In an evolving art landscape, the new Neighbors art fair, co-founded by Mirka Serrato and Jonny Tanna, is poised to redefine the art fair experience in Chicago. Launching in April 2026, this event distinguishes itself through a commitment to quality over quantity, offering an intimate and carefully curated selection of works within a unique domestic setting. The founders' approach challenges the traditional sprawling fair model, aiming instead to foster deeper engagement and meaningful connections among artists, galleries, and collectors.
Chicago's Art Scene Welcomes Neighbors Fair: A Curated Experience in a Historic Setting
Chicago's vibrant art community is about to embrace a fresh perspective with the upcoming Neighbors art fair, scheduled to run from April 8 to 12, 2026. This innovative fair, conceptualized by Texas-based collector Mirka Serrato and UK dealer Jonny Tanna (founder of London's Harlesden High Street gallery), is set to debut within a historic Gold Coast apartment, a short distance from Navy Pier. The fair’s debut strategically aligns with Expo Chicago, offering a complementary, yet distinct, art viewing opportunity.
Serrato, who previously resided in the apartment for almost three years, envisioned transforming its distinctive interior into a dynamic space for contemporary art. Her partnership with Tanna, forged at a serendipitous meeting during last year's Art Basel in Switzerland, quickly brought this vision to fruition. Together, they have crafted a fair that consciously moves away from the conventional sprawling exhibition hall. With only four rooms and a deliberate absence of traditional booths, Neighbors aims to provide a more reflective and engaging experience for attendees. The fair will showcase a select group of galleries from international art hubs including London, New York, Chicago, and Dallas.
In a recent discussion, Serrato highlighted the fair's objective: to fill a perceived void in the Chicago art scene by creating a platform for genuine dialogue rather than merely displaying art. She emphasized that most large-scale fairs often lack a tightly curated lineup, with galleries sometimes prioritizing cost recovery over cohesive presentation. Neighbors seeks to reverse this trend by rigorously selecting participants and focusing on how artworks interact within the unique domestic environment. Tanna further elaborated on the venue's significance, noting that the historic home encourages galleries to rethink installation strategies, allowing art to resonate within a lived-in context rather than a sterile exhibition space. This intimate setting is also designed to facilitate cross-cultural exchange, drawing collectors and galleries from diverse communities.
Addressing concerns about the pressures faced by smaller galleries, Serrato explained that their rigorous curatorial process involves monitoring galleries' programming for an extended period, inviting them based on their established artistic practices rather than demanding new, fair-specific creations. This approach minimizes stress and ensures authenticity. Tanna added that their philosophy prioritizes disciplined, interconnected presentations over simply filling space, asserting that "less really can be more" in fostering a quality art experience. The founders envision success for this inaugural edition not just in sales, but in achieving strong curation, high-quality work, and a cohesive atmosphere where exhibitors feel supported, collectors feel engaged, and visitors leave inspired.
A New Paradigm for Art Fairs: Fostering Connection and Redefining Engagement
The emergence of art fairs like Neighbors offers a compelling alternative to the often overwhelming and commercially driven atmosphere of larger art events. By prioritizing intimacy, thoughtful curation, and a unique domestic setting, Mirka Serrato and Jonny Tanna are not only challenging established norms but also enriching the art viewing experience. This shift encourages deeper appreciation for individual artworks and fosters more genuine interactions between creators, exhibitors, and the public. In a world increasingly saturated with content, a focus on "quality over quantity" provides a refreshing model for how art can be experienced, collected, and celebrated, potentially inspiring a new generation of art fairs that emphasize meaningful connections and contextualized presentations.