ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Informa Acquires Independent Art Fair, Expanding to Twice-Annual Event

market-auction · 2026-10-06

Informa, a conglomerate based in London specializing in publishing, research, business intelligence, and exhibitions, acquired the Independent Art Fair in 2025, following the event's 20th-century edition. Elizabeth Dee, cofounder and creative director, announced the collaboration to Artnews, revealing that Informa organized both the May and September events this year. Although Dee has not replied to Hyperallergic's inquiry, the acquisition is reflected in notable changes: the fair relocated to Pier 36 in May, nearly doubling its participant roster compared to its former venue at Spring Studios. Additionally, Independent 20th Century made a controversial debut at Sotheby's Breuer building last month after four years at Battery Maritime. Dee, who founded the fair in 2010 with curator Darren Flook, will continue to oversee the biannual event, affirming Informa's dedication to the fair's creative independence.

Key facts

  • Independent Art Fair was acquired by Informa, a London-based conglomerate, in 2025.
  • Informa is involved in publishing, research, business intelligence, and exhibitions.
  • Elizabeth Dee, cofounder and creative director, confirmed the acquisition to Artnews.
  • The fair moved to Pier 36 in May, nearly doubling its participant lineup from Spring Studios.
  • Independent 20th Century debuted at the Sotheby's Breuer building last month after four years at the Battery Maritime building.
  • Dee launched the fair in 2010 with curator Darren Flook.
  • Dee will remain to oversee the now twice-annual event.
  • Informa is committed to Independent's creative and curatorial autonomy, according to Dee.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Independent Art Fair
  • Informa
  • Artnews
  • Hyperallergic
  • Sotheby's
  • Dia Center for Art
  • Spring Studios
  • Battery Maritime building
  • Clarion Events
  • Independent
  • Independent 20th Century
  • White Columns
  • Dia Centre for the Arts
  • Espace Vanderborght
  • TEFAF
  • Comme des Garçons
  • Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Cannes Lions
  • Monaco Yacht Show
  • South Florida Ventures
  • Untitled Art
  • Art Miami
  • Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary
  • IFA Berlin
  • Defence and Security Equipment International
  • ExCeL London
  • London Stock Exchange
  • FTSE 100
  • RetailBook
  • Artlyst

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • New York City
  • United States
  • Pier 36
  • Breuer building
  • New York
  • Chelsea
  • Tribeca
  • Brussels
  • Belgium
  • Lower East Side
  • Lower Manhattan
  • Battery Maritime Building
  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Monaco
  • Palm Beach
  • Miami

Sources