Galleries & fairs opening

Dublin’s Doorway Gallery is preparing for a significant presence at the upcoming Art Evolve fair, scheduled to take place at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) from March 27 to 29. The gallery has announced extended operating hours during the event to accommodate an expected influx of art enthusiasts and collectors. Positioning itself with a ‘hidden gems’ theme, the gallery aims to attract visitors by showcasing lesser-known but high-value pieces, appealing to those seeking unique additions to their collections. This strategic focus is part of a broader effort to stand out in a competitive art market during one of Ireland’s notable art fairs. (x.com) Art Evolve at the RDS is a well-established event in Ireland’s cultural calendar, drawing thousands of attendees annually, including international buyers and local art lovers. Last year’s fair reported over 15,000 visitors and featured more than 100 galleries and independent artists, highlighting the event’s importance as a platform for networking and sales. The Doorway Gallery’s participation this year builds on its growing reputation for curating contemporary and innovative works, and its extended hours are a response to feedback from previous fairs where visitors sought more time to explore. Organizers expect this year’s attendance to surpass last year’s figures given the post-pandemic resurgence in cultural events. (rds.ie) Meanwhile, Kenya’s creative community is buzzing with excitement over the Art in the Open event, which held a preview on March 26. This outdoor showcase, centered in Nairobi, highlighted handmade crafts ranging from intricate beadwork to woven textiles, celebrating the region’s rich artisanal heritage. A key attraction was the debut of the Ocean Vibes collection, a series of artworks and designs inspired by Kenya’s coastal landscapes, featuring vibrant blues and natural textures. The event aims to promote local artists and foster sustainable practices by emphasizing eco-friendly materials in many of the displayed works. (x.com) Art in the Open is part of a growing movement in Kenya to elevate the visibility of traditional and contemporary crafts on both local and international stages. With Kenya’s creative economy contributing approximately 5% to the national GDP—equivalent to around $5 billion annually—such events are critical for economic and cultural development, according to recent government reports. Organizers have partnered with local NGOs to provide training and market access for rural artisans, ensuring that the benefits of events like this reach underserved communities. The preview event drew hundreds of attendees, signaling strong public interest ahead of the full exhibition. (kenyacreativeeconomy.go.ke) Looking ahead, the Doorway Gallery plans to leverage its Art Evolve appearance to announce new artist collaborations and potentially expand its physical space in Dublin to accommodate a growing inventory. Gallery representatives hinted at post-fair events, including artist talks and workshops, to maintain engagement with visitors long after the RDS event concludes. Meanwhile, fair organizers are monitoring ticket sales and feedback to refine logistics, with a focus on enhancing digital ticketing and accessibility features for future iterations. (x.com) In Kenya, the success of the Art in the Open preview has prompted organizers to consider extending the main event’s duration, originally set for early April, and to explore international partnerships to showcase Kenyan crafts at global fairs. Local authorities have expressed support, with plans to integrate such cultural showcases into broader tourism campaigns to attract international visitors. Discussions are underway to secure funding for a digital platform that would allow artisans to sell their work online year-round, further amplifying the impact of events like Art in the Open. (x.com)