ICA Does... NADA Art Fair, New York, 2016

ICA does… is a new bulletin series focusing on the various art fairs where the ICA shows and sells our Artists’ Editions. By shedding light on their particularities—from dates and locations, to missions and overall styles—this series of blog posts by ICA Sales Advisor - Editions Alexandra Olczak will hopefully steer you towards finding the right fairs (and editions) for you.

Art fairs are rapidly mushrooming throughout the art world. Increasingly specialised and diverse, this proliferation can throw even the most experienced collector into a state of mild delirium. The spectrum of art fairs today—and their respective genres, missions, exhibitors and target audiences—is wide, so it’s no wonder visitors may be tentative about which ones to visit and potentially buy from. 

ICA participates at a number of different fairs every year; including renowned giants of the art fair realm such as Frieze Art Fair and the Armory Show.

What is it?

NADA stands for the New Art Dealers Alliance, a New York-based collective of professionals who work in contemporary art and share a mutual drive towards the ‘cultivation, support and advancement of new voices in contemporary art’. In light of these shared beliefs, NADA have hosted art fairs in New York, Miami and Cologne every year since 2012 to showcase rising artistic talent from across the globe.

Why the ICA?

As a non-profit organisation committed to promoting and encouraging an understanding of radical art and culture, the ICA’s core mission is aligned with NADA’s. We also share a common desire to build a ‘stronger sense of community’ in the arts. NADA does this through providing a public platform which enables a diverse range of exhibitors to present new and rising talent in contemporary art. In a similar vein, the ICA’s status as an institution with an original, lasting membership scheme parallels this goal. Furthermore, both organisations’ support of contemporary artists is furthered by educational programming featuring artist talks, curator tours, members' seminars and panel discussions.

Who’s going?

In terms of exhibitors, the NADA art fair has a particular focus on promoting emerging talent from an eclectic mix of both small and large commercial and non-profit galleries, so expect a diverse range of displays. In terms of visitors, the fair’s eclectic content welcomes collectors established and new. 

What should I look out for?

We are sharing stand 1.08 with our Allied Editions partner, Glasgow International, where we're featuring works by artists including Parker Ito, Cary Kwok, Prem Sahib and New York-based artist Betty Woodman, who recently had a solo show at the ICA. In addition to this exciting line-up, ICA will also be launching a brand-new edition generously donated by German artist Chris Succo to celebrate the ICA’s 70^th anniversary.

Sounds great! So when/where is it?

NADA’s fifth run in New York is taking place on the Lower East Side’s Basketball City, located at 299 South Street, 5-8 May 2016. Make sure you swing by stand 1.08 to say hello and browse our exclusive range of editions on offer. We look forward to seeing you there! ■