Calling on Artists / Discover a new landscape of art in the Square Mile responding to a world in flux, one of Agency and Access. Arcade brings us closer to the contemporary perspectives, issues and creators that define our culture today to ignite change. Together with our artists we donate 20% of sales proceeds to non-profits that foreground social and environmental impact, chosen by the Artists. Part of our commitment to support artists and the causes that resonate with their work.

Introducing ARCADE, an alternative fair landscape launching in October 2026. Taking place at the iconic Devonshire Square Estate in the City of London. 
 
ARCADE brings together artist exhibits, curatorial projects, installation, performance and other forward - thinking entities forming a continuum where art, ideas, and architecture align; a space to further artistic experimentation and social progress.  

Arcade offers an inclusive and exploratory open-air environment for emerging and established artists and collectives to present their work.

Artists and curators will work collaboratively to create a tactile dialogue between artwork and place, responding to Devonshire Square’s 18th century yet contemporary outdoor landscapes. Site-specific and site-responsive submissions are welcomed.  
 
Together with artists Arcade will donate 20% of all sales proceeds to non-profits and charities that foreground social and environmental impact, chosen by the artists.

Part of our commitment to support both artists and the causes that resonate with their work.

Exhibiting artists will display their selected charity alongside their works, thus facilitating a communal effort between fair, artist and collector, working parallel in aid of charitable causes.  

Art and Agency for a new era
 
Arcade is an artist and curator run project born in response to a world in flux—a moment that called for recalibration, not repetition. As the world shifts, so too must the systems that shape it.

Arcade reimagines the art fair as a celebratory arts platform centred on agency and access, where artists, curators, collectors, and communities come together through a shared vision.

Through this open, democratising model we create a space for more current conversations, unheard voices, and culturally significant art that exists beyond purely commercial forces.

Arcade reflects a broader shift - a more transparent, sustainable and conscious model of artistic exchange.

Arcade Inspiration / A responsive site like no other

Housed within DSQ's central glass-covered courtyard, ARCADE takes its core inspiration from the architecture of this historic estate and philosopher Walter Benjamin’s seminal text ‘The Arcades Project’. Benjamin drew our attention to the rich complexity of these passage buildings, not simply regarding them as mere architectural constructions but as breathing symbols of transformation, bridges between eras where time and experience merge.

They are a testimony to how our built environment and communal spaces can offer and are more than just functional; they reflect our dreams and aspirations, providing solace from the outside elements, literally and metaphorically.

 Arcade also conjures the golden era of video game culture in the 80’s, these were also social spaces of transition, early portals between worlds, physical and virtual, personal and collective.

We lean into this bringing together a diverse community of narratives that bridge both past and present, physical and digital realms - creating an environment that encourages both play and reflection.

As the boundaries between technology and humanity become increasingly blurred, Arcade responds to a need to better understand the worlds we are shaping, and those shaping us.

In the heart of the City where history, art, and commerce converge

Arcade situates itself within one of London’s busiest and layered landscapes.

The Square Mile, the ancient core from which the city evolved, has long been a site of exchange: of trade, and influence. Today it’s increasingly intertwined with culture, as global businesses turn toward building art collections, cultural programmes and redefining value.

Within this context, Arcade plays a central role, interweaving new perspectives into the city’s institutional fabric - home to some of the world’s most influential organizations, long-standing patrons of the arts.

Here, where glass towers rise above medieval streets, Arcade offers a compelling setting for exchange, where artists can expand their collector base and cultivate meaningful relationships across finance, insurance, media, technology, hospitality, and the wider communities.

Drawing a culturally diverse, internationally minded audience, Arcade positions itself not just within the city, but as part of its ongoing transformation.

Why 20% ?

Arcade's mission is to support artists first and our pledge to keep fees to a fair amount with no commission, we believe, is the first step.

Other Artist fairs take 20% commission or more on sales on top of high participation fees, we feel this is unjust.

Arcade artists give this to the people who need it most - 15% percent pledge is donated from the artist and instead of taking commission Arcade donates an extra 5% standing together with artists to give back to the causes that resonate with them.

This facilitates a communal effort between fair, artist and collector, working parallel in aid of charitable causes and a better future.

Eligibility

Arcade is open to all visual art mediums and welcomes applications from emerging and established artists and collectives at various stages in their creative practice.

Our aim is to champion authentic talent regardless of profile or background to ignite a positive exchange of new ideas and concepts.

A focus will be on engaging works and themes that further contemporary art discourse and help us navigate the shifting boundaries of the worlds we inhabit, and those we continue to build.

Artist Support & Info

• Arcade supports artists with fair fees and no extra commission taken on sales.
• The five-day duration will increase visitor engagement and expand opportunities for artists within the Square Mile.
• Curator/mentor support on presentation and curation of work.
• All sales will be taken through our central payment system to make it easier for artists.
• Arcade will retain 5% on sales just to cover card transaction fees and standard wrapping services, we will also manage the charity donation, transferring the remaining 80% of the buyer price to the artist.
• Specialist packaging and shipping will be arranged directly between the artist and buyer, with advice provided where needed.
• Selected artists will have the opportunity to work towards a group or solo show with Parallel LDN.
• Over 20,000 visitors a week, located in the COL / Financial District, one of the busiest areas in London.
• argeted Marketing /PR Reach through editorial and online media/social and email marketing.
• Photography by exhibit documenter will be provided after fair.
• All artists work will be available to purchase through the Parallel LDN / Arcade website.
• Be part of a wider collaborative art ecosystem, one of agency and access, a collective consciousness for change.
• Help us to convey new ideas, initiate conversations, workshops, talks etc.

Your Arcade Fair Package includes:

• An exhibitor Stand/Block at Arcade - Devonshire Square, City of London, from 7-11 October 2026
• Curator support for presentation and curation of work
• Stand/Block wall design and installation support.
• Consideration for inclusion in pre- during and post-Fair marketing campaigns through Arcade / Parallel LDN/ DSQ/Sponsors/partners and wider media.
• Customised artist nameplate and 2 spotlights.
  
  

Note: Additional spotlights, plinths, custom wall colours and electricity can be added to customize your block.

Pricing for Arcade October / 2026 – Duration: 5 days

• 2 Linear meters = £750
• 2.4 Meter Half Cube = £850
• 3 Linear meters = £1100
• 4 Linear meters = £1400
• 4.8 Meter Full Cube = £1600

 
Note: All walls are 2.4 meters high.

Applicants are carefully considered by our selection committee which includes, the artistic director and art fair curators.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to Arcade 2026.