1 Who are You? And why an International art fair in Oxford ?
My name is Joelle Dinnage, and I grew up in a beautiful little village in Holland surrounded by great people. I moved to London at the age of 21 to have an adventure and for my career. I am a passionate art lover, and organise international art events with heart and soul as part of the Global Art Agency.
For the past two years I’ve held art fairs with a festival flair for home-grown artists in the beautiful gardens of one of Oxford’s finest country pub, where we had an amazing response from artists and visitors alike. We also had a lot of artists from outside the UK wanting to come to Oxford and get involved.
Having successfully held international art fairs in other cities in Europe, including Amsterdam, Barcelona and Vienna with my colleagues from the agency, we asked ourselves whether Oxford could do the same. The answer was a resounding yes. Interest from artists around the globe flooded in and we secured a fabulous venue in Oxford Town Hall.
2 Whats the Global Art Agency?
In 2010 the idea started to do something great to promote the arts. I met this great guy Natal Vallve (art fair organiser) in Barcelona on a trip away, and he shared the same vision. Providing an all-round art platform enabling artists to exhibit and sell their artwork in amazing cities and buildings to a large audience. It was only that one time we met, but we trusted each other and it felt as it was meant to be. And since the GAA organise exclusive art events at spectacular venues in art hotspots around the globe. We grow very fast and are a friendly team, who’s interest lays with connecting the exhibitor and art collector.
3 is the Fair for Artist or Galleries ?
The Oxford International Art Fair is for both Gallery and Artist. We have experienced that this works really well, as there will be a great variety of quality artworks on show. Visitors have been really enthusiastic about this. Art collectors will be even travelling from abroad to visit the event. So we are very excited!
4 How many exhibitors do you have ?
There will be just over hundred exhibitors that come from all over the world. From Argentina and Europe, to Russia and USA. And of course also from the UK, and many local artists and galleries from Oxfordshire.
5 What kind of art will be being shown ?
It will be a varied and colourful art fair. The selection is based on photographs, illustrations, paintings, bespoke crafts and also sculptures. High-quality work, unique and fascinating style concepts with different media and techniques. All artworks are available for purchase at an affordable price. A great opportunity to invest in original Art I would say!
6 Have you run art fairs before ?
This is the fourth international Art Fair we are organising as the Global Art Agency. The first was Amsterdam Showcase at the most beautiful church De Oude Kerk, the second was Barcelona Showcase at Gaudi’s architectural jewel Casa Batllo, the third was Vienna Showcase at the Palace of Schonborn, and now of course the Oxford International Art Fair at the historic Oxford Town Hall. Previous to that our team have been organising exhibitions and art fairs individually. We are now also working hard on the Rotterdam International Art Fair for September 2014, and also Barcelona la fira d’art contemporani later this year.
7 Are there any exhibitors that are really exciting you ?
I am really excited to see the previous exhibitors again, many exhibited with us before and so am thrilled to catch up with them and to see their latest art series. I am excited to see the works of Junction Art Gallery. I have heard many great things about them. But also Olivia Boa from Switzerland, really vibrant art pieces. And Elena Bulycheva from Russia, has some great urban art that I like. And Liviu Mihai from Romania, his work is also very good. Many many others… And looking forward to see the works of Carina Haslam Art Gallery, they have a great sculpture specially for the Art Fair, that I am very curious to see.
8 Do you have any transport/hotel partners that can help people who want to come from London ?
Good question. We have collaborated with some fantastic hotels in Oxford that are close to the venue, and bang in the city centre. The Randolph Hotel and the Old Bank hotel, if you visit the Oxford International Art Fair website it has all details. Or simply call them. If you take the direct train from London Paddington to Oxford, only takes you 45min and the hotels and Art Fair venue are only a few min walking distance.
9 Finally if you had £45k to spend on art who would you spend it on?
Another great question! And also a very difficult one… I like Barry McGee, Aida Makoto, Evan Hecox, Phil Frost, Margaret Kilgallen, Marlene Dumas, Raymond Pettibon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jenny Saville and many others…!
Oxford International Art fair 7th -9th February 2014 www.oxfordinternationalartfair.com
