Time to start collecting? Art Dubai Group launches fair for all budgets

Focusing on editioned artworks, organisers aim to offer 'approachable access point' to buy contemporary pieces

Works from more than 50 galleries, design studios and collectives will be shown at Editions, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Art Dubai Group has announced a new fair that aims to present high-quality artworks for all budgets, collectors and enthusiasts.

Called Editions, Dubai, the event will be the first art and design fair in the Middle East to focus on editioned artworks.

An edition refers to a work in which the artist or designer creates multiple impressions made in the same mediums, which can run from unique to open runs.’

Works from more than 50 galleries, design studios and collectives will be shown at the event.

“Our hope is that Editions will provide our existing audiences, as well as new collectors and art enthusiasts, an approachable access point into the world of contemporary art and design,” Benedetta Ghione, executive director of Art Dubai tells The National exclusively.

“We aim to do so while adding to the cultural offer of Dubai as it expands and continues to provide opportunities for local and regional creatives to be discovered and appreciated.”

Editions, Dubai will run from November 6 to 9 alongside Downtown Design, the contemporary design fair, which takes place during Dubai Design Week at Dubai Design District.

The works expected to be presented at the fair will range in medium and style and will include contemporary design pieces, prints, photography, ceramics and works on paper. These pieces will be offered at a range of price points and will be exhibited exclusively at Editions, Dubai.

Mette Degn-Christensen, the director of Downtown Design, says the aim of the fair is "to offer collectors and design enthusiasts the chance to diversify their portfolio and discover high-quality art and design works from leading creatives around the world, with a spotlight on the region and emphasis on craft and artisanship".

The Art Dubai Group, established in 2007, has created several platforms that have established and continue to enrich the arts and cultural landscape in Dubai and across the region. Two of its popular events are Art Dubai, one of the region’s most popular art fairs, and Downtown Design.

“Art is essential for our growth, and for our understanding of the world,” says Pablo del Val, artistic director of Art Dubai.

“The act of collecting itself is a very meaningful experience as, when you collect you are building connections with creatives, collaborating with artists and designers, and inevitably building up a historical narrative of the place where you are based.”

A recent Artsy Art Fair Report 2024 ranked Dubai seventh in their list of most important art fair cities in the world, coming in just after Los Angeles. The report also found that the main reason why galleries participate in art fairs around the world is to meet new collectors.

The establishment of a new art fair in the region, one that focuses on collecting works, not only aligns with these findings but also comes at a time in Dubai where the city is experiencing a significant influx of post-pandemic high-net-worth residents and those interested in starting their own collection from varying price points, says del Val.

“Budget is not a restriction of art collection either,” he says. “You can create amazing collections whatever your budget, and so Editions will be a great place to start or build your collection.”

Editions, Dubai will run from November 6-9 alongside Downtown Design at Dubai Design District