One of the biggest contemporary art fairs outside of London is returning to Norwich later this year – and to mark its 10th anniversary it has announced a new venue and dates for 2024.

Art Fair East annually hosts artists, galleries and art dealers from across the world. For the past nine years it has taken place in the spectacular setting of St Andrew’s Hall in the city.

With the historic venue closed for a multi-million-pound revamp, this year’s Art Fair East will take place at The Assembly House, a Georgian gem located in the heart of Norwich. Organisers have also announced that the event will take place a month earlier than usual, from Friday, November 8 until Sunday, November 10.

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the standout event in the area’s cultural calendar is a key meeting point for art lovers and buyers.

The event is organised by leading Norfolk-based artists Will Teather and Brian Korteling. The pair are passionate about bringing contemporary art to the region, supporting artists and creating a buzz around the visual arts.

Once more with feeling by Will TeatherOnce more with feeling by Will Teather (Image: Will Teather)

Will Teather said: “It is very exciting to be marking our 10th edition of this popular event with a new venue. The Assembly House will make a stunning backdrop for the fair, which sees artists and dealers descending from across the country and often overseas upon our fine city.

“The fair has a reputation for highlighting regional talent alongside international names, with works by Banksy and Damien Hirst having appeared alongside well-loved regional names from Colin Self to Mary Newcomb.

There is always something new to discover and this year is no different with London-based landscape painter Matthew Cordwell coming for the first time alongside Wymondham-based dealers Urban Art Store and Norwich talent Lisa Atsumi.

“We are still accepting applications, with many new artists applying every week. Most of our applications come by word of mouth, with the fair having built a great reputation. One of the great joys of the fair is the chance to meet many artists and experts face-to-face, making the event quite unique. As a working artist myself, I am also looking forward to unveiling my latest creations in November.”

The event will take place across the venue, including the Noverre Ball Room, The Music Room and the Hobart Room.

As the major art fair for the East of England, Art Fair East brings together regional and international talent, with work to suit all tastes and budgets.

Landscape painter Matthew Cordwell said: “This is my first year exhibiting at the fantastic Art Fair East and I am thrilled to bring my colourful landscapes to collectors and admirers around the county and will be showcasing a selection of local paintings yet to be created during a trip to the north coast in late summer.”

One of the unique aspects of the event is the chance for visitors to meet many of the artists and experts in person, with many present throughout the weekend.

Laura Miller-Boast with her artworkLaura Miller-Boast with her artwork (Image: Laura Miller-Boast)

Artist Laura Miller-Boast from Norwich said: “I am excited for Art Fair East as it is my first time as an exhibitor at a large exhibition and I am also looking forward to seeing great work from all the other artists.

“Visitors can expect to see a showcase of abstract figurative work displaying the raw human form. The aim behind my work is to display realistic body types and to show the bumps and textures that exist on all of us which is villainised nowadays due to a rise of Photoshop and Facetune.”

Art Fair East is sponsored by Musker McIntyre and Chadwicks. The 2024 fair sees The Assembly House kindly join the event as venue sponsor.

This year’s fair will run from November 8-10 at The Assembly House in Norwich. To apply to take part and for more information visit artfaireast.com