Springboard Art Fair, a one-time-only experimental art fair, took place from 8 to 11 June at Utrecht’s Werkspoorkathedraal. This unique event provided a platform for over 100 artists who had graduated between 2019 and 2021 to showcase and sell their work. Alumni from various Dutch art academies came together for this large group event, presenting a diverse range of artistic expressions, including painting, photography, multimedia, and installations. As a visitor, you had the opportunity to discover the emerging talents of that time.
The fair was organized by This Art Foundation, which responded to the challenges faced by the newest generation of artists in connecting with the art market. The participating artists were carefully selected by 21 coaches based on their profiles on The Pool, a digital platform developed by Momkai and Kunstmest Consultancy. The selected artists represented diverse art forms, educational backgrounds, and locations across the country. Each coach, including gallery owners, curators, consultants, and established artists, guided a group of five artists for a joint presentation at the fair, providing them with the skills required for successful participation.
With graduates from 16 different art academies and post-academic institutions across the Netherlands, such as the Rietveld Academy, HKU, ArEZ, and Academy Minerva, the Springboard Art Fair showcased a wealth of artistic talent from various educational institutions.
The fair differentiated itself with an experimental and democratic layout, designed in collaboration with Tom Postma Design, known for their work with renowned art fairs. This unique layout offered exceptional space for art forms that often struggle to find a place in conventional fairs, including sound installations and performances.
The Werkspoorkathedraal in Utrecht, with its 5000 m2 of level floor space, monumental proportions, and optimal lighting provided by a glass roof, served as the ideal location for the art fair. The surrounding Werkspoorkwartier added to the vibrant cultural atmosphere. Visitors were able to enjoy a side program offered by Oscar Larik and De Nijverheid, including a sun-drenched terrace on the water provided by Brouwerij ‘t IJ.
The Springboard Art Fair was a culmination of the efforts of This Art Foundation, which had been supporting visual artists since 2005 through events such as Art in Redlight and This Art Fair. The foundation aimed to provide artists with artistic and organizational support. In addition to the fair, they offered masterclasses, workshops, collection visits, and network events through their initiative, This Works, catering to ambitious artists who wanted to expand their practice and invest in their cultural entrepreneurship.
The Springboard Art Fair provided a unique experience where visitors immersed themselves in a celebration of diverse artistic talent, unique presentations, and an experimental atmosphere. They had the opportunity to discover the emerging stars of the art world and experience the dynamic energy of that one-of-a-kind event.
