The Brussels Accessible Art Fair 2009

Stephanie Manasseh, curator of BAAF

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I will be exhibiting and selling my photography at the upcoming Brussels Accessible Art Fair. If you are still on the fence about attending, read on to find out what BAAF is all about. If you are attending, please stop by my booth and say hello!

The concept was simple, yet unique – bring artists and their art works together with buyers who don’t have time to visit galleries. Stephanie Manasseh began with this idea, in 2007, and the Brussels Accessible Art Fair was born.

That year, there were 10 artists and nearly 1000 visitors. BAAF grew significantly each year. Now in, 2009, Stephanie has added a second show (Read about my visit to the June BAAF). The upcoming show will feature the work of almost 40 artists and welcome over 3000 visitors.

“Not only is the current venue bigger, but it is also more chic, yet still accessible to the public,” says Stephanie. “We have tried to keep the atmosphere the same: friendly, comfortable for the public and for the artists. Although we have expanded, we have remained accessible,” she says.

Japan in Belgium from the Forgotten Postcard series will be exhibited at BAAF.

One thing hasn’t changed since the 2007 BAAF. “Entrance is still and will remain free, because we believe that everyone should feel welcome to come, even if it is not to buy,” says Stephanie.

Every event has its challenges and for Stephanie it has been, “finding the right balance of artists,” she says. “This takes the most time. It is also quite a challenge to find sponsors but I believe that now that we have four successful events under our belt it may become easier.”

Despite the challenges, Stephanie and BAAF have had many achievements. “I am simply proud of this event and the overwhelming response it is getting,” she says. “I feel a real sense of achievement. I am proud that in four years we managed to take it from nothing to making it a part of the Brussels art scene.”

But now that BAAF is a huge success on the Brussels art scene, Stephanie isn’t slowing down. “The plan is to have one BAAF in the autumn in The EU quarter and one in the spring at the Conrad Brussels hotel,” she says. “We are also planning to expand and to take the event to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Montréal and we have several other places in mind but will disclose these in time!”

Antique Iris wil be on display at the BAAF

Although she has many exciting plans for BAAF’s future, for the next few days, Stephanie will be busy dealing with the last minute details of BAAF 2009. “I am most looking forward to seeing the fruits of my labour,” she says. “I am also looking forward to seeing all the artists in one space. We have a fantastic line up this year and I am sure the public will enjoy browsing through the works and picking up a piece or two!”

The Brussels Accessible Art Fair will be held at the Hotel Silken Berlaymont on Boulevard Charlemagne 11, Brussels 1000. Entrance is free and art is priced at €50 – €3000.

Opening hours:
Friday 20 November: 18.00 – 22.00
Saturday 21 November: 10.00 – 19.00
Sunday 22 November: 10.00 – 18.00

To read more about Stephanie’s expat journey and how BAAF was born, check out this great interview by Louise Fly Caione.