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  • ARCADE ARTFAIR OCTOBER 7-11TH, / Applications Open

    ARCADE ARTFAIR OCTOBER 7-11TH

    / Applications Open
    Introducing ARCADE, a new landscape in art fairs, launching in October 2026. Taking place at the iconic Devonshire Square Estate in the City of London. 
     
    ARCADE brings together artist exhibits, curatorial projects, installation, performance and other forward - thinking entities forming a continuum where art, ideas, and architecture align; a space to further artistic experimentation and social progress.  Arcade offers an inclusive and exploratory open-air environment for emerging and established artists and collectives to present their work. Artists and curators will work collaboratively to create a tactile dialogue between artwork and place responding to Devonshire Square’s 18th century yet contemporary outdoor landscapes.
    Site-specific and site-responsive submissions are welcomed.  
     
    Together with artists Arcade will donate 20% of all sales proceeds to non-profits and charities that foreground social and environmental impact, chosen by the artists. Part of our commitment to support both artists and the causes that resonate with their work. Exhibiting artists will display their selected charity alongside their works, thus facilitating a communal effort between fair, artist and collector, working parallel in aid of charitable causes.  
      
     
    Parallel LDN programmes have been built to amplify the diverse voices within contemporary art sphere. At the core of each programme is a drive to address the pressing issues of our day, ignite greater connection to our environment and fund the projects that protect it.
  • Art and Agency for a new era Arcade is an artist and curator run project born in response to a...

    Art and Agency for a new era

     

    Arcade is an artist and curator run project born in response to a world in flux—a moment that called for recalibration, not repetition. As the world shifts, so too must the systems that shape it. Arcade reimagines the art fair as a celebratory arts platform centred on agency and access, where artists, curators, collectors, and communities come together through a shared vision. Through this open, democratising model we create a space for more current conversations, unheard voices, and culturally significant art that exists beyond purely commercial forces. Arcade reflects a broader shift - a more transparent, sustainable and conscious model of artistic exchange.

      

    Arcade Inspiration / A responsive site like no other 

     

    Housed within DSQ's central glass-covered courtyard, ARCADE takes its core inspiration from the architecture of this historic estate and philosopher Walter Benjamin’s seminal text ‘The Arcades Project’. Benjamin drew our attention to the rich complexity of these passage buildings, not simply regarding them as mere architectural constructions but as breathing symbols of transformation, bridges between eras where time and experience merge. They are a testimony to how ourbuilt environment and communal spaces can offer and are more than just functional; they reflect our dreams and aspirations, providing solace from the outside elements, literally and metaphorically.

     

    Arcade also conjures the golden era of video game culture in the 80’s, these were also social spaces of transition, early portals between worlds, physical and virtual, personal and collective. We lean into this bringing together a diverse community of narratives that bridge both past and present, physical and digital realms - creating an environment that encourages both play and reflection. As the boundaries between technology and humanity become increasingly blurred, Arcade responds to a need to better understand the worlds we are shaping, and those shaping us.

    • About the Devonshire Square Estate

       

      Dating back to 1768 the DSQ estate was used as a warehouse, storing raw silk, piece goods and textiles. Further parcels of land were acquired, and additional warehouses constructed right up until 1820, where it finally became the iconic DSQ that people know today. The DSQ Estate houses modern commercial office space, various bars & restaurants and a wide range of on-site facilities. Arcade is part of Devonshire Square’s cultural annual programme of free-to-attend performances and art exhibitions, featuring artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds and centred on raising awareness of through the power of the arts. Their wellness programme focuses on promoting harmony and a healthy lifestyle, their successful productions and events have been featured on a wide range of prestigious magazines and also been broadcasted by the BBC.  Echoing Devonshire Square’s communal culture Arcade shines a light on the power of art to unite communities transcending social and geographical borders, inviting you into a shared, evolving space of access, connection and discovery.

       

      In the heart of the City where history, art, and commerce converge

      ­

      Arcade situates itself within one of London’s busiest and layered landscapes. The Square Mile, the ancient core from which the city evolved, has long been a site of exchange: of trade, and influence. Today it’s increasingly intertwined with culture, as global businesses turn toward building art collections, cultural programmes and redefining value.

      Within this context, Arcade plays a central role, interweaving new perspectives into the city’s institutional fabric - home to some of the world’s most influential organizations, long-standing patrons of the arts. Here, where glass towers rise above medieval streets, Arcade offers a compelling setting for exchange, where artists can expand their collector base and cultivate meaningful relationships across finance, insurance, media, technology, hospitality, and the wider communities. Drawing a culturally diverse, internationally minded audience, Arcade positions itself not just within the city, but as part of its ongoing transformation.

       

      Eligibility

       

      Arcade is open to all visual art mediums and welcomes applications from emerging and established artists and collectives at various stages in their creative practice. Our aim is to champion authentic talent regardless of profile or background to ignite a positive exchange of new ideas and concepts. A focus will be on engaging works and themes that further contemporary art discourse and help us navigate the shifting boundaries of the worlds we inhabit, and those we continue to build.

       

       - All submitted works must be for sale and priced between £100 and £9,000

      - Artists must be 18 years or older

      - Artists or organisations representing artists from all countries may apply.

      - The artist or representative must be present during the fair to invigilate and discuss the artists work.

      - Work does not need to address social or environmental themes, however artists must select one

         charity or non-profit to receive the 20% donation

       

      Artist Support & Sales Structure

       

      - Arcade supports artists with fair fees and no extra commission or taken on sales.

      - The five-day duration is intended to increase visitor engagement and expand opportunities for artists

        within the Square Mile.

      - Curator/mentor support on presentation and curation of work.

      - Together with artists 20% of all sales will be donated to a charity or non-profit supporting social

         or environmental impact, chosen by the artist.

      - All sales will be taken through our central payment system to make it easier for artists.

        Arcade will retain 5% on sales just to cover card transaction fees and standard wrapping services.

        We will also manage the charity donation, transferring the remaining 80% of the buyer price to the artist.

      - Specialist packaging and shipping will be arranged directly between the artist and buyer,

        with advice provided where needed.

      - Selected artists will have the opportunity to work towards a group or solo show with Parallel LDN.

      - Over 25,000 visitors a week, located in the COL / Financial District. one of the busiest areas in London.

      - Targeted Marketing /PR Reach through editorial and online media/social and email marketing.

      - All artists work will be available to purchase through the Parallel LDN / Arcade website.

       

      Why 20%?

       

      Arcades mission is to support artists first and our pledge to keep fees to a fair amount with no commission, we believe is the first step. Other Artist fairs take 20% commission or more on sales on top of high participation fees, we feel this is unjust. Arcade artists give this to the people who need it most - 15% percent pledge is donated from the artist and instead of taking commission Arcade donates an extra 5% standing together with artists to give back to the causes that resonate with them. This facilitates a communal effort between fair, artist and collector, working parallel in aid of charitable causes and a better future.

       

       

       

    • Application Guidelines

       

      1.      Artist Biography (100 words)

      2.      Artist Statement (200 words)

      3.      Examples of work: Please submit 4 images of the works you would like to exhibit

      Including Size and price. (The files need to be in Jpeg format, no larger than 5mb or as a Pdf)

      Any additional links to website or social profiles are also welcome.

       

       Your Arcade Fair Package includes:


      - An exhibitor block wall at Arcade - Devonshire Square, City of London, from 7-11 October 2026
      -       Curator support for presentation and curation of work

      - Block wall design and installation support.

      - Consideration for inclusion in pre- during and post-Fair marketing campaigns through

        Arcade / Parallel LDN/ DSQ/Sponsors/partners and wider media.

      - Customised artist nameplate and 2 spotlights.

       

      Note: Additional spotlights, plinths, custom wall colours and electricity can be added

      to customize your block.

       


      Pricing for Arcade October / 2026 – Duration: 5 days


       2 Linear meters = £750
       2.4 Meter Half Cube = £850

       3 Linear meters = £1100

       4 Linear meters = £1400

       4.8 Meter Full Cube = £1600

       Note: All walls are 2.4 meters high.

       

       Central Exhibition Space / Design TBC  

       

      Central Courtyard Space

       

      All sales will be processed through a central payment system. Arcade will retain 5% on sales to cover card transaction fees and standard wrapping services. Applicants are carefully considered by our selection committee which includes, the artistic director and art fair curators.

       

       

      Deadline is 20th of May 2026. All Artists will be notified by the 1st of July.

      For further information  contact the Arcade team at art@parallelldn.com

      We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to Arcade 2026. 

       

       

       APPLY HERE

       

       

  • Exhibitions

    Arcade Launch / Passengers