Art Rotterdam's second edition at Ahoy proved exceptionally successful
Art Rotterdam looks back on a highly successful 2026 edition, for the first time merged with Unseen Photo. With a record number of 30,000 visitors, a strong group of participants, outstanding sales results, a great energy, and praise in the press.
Övül Ö. Durmuşoğlu appointed as new Head Curator for Art Rotterdam
The fair is proud to announce the appointment of Övül Ö. Durmuşoğlu as its new Head Curator. Drawing on her extensive international experience and network, she will further shape the artistic direction of the fair and contribute to an even stronger, more diverse and carefully curated gallery programme.
Durmuşoğlu is already closely connected to Art Rotterdam, having led the artistic programming of the New Art Section during the fair's first two editions at Rotterdam Ahoy.
Based in Berlin, Övül Ö. Durmuşoğlu is a curator, writer and educator whose practice spans leading international institutions and biennials, including dOCUMENTA (13), the Istanbul Biennial and the Autostrada Biennale. In 2026, she became Artistic Director of the Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art (GIBCA) in Sweden.
Övül Ö. Durmuşoğlu – new head curator Art Rotterdam
Domenico de Chirico appointed as Head Curator of Unseen Photo
Following his successful curation of Unseen Encounters in 2026, Milan-based curator Domenico de Chirico has been appointed Head Curator of Unseen Photo. Having curated numerous exhibitions and projects in collaboration with artists, galleries and museums internationally, he brings extensive curatorial expertise and a global perspective to the fair.
A more focused Unseen and the return of the Unseen Book Market
For 2027, Unseen further strengthens its identity with a more focused presentation of its curated sections, including Encounters, New Photography and Past Present. Highlight of this edition is the return of the Unseen Book Market, bringing together 40 international publishers and further reinforcing Unseen's position as a leading platform for contemporary photography.
Projections and Sculpture Park participation at no additional costs
Galleries applying for a booth at Art Rotterdam or Unseen Photo can also register for the video section Projections and Sculpture Park for large sculptures and installations. Both sections are located in prominent positions within the fair and are free of charge.
Projections at Art Rotterdam 2026
8 Reasons to Apply for Art Rotterdam & Unseen Photo
Attracting 30,000 visitors annually, including 3,000 international collectors, curators and museum directors, complemented by an extensive VIP programme that has earned international recognition.
Attractive booth pricing – Art Rotterdam booths starting from €4,900 (25 m²) and Unseen Photo booths starting from €4,300 (20 m²).
Projections participation free of charge – exclusive 5-metre-wide video projection in an 800 m² darkened exhibition space.
Sculpture Park participation free of charge – large-scale sculptures and installations presented in a prominent position within the fair.
Dutch Art Market Masterclass – an online session held two weeks before the fair, providing international galleries with valuable insights into the Netherlands' leading collections and key market players.
Portfolio Service – connecting international galleries with collectors and museum professionals whose interests align with their artists, enabling advance introductions and presentations.
Curatorial Orientation Tours – including programmes organised in collaboration with Dutch embassies in France and Germany, bringing curators and museum directors to Art Rotterdam for specialised visits.
Special orientation tour for emerging international curators organised by the Mondriaan Fund.
How to sign up?
At Art Rotterdam you can participate in various sections. You can read more about that below. You will also find the registration forms per section below. Please click on the desired section and enter the required information.
Booth price includes: led lights, name plate and 3.5-meter-high walls
Selection committee:
Övül Durmuşoğlu – Head curator Art Rotterdam Ellen de Bruijne – Ellen de Bruijne Projects, Amsterdam Kiki Petratou – Gallery Joey Ramone, Rotterdam Jaring Dürst Britt – Dürst Britt & Mayhew, The Hague Diego Diez – Diez Gallery, Amsterdam Joseph Kouli – Collector, Paris Tobias Arndt – Collector, Brussels
SOLO/DUO
Solo/Duo is dedicated to solo or duo artist presentations featuring a strong underlying curatorial concept.
Curatorial concept
Exhibition featuring one or two artists
Part of the Main Section, with booths placed throughout the fair
Fixed price: € 7,300 ex VAT
Booth size: 30 m2
Booth price includes: led lights, name plate and 3.5-meter-high walls
Selection committee: mentioned above under Main Section
New Art Section
The New Art Section exclusively shows works by emerging artists.
Curated by Övül Ö. Durmuşoğlu
Solo presentation of an emerging artist
No age limit for artist or gallery
Booth includes: led lights, name plate and 3.5-meter-high walls
Fixed price: € 4.900,- (ex VAT)
Booth size: 25 m2
PROJECTIONS
Spectacular video section that is unique to Art Rotterdam and for which international collectors travel specifically to Rotterdam.
Free of charge for participating galleries
Curatorial concept
Video section in which each participating gallery can propose one video work
Darkened space of over 800 square meters featuring 12 projections on five- meter- wide freestanding projection screens
lncluding technical realization
The Projections space consists of:
Five-meter-wide screen
Sound system
Headphones
Text board with background information
Signing
Bench
SCULPTURE PARK
A 280-square-meter space at the fair for sculptures designed by Tom Postma Design.
Sculpture Park also serves as a meeting point, providing air and space to the fair.
Sculpture or installation
Prominent spot at the fair
Designed by Tom Postma Design
Free of Charge
Transport, installation and insurance are at the gallery’s expense
For more information, please contact
Art Rotterdam, Manuela Klerkx + 31 (0)6 81 35 24 48 manuela@artrotterdam.com
"Art Rotterdam was an absolute standout this year — the fair itself felt sharper, bolder and Unseen Photo, integrated into the main programme, brought an exciting photographic dimension that made the experience even richer."
- Michael Schmidt-Ott, Austrian collector, Il Sole 24 Ore
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