LONDON.- Fair Play Art Fair, a new art fair presenting a curated selection of 70 exceptional artists chosen by an expert-led curatorial panel, will launch at London’s One Marylebone from 15–18 October 2026. Introducing an artist-first model that removes upfront booth fees, Fair Play will enable collectors to discover, connect with and purchase directly from independent artists, bringing together contemporary art with a dynamic programme of music, performances and immersive experiences.
Aiming to showcase emerging and established talent chosen on merit alone, the selection committee will choose the artists from an open call, guided by curatorial dialogue and a focus on quality. Once selected, Fair Play will work closely with each individual artist to ensure a highly tailored approach to their presentation at the Fair, guiding the artist with their expert knowledge.
A special programme selected by the Fair’s Founders, Fair Play Curates, will run alongside the main exhibition, spotlighting exceptional artists and emerging talent. Displayed in collections throughout the Fair, these pieces will offer visitors the chance to discover emerging talent and find distinctive works available for purchase. Artists who are not awarded a free booth will be reviewed for inclusion in Fair Play Curates, offering the opportunity to showcase and sell their work at the Fair.
The selection committee brings together respected voices from across the art and cultural world, including Kate Bryan, broadcaster, curator, Chief Art Director at Soho House and author of How To Art (Penguin Random House, 2025); Jo Baring, art historian, curator, and Director of the Ingram Collection of Modern British & Contemporary Art; Lison Sabrina Musset, French-Brazilian artist and curator, and co-founder of The Collective Makers; and Angus and Charlotte Buchanan of the multidisciplinary design practice Buchanan Studio.
Fair Play looks to help address the growing challenges facing London’s creative community, championing artists at every stage of their careers, bringing emerging talent and established names together in one carefully curated setting. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists at the Fair and hear directly about the inspiration behind their works, as well as the process to create them.
The historic interiors of One Marylebone, the iconic 19th-century church designed by Sir John Soane who was celebrated for his masterful use of light and space, provide the backdrop for Fair Play’s cultural programme. Fair Play will take place just a short walk away from Frieze London, securing its position in the art world calendar when the city becomes a global meeting point for contemporary art, collectors, and cultural audiences.
Created by Ryan Stanier, founder of The Other Art Fair, Fair Play builds on more than 15 years of his experience producing artist-led fairs and large-scale cultural events across the world. Stanier’s track record of championing emerging talent and broadening engagement with contemporary art is reflected through initiatives including New Futures, a mentorship and exhibition programme, and NOT 30%, a platform celebrating women artists.
Ryan Stanier, founder of Fair Play, says: “London is world renowned for its creative heart but it’s becoming increasingly challenging for artists to build sustainable careers in the capital. With Fair Play I want to open opportunities to support talent by giving them a culturally-embedded platform to access collectors and galleries that they otherwise might not be able to.”
By creating new opportunities for discovery, the Fair connects artists with seasoned collectors, first-time buyers and visiting galleries, helping to foster growth for the next generation of artistic talent while celebrating the city’s creative spirit.
Designed to reintroduce an element of surprise and play, the wider fair programme will extend beyond the core art fair experience space, bringing together different creative disciplines under one roof. Interactive experiences and performances will unfold throughout the day, alongside a series of supper clubs hosted by leading cultural voices, carrying the playful energy of the Fair into the basement of the building, where a line-up of DJs and live musicians will take over The Vaults each evening.
