The next edition of the “Beyond The Streets” initiative, which opened as a street-art exhibition in Los Angeles in 2018, will come in the form of a virtual art fair this December.
The two-day event, scheduled for December 5 to 6 and organized by curator Roger Gastman in collaboration with NTWRK, a platform that offers “shoppable shows,” according to its website, aims to shine “a light on the most exciting contemporary artists working today,” according to a statement.
The first round of artists confirmed to participate in the fair are Felipe Pantone, Mister Cartoon, DABSMYLA, Kenny Scharf, and the estate of the late artist Rammellzee.
For the fair, artists will create products in limited editions, and will not be charged to participate. Visitors to the fair will also be allowed in free of charge.
Gastman, who curated the 2019 edition of “Beyond the Streets” after co-organizing a related show with Jeffrey Deitch in Los Angeles, told Artnet News it was an opportunity for artists to create works “away from the canvas in a more product-driven space.”
The fair will also feature editorial content, which Gastman hinted may include video drawing sessions with artists and behind-the-scenes tours of museums.
“Fast-hitting, thought-provoking video content, mixed with the best gift shop you have ever been in—all while never getting out of your pajamas, with no entry fee,” Gastman added.
Events—including product launches, panels, and digital installations by more than 50 brands and artists—will stream over the NTWRK app over the two-day run of the fair.
But will the event be geared towards sneaker heads, or art snobs? Gastman told Artnet News that he has seen increasing overlap between contemporary art, graffiti, skateboarding, hip-hop, and pop-culture audiences.
As far as price points, products range from $30 t-shirts to $30,000 paintings. As Gastman put it: “All you need is the NTWRK app and you can partake and be entertained, educated and get some new cool shit!”