Independent Art Fair Trades Downtown for the World
The Independent art fair opened at Pier 36 on the Lower East Side waterfront, running through Sunday, May 17, marking its first time in the large warehouse-like venue. Hyperallergic reports that the 17th-year fair hosted 76 booths and felt more international and polished than last year’s Tribeca edition at Spring Street Studios, with a less “downtown” character. Attendees and participants described the layout as less hierarchical and more spacious, though some said the fair felt tamer and less hungry than in previous years. The article also notes recent partnerships that signal a shifting identity, including a Sotheby’s partnership for Independent’s 20th-century edition and a separate partnership with the Henry Street Settlement nonprofit.
From This Briefing
This story was covered in Auction Fever, Restitution Fights, and Workers Rising