The first edition of the RAD Art Fair took place at the beginning of May. The project brought together 20 of the most active galleries on the cultural scene of Romania, but also Chisinau, being a moment of discovery of the potential and dynamism of the local art market.
Collectors, artists, curators, gallerists, or art lovers gathered in the exhibition space inside the Caro Hotel, where they could visit the 20 art spaces with works from the portfolios of the participating galleries.
Atelier 35, Biju, Cazul 101, Diptych, Gaep, Jecza, LeiLei, Lutnița, Matca Artspace, Mobius, Plan B, Pogo, Galeria Posibilă, Sabot, /SAC, Sandwich, Sector 1, Suprainfinit, Catinca Tabacaru, and Viewing Room 17 form the group of galleries that were present in the project to strengthen the contemporary art networking, through the initiative being promoted both local and international artists, emerging or established. The works were displayed on two exhibition floors, the arrangement mode in each stand having a speech, specific to the gallery to which they belonged.
Although the RAD fair was in its first edition, the event was received with interest by the public, the number of visitors far exceeding the estimates made before the opening for visits. “It was awesome! I was pleasantly surprised that our sales at this fair in Romania are close to those achieved at the international fairs we participated in with the gallery. I have confirmation that the art market in Romania is ready for this type of event!”, says Alexandru Niculescu, from the Sandwich Gallery, after an overview of the final results of the fair.
In addition to strengthening the collaboration between the galleries, RAD also meant the affirmation of new artistic spaces, emerging from the cultural landscape in a real process of organic development. “As a very young gallery, participating in RAD was a great opportunity to showcase our work and artists, be surrounded by the most talented professionals in the field, and make important contacts. The feedback received during the fair increased our confidence and motivated us to further support this artistic endeavor. We greatly appreciate the collaborative effort, an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement was created and we felt that we are part of a community that shares the same principles and values”, says Roxana Ghiuruțan, from Biju Gallery.
In addition to the exhibition space of the stands inside the complex, the galleries’ initiative also aimed at setting up a sculpture park, also within the premises of the Caro Hotel, which brings together 28 works, both in a mutual dialogue and in a permanent one with the natural environment where they are located. Unlike the fair itself, the outdoor sculpture exhibition can be visited until May 28.
Marked by enthusiasm and success, the debut of the RAD art fair brought together vibrant artistic cores, ready to lay the foundations of a coagulated community of the cultural sphere. The 20 galleries exhibited part of their portfolios until May 7, with the rest being able to be explored by an increasingly active and stimulated public.
RAD organizers are determined to continue the project in 2024, with this year’s edition opening the way to an increasingly dynamic local atmosphere, which stands out primarily in the Eastern European landscape. The dates of the next edition will be announced soon.
