let’s work together.

I envision an art fair that fosters connection and appreciation for great Southern art. An art fair that takes place in New Orleans with its unique and vibrant architecture, music, and cuisine. Art fair attendees that reflect our diverse communities in a friendly and welcoming environment. A younger collector base supporting artists, galleries and museums that are meaningful, relevant and important. Journalist and art critics nationwide writing about PLATFORM‘s mission and purpose creating a greater awareness in-print and online. New and old collectors from all over the World adding PLATFORM to their list of art fairs to visit alongside Frieze, Art Basel, and the Armory. Collectors who understand their responsibility to preserve culture, and support ‘real’ art and artists. Collectors who understand heritage and legacy, fostering artistic growth, and ensuring that significant artworks are maintained and appreciated. Curators considering southern artists exhibited at PLATFORM for inclusion in the Whitney, documenta and or Venice biennial. Museums, institutions and collectors securing major works from Southern artists building a permanent collection for the benefit of present and future generations. An art fair that supports important artists and galleries, providing exposure and reach to a larger audience, networking, and sales to validate their careers and market visibility. PLATFORM will assist artists and galleries in hopes of sustaining their practice and programs so they don’t relocate to cities like LA or NYC as a career decision, leaving behind their family, friends and communities. An art fair that creates a greater awareness of the contributions being made by artists in 15 Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. An art fair keeping us involved, educated and informed of every great Artist, Collector, Curator, Gallerist, Critic, Museum Director, and Artist Co-op. Those of us making a difference and producing great work and exhibitions that define our collective lives. This is about our community, our artists, articulating our struggles, our progress.  We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at PLATFORM. 

• Terrence Sanders-Smith DIRECTOR of PLATFORM