About Us
Andy Balman started in events and moved into the Arts setting up and running the Biscuit Factory, Europes biggest commercial art gallery based in Newcastle. Andy has now decided to move from the Biscuit Factory to spend more time on developing the Art Fair into an internationally recognised event and present a platform for leading galleries and artists to profile themselves in NewcastleGateshead.
Vincent Woods started within the arts industry having studied fine art and moved into event management setting up Benchmark Communications which are now the leading event management company in the North East.
Vincent worked on large corporate events producing and directing both live events and video productions for many blue chip companies including Proctor & Gamble, Nissan, Sage, Thorn, Nike, and Ever-ready.
Testimonials
"The inaugural year of the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair proved a huge success, attracting thousands of visitors to Gateshead Quays. It is thanks to events such as this that the international profile of NewcastleGateshead as a destination for world-class art & culture continues to grow.
"The iconic Sage Gateshead, which has attracted high profile events ranging from Party conferences to world music festivals to major retail events, will provide a spectacular venue. Gateshead looks forward to welcoming the Art Fair in 2008 and I have no doubt that it will continue to go from strength to strength."
Jane Robinson (Assistant Chief Executive)
Gateshead Council
"I am delighted to offer the backing of the City Council to the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair. The 2007 event seemed to be a real success and I'm sure an Art Fair on Tyneside will grow and grow as the market develops.
"As you know the Council is keen to ensure that events of national impact take place in our area, and working through Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, will support such events through a range of means."
Paul Rubinstein (Director of Policy/Assistant Chief Executive)
Newcastle Council
"BALTIC is pleased to be working with the organisers of the Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair to build on the success of its inaugural Fair in May 2007. We are developing a series of seminars and talks around our Collectors Series and aim to co-ordinate a range of activities over the period of the Fair. There is a natural synergy between the Fair and BALTIC’s Collectors Series and we hope that by working together both projects will go from strength to strength."
Claire Byers (Director of Communications)
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
"I was delighted with my own particular purchases this year [2007]! It's also a terrific way of picking the brains of the experts, and finding out about new and upcoming talent. It brought lots of people into the region, and I'd love to see it grow and prosper."
Wendy Gibson (BBC TV Presenter )
"A number of HSBC’s staff, customers and guests bought work, some for the first time, and some to add to existing or growing collections; we’ve had many enquiries as to when the next Fair will take place. The organisers generated genuine interest from visitors who have shown great enthusiasm to build their knowledge of, and collections of art
"Planning the 2008 event at the permanent location of The Sage Gateshead I have no doubt that the Fair will build on the high profile of 2007 and develop the art buying market this year and beyond."
Allan Wilkinson (Regional Commercial Director North)
HSBC
