As director of The Other Art Fair my days are always busy, meeting with artists and planning for the fair. 2015 saw the launch of two new fairs – one in Bristol and our first international fair in Sydney – and the 10th edition of the London fair is coming up, (15 – 18 October) so I’m busier than ever!
My day typically starts at 6am. I’ll stop by my local coffee shop Ginger & White in Belsize Park for a double espresso on my way into work. I like to be in our Covent Garden office by 8 am to go through my emails and catch up with phone calls. The rest of The Other Art Fair team are in by 9 am – if it’s a Monday morning we kick-start the week over coffee, pastries and swap interesting stories from the morning newspapers.
I visit artists’ studios before lunch to discuss their practice and plans for the upcoming fair. I recently caught up with Dan Hillier at his studio in Stoke Newington. Dan has participated in all 10 editions of the fair and so we asked him to design our #TOAFis10 tote bags, celebrating 10 successful editions of The Other Art Fair.
I’ll have lunch with one of our fair partners, such as Deborah Curtis from House of Fairy Tales to discuss their exciting Matchbox Project for the upcoming fair. Then it’s straight back to the office for a creative planning session with the team, developing ideas for future editions of The Other Art Fair.
At the end of the afternoon Sophie, the fair manager, and I meet to discuss plans for our next international fair. I try to finish work at 6.30, and at the end of a busy week I’ll go to catch up with mates at The Engineer in Primrose Hill. My job is demanding, but it’s worth it to see the success of artists who participate in The Other Art Fair.
The Other Fair Old Truman Brewery Hanbury Lane LondonE1 6QL
15 – 18 October 2015
Dan Hillier’s #TOAFis10 tote bag is available to buy online or at the fair, with all profitable proceeds going to the fair’s charity partner The House of Fairy Tales.
Follow Ryan on instagram @ryan.stanier