In a deft move, Frieze acquires The Armory Show and Expo Chicago. Guests at Nino Mier Gallery, Frieze New York 2021 Photo by Casey Kelbaugh. Courtesy of Casey Kelbaugh/Frieze.

In a power move to dominate the global art market, Frieze acquires The Armory Show and Expo Chicago, two of its major competitors.

BY KAZAEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves throughout the art industry, Frieze, a renowned international art fair, has acquired two major art events, The Armory Show and Expo Chicago. This historic merger brings together three powerhouses in the art world, creating a formidable force that is set to redefine the landscape of contemporary art exhibitions. The merger, the impact it will have on the art market, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead are significant.

This acquisition marks a transformative moment in Frieze’s growth and solidifies its presence in the world’s leading art market. Individually, The Armory Show and Expo Chicago were already entities with global reach.

The Armory Show, a legendary art fair founded in 1913, holds a special place in the history of modern art. Known for its focus on showcasing the most radical and avant-garde artworks of the time, The Armory Show has played a pivotal role in introducing groundbreaking artistic movements to the wider public.

Expo Chicago, established in 2012, has quickly risen to prominence as a leading international art fair, recognized for its commitment to presenting cutting-edge contemporary art from around the globe. By joining forces with Frieze, Expo Chicago gains access to a wider network of galleries, artists, and collectors, fostering greater opportunities for artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and market growth.

Synergies and Collaborations

The merger between Frieze, The Armory Show, and Expo Chicago presents a wealth of exciting synergies and collaborative possibilities. By leveraging the unique strengths of each entity, this union will enable the creation of immersive art experiences, thought-provoking exhibitions, and transformative cultural initiatives. The combined expertise, resources, and networks of these organizations will fuel innovation, drive new artistic trends, and contribute to the evolution of the art market.

Expanding Global Footprint

One significant advantage of this merger is the expanded global footprint that Frieze, The Armory Show, and Expo Chicago collectively possess. With events in major art capitals such as London, New York, Chicago, and now further afield, this powerful alliance is well-positioned to attract a diverse range of artists, collectors, and visitors from around the world. The international art community eagerly anticipates the new opportunities and fresh perspectives that will arise from this expanded reach.

Under the new ownership, both The Armory Show and Expo Chicago will continue to operate under their existing brands and with their current teams, notes Frieze in the announcement of the acquisitions. This strategic decision aims to preserve the unique identities and strengths of these fairs while leveraging Frieze’s expertise and resources. Nicole Berry, the executive director of The Armory Show since 2015, will continue to lead the fair, ensuring a seamless transition. Similarly, Tony Karman, the founder of Expo Chicago, will remain as its director, bringing his vision and experience to drive the fair’s success.

Berry, on behalf of The Armory Show, expressed her enthusiasm for joining forces with Frieze. She highlighted the benefits of being part of a respected brand and gaining access to Frieze’s extensive industry knowledge, expanded resources, and larger network. This collaboration will enhance the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, further solidifying The Armory Show’s position as a cornerstone of the New York cultural landscape. “Joining Frieze enables us to leverage a respected brand, deep industry knowledge, expanded resources, and a larger network, which will further enhance the experience for our exhibitors and visitors alike,” Berry said in a statement. She added, “On behalf of our new owner, we look forward to continued growth in our role as a cornerstone of the New York cultural landscape.”

The Rise of Frieze

Frieze, established in 2003, has emerged as one of the most prestigious art fairs globally, renowned for its cutting-edge exhibitions and dedication to showcasing contemporary art in all its forms. With flagship events in London and New York, Frieze has consistently attracted leading artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world. The acquisition of The Armory Show and Expo Chicago solidifies Frieze’s position as a dominant force in the art fair circuit and opens up new avenues for artistic collaboration and innovation.

Frieze’s chief executive, Simon Fox, expressed his excitement about the acquisitions, stating that they mark a significant milestone in Frieze’s growth trajectory. By adding The Armory Show and Expo Chicago to its portfolio, he notes that Frieze expands its reach and influence in the US art market, particularly in New York and Chicago. “New York and Chicago each have their own distinct ecosystem of artists, galleries, museums, and collectors. By expanding our presence in both cities, we will build on the strong track record we have established in the US at Frieze New York and Frieze Los Angeles,” he said in a statement.

Pioneering Artistic Innovation

As pioneers in the art world, Frieze, The Armory Show, and Expo Chicago have consistently championed artistic innovation and experimentation. This merger strengthens their collective ability to support emerging artists, nurture creative talent, and push the boundaries of contemporary art. The collaborative nature of this union will foster an environment conducive to groundbreaking artistic endeavors and a vibrant and diverse artistic ecosystem.

Despite the recent acquisitions, Frieze remains dedicated to its flagship fair, Frieze New York, which continues to bring together leading galleries, groundbreaking artists, and enthusiastic art lovers at The Shed in May. This commitment ensures the ongoing vitality and relevance of the fair, contributing to the cultural fabric of the city. Additionally, Frieze’s portfolio of art fairs held worldwide, including Frieze London, Frieze Masters, Frieze Los Angeles, and Frieze Seoul, further strengthens the global art scene by attracting artists, galleries, and collectors from diverse backgrounds. Frieze’s expansion into Seoul and its two-decade milestone for Frieze London demonstrate the franchise’s dedication to fostering artistic dialogue and showcasing exceptional contemporary art.

A Respected Brand and an Enriched Experience

The acquisition of The Armory Show and Expo Chicago positions Frieze as a major player in the global art market. By joining forces with these established fairs, Frieze gains not only esteemed brands but also a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Artists, galleries, and collectors can look forward to an enhanced experience, benefiting from the combined strengths of Frieze and its newly acquired fairs.

Deft Move: Frieze Acquires The Armory Show and Expo Chicago

Frieze’s acquisition of The Armory Show and Expo Chicago signifies a pivotal moment in the art world. It expands the reach and influence of the renowned art fair franchise, strengthening its position in the US art market. This merger holds immense potential to reshape the future of contemporary art exhibitions, offering new opportunities for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts worldwide. The art world eagerly anticipates the upcoming editions of Frieze New York, The Armory Show, and Expo Chicago as they continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.

Frieze Acquires The Armory Show and Expo Chicago in a deft move to corner global art market. What do you think about the merger? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment