Buying Art on a Budget

Art can be expensive! But contrary to popular belief, artworks are not always valued at auction house prices or only accessible to high end collectors. To help you make your first acquisition or build your collection on a budget, we’ve put together the following tips and tricks for buying affordable artworks.

1. It’s got to be love

• Regardless of budget, buy works that you love! What works appeal to your senses, draw you in emotionally, intellectually? Does the work scratch an itch in you? Will it not leave your mind as you tour the fair? Does it make you smile or laugh? Does it articulate a feeling or idea you can’t put into words? Look for work that not only attracts you but generates questions, tension or intrigue, that you feel like you could live with for a long time and find new ways to engage with over time.

2. Works by emerging artists are often more affordable

• Because they are at the start of their careers, work by younger or more emerging (not necessarily mutually true!) artists tend to be more modestly priced. Look for artists just graduating from MFA (Master of Fine Arts) programs at your local universities or colleges or ask gallerists about who has recently been added to their roster of artists they represent. Instagram is another great way to find emerging artists through channels like @artforecast or @vancouverartblog.
• At art fairs, like Plural, prices will often be listed on the label next to the piece. If not, don’t be afraid to ask the gallerist for a price list or to ask what works are available within your budget range.
• Investing in the work of emerging artists also shows confidence in an early artists’ practice, allowing you to build a relationship with them and, potentially, watch their career grow over time! Gallerists are often happy to introduce you to the artist so you can get to know them on a personal level.

Here are some works by emerging artists available at Plural 2024 for under $2000:

3. Art multiples and works on paper are your friend

• Works made in multiple – for example, photographs, editioned prints (like intaglio/etchings, lithographs or giclee prints) and sculptures created using molds – as well as works on paper tend to be priced lower because they are either reproducible and therefore not one of a kind, or made from less costly materials. Works from a higher edition (ex. 1/100) will usually be lower in price than those from a lower edition (ex. 1/10), because more versions of that piece are on the market.
• Works that are unframed will also be less expensive than framed pieces; however, purchasing pre-framed pieces will ensure they are properly protected and ready to hang (and that they won’t sit in your closet for a year with the lingering intention that you’ll finally send them to the framers!)
• Also, when buying editioned prints, make sure the work is signed by the artist! This helps ensure the work is authentic.

To what your appetite, here are some editioned prints and works on paper available at Plural 2024 for under $2000:

4. Small can be sumptuous

• Smaller works are usually lower in price and more maneuverable within your home; their size makes it easier to test them out in multiple spots within your space until you find the right fit, whereas large pieces often demand a feature wall or other place of prominence.
• In addition to providing more flexibility, smaller works often have a more intimate feel, can add intrigue to your collection and act as a good jumping off point for purchasing other pieces in the future.

5. Pay in portions

• Most galleries offer the ability to pay in installments, so you don’t have to cover the full cost of a pricey piece up front! Speak to the gallerist representing the artist whose work you are interested in to see if this is an option.

6. Attend a workshop or tour

• Though not a necessity, attending a talk or workshop on collecting and hearing other collectors’ perspectives on acquiring art can help provide a different viewpoint or insight into what can be perceived as an opaque process. Plural’s 2024 Forum features three great activities that either speak to collecting specifically or showcase emerging artists:

Friday April 12, 11am: SéminArts for 18-30 year-olds, an introductory workshop to contemporary art collecting and the art market (In French, registration required)

Saturday April 13, 3pm: First Look guided tour with Tatum Dooley, featuring artists showing for the first time at Plural (In English)

Sunday April 14, 12pm: The fair through the eyes of a collector, a guided tour with collector Raja Hanna (In French)

7. Use Plural’s online filters to search by price

• Searching for works based on price at art fairs can sometimes be overwhelming and frustrating; it might be easy to find works you love but they’re often way out of budget. Luckily Plural has an online counterpart, featuring works showcased on site in one handy online portal, organized by gallery. This portal features search options that allow you to filter artwork results by artist name, dimensions or price. This is a great way to source works you love that you can afford, identify the artist and gallery, and then find them in person on site during the fair from April 12-14, 2024 so you can pick the right piece.

Create an account and browse the artwork catalog (from Friday April 12 at noon – May 3, 2024)

Start your search with this selection of works available for under $2000 at Plural 2024: