As Amsterdam prepares for its annual KunstRAI, a meticulous process unfolds behind the scenes. Before the general public steps foot into the art fair, extensive work is underway to ready the booths of more than one hundred galleries. In a matter of days, the empty hall must transform into a vibrant stage for contemporary art, where visitors can experience a rich diversity of artistic expression.
Selection for a diverse offering
The selection of participating galleries begins months prior to the fair. A selection committee reviews the quality of each application. The committee evaluates not only the artists a gallery wishes to showcase but also the gallery itself. Participants are chosen based on the artistic merit and relevance of their offerings. This ensures that KunstRAI remains varied and dynamic each year, while adhering to a consistently high standard.
Once approved, participants commence their preparations. From conceiving booth designs to selecting artworks, many galleries devote months to curating a presentation that will represent them at the fair.
From empty hall to art fair
A few days before the official opening, booth constructors move in and take over the art fair floor. They begin assembling the walls, installing lighting, and ensuring the electricity supply is in place. Each gallery receives a designated space, complete with their name prominently displayed. Though these spaces may appear standardised at first glance, each gallery brings its own unique interpretation, emphasising its distinctive style.
Participants’ setup
With the booths prepared, it is time for the galleries themselves to step in. The installation of artworks is managed entirely by the participants, allowing for considerable freedom in arranging their displays. From the layout of the pieces to the atmosphere within the space, each gallery crafts a presentation that aligns with its artistic vision. This diversity of styles and approaches makes a walk through KunstRAI a richly varied experience for the public. Each booth serves as a window into the gallery’s identity.
The official opening
Once the setup is complete, the fair traditionally opens with an exclusive evening for invited guests. On this night, the public gets its first glimpse of the fair’s layout and the various participants. In the days following, minor adjustments may be made based on feedback from visitors and collectors. This makes KunstRAI not merely a platform for static artworks, but a dynamic interaction between the art and those who come to appreciate it.
A collective effort
Although KunstRAI lasts only a few days, its preparations span several months. The collaboration of gallery owners, booth constructors, artists, and fair organisers culminates in a shared achievement where art and audience converge. Images of the setup, captured each year, reveal the immense work taking place behind the scenes before the exhibition doors swing open. KunstRAI is not only about what hangs on the walls but also a testament to the dedication of all those who contribute to its creation, often for months on end.