It stands to reason that, in order to appreciate up-and-coming art, one must be somewhere that one can look at it. Similarly, to collect works of up-and-coming artists, one needs to get to a venue that displays such works. Happily, none of us suffer from a dearth of art shows; they're happening every week all over the globe. Confusion sets in, though, because these shows - venues, if you will - tend to go by a host of names.
For the sake of argument, let's assume that not everyone reading this is a die-hard Gallery Go-er. You might even be someone who, like me, has other things on your mind besides art. Ditto for living outside a major metropolitan area. Perhaps you'd like to see what's "out there", at your convenience, on your own terms. I say go for it (!) and am here to help you figure out what, exactly, it is that those art show terms mean. That way, you can plan accordingly.
Biennale
Biennales are major shows of contemporary art, held every two years. They are usually international in scope and hosted by a major city. Additionally, they are non-commercial, meaning artists are invited/selected to attend and show, but aren't selling at the biennale. Currently, there are some 60 art and design biennales, some of the better known including the Venice, Kassel, Sydney and New York City's Whitney.
A biennale usually has an official theme, spotlights artists of the same nationality as its host city, and is held all over the town in a conglomeration of locations. Odds run high that attending a biennale will involve purchasing airline tickets and booking a room well in advance.
Triennale
Same as above, but held every three years.
Exhibition
This can be held anywhere, at any time, but is usually staged by a specific museum or gallery. An exhibition typically represents either one artist, or multiple artists covering one theme. The artist(s) may be circulating among the viewers, or have been deceased for centuries.
Incidentally, the opening of an exhibition is your best bet for being invited to one of those fabled receptions where people wear all black and stand around looking disdainful. If invited, you will be expected to bring your checkbook and either donate to the museum or buy something from the gallery. (Ego-saving tip: don't try to engage the disdainful in chitchat, unless they've lit themselves on fire with a cigarette, or some other life-threatening thing.)
Festival
A festival may draw international, national or local artists, depending on its scope. Festivals are specific to a single town or region, and usually held annually. You may or may not be able to buy art here, depending on festival guidelines. While visual art is either the (or a main) component, festivals are often about "The Arts". The most exciting ones will have indoor art exhibits, outdoor stages, music, dance, guys on stilts, jugglers, fire-eaters and concession booths offering a wide variety of ethnic foods.
Fair
A fair is all about selling art, and comes in two different flavors. There are some gigantic fairs, such as Art Basel (held each year in Switzerland and Miami Beach). These are typically held indoors (perhaps across a whole series of galleries), and represent artists and/or galleries who have been selected, by committee, to participate.
Another type of art fair is a slightly less festive version of a festival (though it may involve a concession wagon or two). These are usually held out-of-doors, in an open space that lends itself to being cordoned-off into 12' square grids. Artists come from near and far, driving trailers, to erect canopies and set up displays of their works. Fairs that offer (I'm reluctant to insert this value judgment) "better" works are juried, meaning artists must submit a portfolio to the selection committee. It must pass muster in order for the artist to be invited to participate.
One small note: there is often a great deal of difference between an Art Fair and an Arts and Crafts Fair. The first guarantees you art, while the second may involve art and a whole bunch of other stuff - in which you may or may not see any artistic value.
Show
This is the handy catch-all category of art venues. An art show can range from the results of a 2nd-grade art class, proudly displayed for beaming parents, to the world-famous Armory Show in New York City.
Just to mess us all up, it is not uncommon for a festival, fair or exhibition to assume the moniker of "show". The vast majority of art doings, nowadays, have websites. By reading the particulars of any given show, and using some of the advice offered here, you should be able to determine just what it is that's actually occurring.
I hope this helps sort out, in some small way, a few more of those confusing art terms - and assists you in heading off to some wonderful art display in your area. Happy hunting!
