NEW YORK, NY.- Today, Independent announced a new collaboration with OBJECT & THING debuting at next year’s Independent in New York: a collaborative presentation that builds upon Independent’s history of presenting a wide range of artistic practices.

The presentation will take place in a dedicated space within Independent's fair in March 2020, in advance of OBJECT & THING’s second edition in May 2020. The presentation will form a curated installation of object-based works drawn from both Independent exhibitors and leading design galleries, including the fair’s Tribeca neighbors Patrick Parrish Gallery and R & Company, as well as studio practices Green River Project LLC and Toogood. The full list of participating artists and galleries will be announced in early 2020.

Together, Independent and OBJECT & THING seek to create a commercial platform that is more effective for gallerists, collectors, and artists alike, providing the context for richer encounters with artists’ work. This collaboration will mark the first time that galleries with specifically design-focused programs are participants at Independent. As at the OBJECT & THING fairs, the presentation at Independent will bring works together in a single installation, rather than being grouped by gallery, and without a hierarchy or distinction between works of art or design.

"Like Independent, OBJECT & THING is a collaborative platform that is interested in creating a new space with talented artists and galleries who have a vision,” remarked Elizabeth Dee, founder & CEO of Independent. “Together, we are interested in the atmosphere that can be created through prioritizing the creative aspect in how artworks are presented and sold. In this 2020 edition, our goal is to expand that impact, through individual and collective efforts, together opening possibilities for new experiences and structures.”

Launched in 2019 and returning for its second edition in New York from May 7-10, 2020, OBJECT & THING has re-imagined the art and design fair concept, presenting a new commercial platform for both art and design that focuses exclusively on the object. OBJECT & THING presents a new fair model, opting for a commission on sales over advance fair fees, which are handled directly through the fair. This enables galleries to take on more risks in presenting object-based works that might not be considered an immediate commercial success. The inaugural edition featured an exhibition of over 200 works consigned by 32 of the world’s leading art and design galleries, offering a groundbreaking level of transparency and accessibility while creating an in-person experience augmented by artist-led installations, design boutique pop-ups, and a curated talks program.

“There is a natural synergy between OBJECT & THING and Independent, each of which were created as new models that offer a fair-going experience with a clarified point of view appealing to collectors, curators, and visitors of all backgrounds as well as a supportive commercial environment for galleries. We are honored by this invitation from Independent and thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the reaches of both fairs by partnering on a unique presentation with the Independent community of galleries as well as presenting works from design programs at Independent for the first time,” noted OBJECT & THING founder Abby Bangser.

Independent New York will take place at Spring Studios in Tribeca from March 6-8, 2020. Selected participants represent the art world’s most creative and inspired curatorial visions from a cross- section of emerging, mid-career and established programs worldwide.