Art Fair 14C, a nonprofit event that was created in 2019 to bring opportunities for artists, expand the public’s accessibility to the fine arts and strengthen Jersey City as an arts hub destination, has done all that and more.
The event, which will return for its fourth year Nov. 11-13 at the historic Armory located at 678 Montgomery St. in Jersey City, has become the biggest visual event in the state, organizers said.
Robinson Holloway, executive director of Art Fair 14C, said the event is more than fulfilling its mission and vision.
“Art Fair 14C was created as an answer to the question of how to help people in the visual arts make a living,” he said. “Art fairs produce sales and provide connections and opportunities beyond just selling art — and our artists and galleries have been mostly shut out. So, it seemed obvious: Start an art fair in New Jersey.
“The fair has grown in size and quality every year. And, for the 4th edition, we have thousands of incredible works of art from all genres, and at all price points.”
Holloway said the nonprofit’s low participation cost creates an accessible and inclusive ecosystem for local artists and galleries in New Jersey, connecting them with the broader public to activate additional interest and engagement in the visual arts. (For more information and ticket info, click here.)
The Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts, Office of Research & Analysis and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. It reports New Jersey ranks third in the country for economic impact. Arts and value-added cultural production account for 3.4% of the state’s total gross product, creating over 119,619 jobs and accounting for over $20 billion of the state’s economy.
Since the nonprofit started, participating artists have sold over $1 million in art at the event, which is New Jersey’s only international art fair. Through its hands-on efforts, the fair helps artists by setting up exhibition booths, showcasing work for exposure and getting artists into other exhibits through its extensive network of art dealers, galleries and arts organizations.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is a big fan.
“Jersey City has become a regional destination for arts and culture, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of this journey that continues to strengthen our burgeoning arts community with invaluable contributors like 14C,” he said. “This event has grown every year, which speaks to the high caliber of our talented local artists showcased by 14C. I look forward to what this year’s event will bring.”
