In an unexpected turn, Photofairs New York, which made its debut last September adjacent to The Armory Show, will not be returning this year. This decision comes from Creo, the entity responsible for the contemporary art fair dedicated to photo-based works, digital art, and new media.
A spokesperson from Creo explained that the cancellation was influenced by unfavorable market conditions and feedback from their network of galleries and partners. “Our priority is mounting a dynamic and high-quality event, so we feel it is best to hold the fair once market conditions improve,” the spokesperson conveyed via email. This hiatus, however, does not signal an end but rather a strategic pause as Creo continues to champion Photofairs as a vital platform for the photography and contemporary art community.
Photofairs New York’s inaugural edition, hosted at the Javits Center, was a significant event, drawing participation from 56 galleries across more than 20 cities worldwide. The fair attracted an impressive roster of VIP attendees, including Whitney Museum curator Rujeko Hockley, Inditex chair Marta Ortega Pérez, actor Chris Rock, actress Jane Seymour, English artist Zoë Buckman, and renowned photographer Joel Meyerowitz. This diverse and high-profile attendance underscored the fair’s immediate impact and its potential as a staple in the art world calendar.
Scott Gray, the founder and CEO of Creo Arts, is the visionary behind Photofairs New York. Gray, who also established Photofairs Shanghai and heads the exhibition consultancy firm Angus Montgomery Arts, faced significant challenges in launching the New York fair. In a previous interview, Gray highlighted the hurdles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulty of securing a suitable venue in an already saturated international art fair calendar.
Despite these challenges, the debut of Photofairs New York was a notable success, showcasing a vibrant array of contemporary photo-based and digital artworks. The fair was seen as a fresh and necessary addition to the New York art scene, providing a dedicated space for these mediums amidst more traditional art forms.
Looking ahead, Creo Arts remains committed to the future of Photofairs New York. The decision to pause this year’s edition reflects a strategic choice to ensure that future events maintain the high standards set by the inaugural fair. The spokesperson emphasized that this intermission would allow the organization to better align with market conditions and the needs of their partners, ensuring a robust and engaging event upon its return.
In the interim, Creo Arts will continue to support the global Photofairs brand, with plans firmly in place for Photofairs Shanghai in 2025. The Shanghai edition, which saw its most recent iteration in April at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, featured 46 exhibitors and further solidified its position in the international art fair landscape.
The initial success of Photofairs New York, combined with the strategic decision to postpone this year’s event, reflects the complexities and resilience required in the art fair industry. As Creo Arts navigates these challenges, the art community remains hopeful for a dynamic and prosperous return of Photofairs New York, poised to continue its mission as a pivotal platform for contemporary and photo-based art.
By taking this prudent approach, Creo ensures that when Photofairs New York does return, it will do so with the vitality and quality that both the exhibitors and attendees have come to expect, reaffirming its place in the bustling and diverse world of contemporary art fairs
Image courtesy Casey Kelbaugh
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