a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other.
For an increasing number of art professionals and collectors worldwide, Art Rotterdam has become a preferred destination within the international field of art fairs. The event attracts more visitors from the Netherlands and abroad each year.
Art Rotterdam 2023
From Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 February 2023, the iconic, Rotterdam Van Nelle Factory will host the 24th edition of Art Rotterdam. On a floor space of 10,000 m2, over a hundred leading domestic and foreign galleries will show work by upcoming and established artists. Two innovations stand out: the presentation of Sculpture Park, co-sponsored by Stichting Droom en Daad, and the central placement of the New Art Section.
Sculpture Park
Sculpture Park is a presentation of 10 to 20 mainly large-scale artworks that relate to nature or the urban environment. The location is the Tobacco Factory, one of the industrial and monumental spaces that the Van Nelle Factory has to offer. Tom Postma Design (known from Art Basel, Frieze Masters and Tefaf as well as Art Rotterdam) is responsible for the architectural interpretation. Part of the space will be reserved for Rotterdam-based or Rotterdam-trained artists.
Indeed, the aim of Sculpture Park is: connection with the city of Rotterdam. Rotterdam possesses an internationally unique collection of over 50 major works of art. These sculptures, which are all located in important places in the city, are part of the public programme of Rotterdam Art Week. At the same time, the custodian of this collection, Sculpture International, is involved in Sculpture Park at the Van Nelle Factory in terms of content and publicity. Thus, a representative of Sculpture International, together with a representative of Tom Postma Design and a Rotterdam curator/museum director, is part of the selection committee.
And finally, the Rotterdam-based Stichting Droom en Daad is also a major driving force behind the realisation of Sculpture Park. This foundation, established in 2017, is a philanthropic fund that invests in projects that contribute to a beautiful and attractive Rotterdam for residents and visitors.
Sculpture Park selection committee
The selection of the artworks will be carried out by a selection committee consisting of: Ove Lucas (director CBK Rotterdam and director Sculpture International Rotterdam), Saskia van Kampen (curator Boijmans Van Beuningen) and Tom Postma (creative director Tom Postma Design).
New Art Section
With the always surprising New Art Section, Art Rotterdam gives a unique presentation of emerging artists year after year. This year, the focus has been strengthened. To do justice to Art Rotterdam's basic principles - discovering new art and encouraging young talent - a central location has been chosen. Visitors to this 24th edition cannot ignore it: the New Art Section is right next to the entrance and emphatically demands attention with its innovative presentations. Adjacent are two restaurants accessible from the entrance area.
Michiel Simons, M.Simons gallery: "As a young gallery owner, I am extremely proud to participate in the Netherlands' leading contemporary art fair in the New Art Section again this year. The daring character and quality of Art Rotterdam makes the fair a platform for me where, together with my artists, I always go the extra mile to create the most surprising presentation possible. I look forward to welcoming visitors in February with a solo presentation by Hadrien Gerenton and being inspired by my fellow gallery owners."
How to buy art at Art Rotterdam?
If you're an art lover or collector looking to buy art, this is also a great opportunity to do so. To check out the available art beforehand, visit GalleryViewer.com. The site displays the online catalogue of Art Rotterdam prior to the fair's opening. This catalogue includes all the works of art exhibited by participating galleries, including their price range, a short biography, videos and recommendations.
GalleryViewer.com is Art Rotterdam's online platform, specially built to support potential art buyers. The site maintains an extensive database of artworks, exhibitions, and artist profiles. More than 45 participating galleries have been chosen for their high-quality selection.
Location: Van Nelle factory