An annual fair aimed at offering north-east customers a vast and varied selection of art has invested in new technology to help improve the buyers’ experience.
Aberdeen Art Fair (AAF) showcases pieces worth between £50 to around £10,000 and is ideal for first time buyers, art enthusiasts and collectors.
The fair, which is now in its seventh year,contains work from household names,celebrities as well as local artists and is set to receive its 30,000th visitor this year.
In an attempt to make the experience even better organisesrs have created a brand new app which will enable the fair experience to be extended from days to months.
Those attending the fair can use the built-in visual recognition technology which allows the customers to easily access the story behind any artwork just by pointing their smartphone’s camera at it.
Buyers can save their favourites to view later and they can view the entire fair on their phone.
The app also allows customers to message the gallery or artist directly as well as buying any artwork whenever the mood strikes, days, weeks or months after the fair.
The app will be a fully integrated part of the AAF, one of the first times this has been offered in Scotland.
Gerry Muldoon, of organisers GM Events, said: “The app and platform introduces an exciting new dimension to the fair.
“We’re always trying to enhance the visitor experience and add value for our exhibitors and this technology does just that.”
Included in the local exhibitors are Enid Hutt, Aberdeen Artists Society, Peacock Visual Arts, Albyn Gallery and Gallery i, Inverurie.
Several top Scottish galleries such as Robertson Fine Art, Alpha Art, Fotheringham Gallery and Subversion Gallery will also have a presence at the art fair. Aberdeen Air Fair will take place at the Beach Ballroom between Friday, September 1 and Sunday, September 3 after relocating there 12 months ago.
Mr Muldoon added: “The Music Hall was our home for the first five years and really served us well.
“However, the event has been growing year on year and last year’s move to the Beach Ballroom, a bigger venue and on two floors, was a massive success.
“We got really positive feedback from both the public and the exhibitors.
“Parking is also easier in that area of the city.
“And with the event again a sell-out in terms of exhibitors, we’re again looking towards what should be a very enjoyable and successful weekend.”
Once again the event is being staged in association with global energy company TAQA, who have supported the Aberdeen Art Fair since year one.
Mr Muldoon said: “TAQA has been a tremendous partner to the Aberdeen Art Fair right from the outset.
“Their support is very much appreciated.
“This year’s charity partners are the RNLI and the Sandpiper Trust and TAQA staff will be fundraising on their behalf throughout the weekend.”
