Rosita Mariella Rosita is an art historian and researcher based in Madrid. She’s been working in the art market since 2015, for galleries and collections based in London, until she joined ARTSVP in 2021.
Table of Contents
- Pre-Arrival Prep…
- Tip 1: Understand the geography and how to get around
- What the TheArtGorgeous says..
- Tip 2: Map out events & exhibitions
- Tip 3: Find your art week buddies & plan a few meals in advance
- Tip 4: RSVP to events & secure your spots
- Tip 5: Packing Light
- While You’re There..
- Tip 6: Shoes & Outfits
- Tip 7: Pace yourself
- Tip 8: Network! Network! Network!
- Once You’re Back...
- Tip 9: Follow Up
- Tip 10: Take time to recharge
Do not index
Do not index
Feeling worn out after an art week? You’re not alone! Art weeks are famously fast-paced and exhausting, and as our team travels more frequently to support clients on-site, we’ve picked up some essential tips to make these busy weeks smoother. We also reached out to our friends at TheArtGorgeous for expert advice, adding a dash of their signature style and invaluable insights from a female angle.
Below, you’ll find a complete guide on how to survive (and thrive!) at an art week, from key considerations before arriving, to tips for when you’re there, and things to keep in mind when you’re back home. We’re so grateful to TheArtGorgeous team for sharing their tips and lovely images!
Pre-Arrival Prep…
Tip 1: Understand the geography and how to get around
If you’re heading to a new city, understanding the layout can be a lifesaver. You might find yourself in a completely unfamiliar city, with little idea where events are happening or how to get around. Often, private views and gallery hops are organised within the same neighbourhood to make things easier for visitors, but schedules can overlap, and knowing your way around is essential. Add in the possibility of language barriers, unreliable internet, or unexpected detours, being prepared becomes key.
What the TheArtGorgeous says..
Download the map into offline mode: You never know what might happen and it helps to have a map of the city at hand, even and especially if data fails you. Add location pins as favourites for the places you want to visit beforehand/ hotel etc. Especially if you are headed for a city you are not fluent (yet) in the local language.
E-Sim: Get an e-sim if you are headed outside of your provider's coverage zone. Or check if you can get a data package from them beforehand. It can get quite pricey depending on where you are in the world.
Taxi/Uber: Find out how Uber works there, and also what the local equivalent is. Many places have an additional service as well, that is not globally used, and while all other international visitors are waiting hours and paying crazy surges due to high demand you travel happily with the local alternative.
Public Transport: Check what the public transport situation is beforehand…Often, it’s safer, faster, and quite fun, as you get a sense of how the place actually ticks. Buses in Mexico or Bahamas, Subway in Delhi (they have ladies only carts that are pink ;) and of course the subways of London and Paris are your friends and some of my funnest travel memories. Best to ask a local of your sex, age, and yes sexual preference as homophobia is unfortunately a thing in some places if they would advise it.
Tip 2: Map out events & exhibitions
Taking time to research best exhibitions, collateral fairs, and museum shows ahead of your trip can make all the difference. Do your research in advance! Look up event listings, read articles, and check online guides to see what’s happening around the city during art week. Once you've chosen your must-see events, add them to your calendar to stay organised and avoid missing out on anything important.
Plan routes between venues: mapping out your itinerary in advance will allow you to make the most of your art week, maximising your time while reducing stress.
Tip 3: Find your art week buddies & plan a few meals in advance
While networking is key during art week, spending time with familiar faces can be a great way to recharge. Identify your buddies who’ll be in town, and make plans to catch up—these breaks with friends can give you the energy boost you’ll need to keep going. Book a few dinner reservations but leave room for spontaneity, and ask locals for the best coffee spots nearby. Don’t forget to fuel up…you’ll be more engaged when you’re well-fed and caffeinated.
FOOD & Coffee: Ask locals, check a guide, ping a friend, search insta and maybe make a reservation or two, drop a pin into your offline map and make sure you know where you get your fix. We all get weird when hungry, some cranky, some scatter brained, some unable to appreciate - feed that body! — TheArtGorgeous
Tip 4: RSVP to events & secure your spots
Art weeks are packed with must-see events, so it’s essential to RSVP in advance. Let people know you’re coming, look at the booking links and invitations you receive, and secure your place ahead of time.
Lil kindness reminder: We are all tempted to RSVP to everything that sounds cute. Only to then find out on the ground we were a bit ambitious. Be a good human, and map our travel times, and be mindful what you say yes to. And as a host: overbook generously. Rather a bit packed than not enough people. — TheArtGorgeous
As event specialists, we understand how important it is for hosts to deliver a seamless, professional RSVP experience that reflects consistent branding, sometimes across multiple venues. ARTSVP is designed to make this easy, providing hosts with a polished setup that includes automated communications—like confirmation emails and reminders—to keep attendees informed at every step. This way, guests enjoy an effortless RSVP process with features like calendar integration for busy schedules, mobile ticket wallet options, and quick-scanning tickets for smooth entry. We make it simple for hosts and guests to enjoy a hassle-free experience during the busiest art weeks.
Tip 5: Packing Light
Traveling with a small bag will make it far easier to move around quickly, especially when navigating crowded public transport or getting between venues. Light packing not only saves time at the airport, but it also reduces the hassle of lugging a heavy suitcase up stairs, through narrow streets, or in and out of taxis.
Pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and limit yourself to essentials. With a well-packed, compact bag, you’ll be ready to enjoy the week with ease and flexibility.
Hand luggage only and forever: Needless to say, but maybe a good reminder, the lighter your luggage the less annoying to schlepp it up to your 6th floor air bnb in Paris. Hand luggage cannot be lost between places when we use transportation by air, and while playing dress up is fun, being stuck in a city without your entire stuff is not. We can do a whole week with a “weekender”. Show the luggage industry who’s boss. — TheArtGorgeous
While You’re There..
Tip 6: Shoes & Outfits
Looking stylish and leaving a great impression is always a goal, but comfort is super important during art week. Choose outfits that are both smart and comfortable, pieces that make you feel confident and at ease. Aim for a balanced look—overdressing can sometimes feel out of place in bustling galleries and fairs. And, when it comes to shoes, skip the high heels on preview days if you’re not used to them. Invest in a versatile, comfortable pair of shoes that can handle long hours —TheArtGorgeous has some great advice on this below!
Find your super shoes:… it might take some time or even years, but one day you will have it. Your super shoe is one you can walk miles in, in all terrain and weather, all seasons, be adequately clad indoors and out, at all kinds of events. Mine are an old fashioned lace up boot. We found each other in 2017 and I am still on the same pair. While good shoes cost you a bit of money, they will last you years and years and you get them resoled from time to time and they get better with every wear. If you can afford it, invest in something well ( and ethically) made, and you will be sorted. I usually travel with them on and have a pair of the traditional velvet slippers from Venice in my luggage, and one pair of good heels. — TheArtGorgeous
Tip 7: Pace yourself
Finding a balance between work and rest is essential to make it through art week without burning out. With so many events packed into a few days, it’s easy to overdo it and lose steam early on. Take care of yourself, and remember that conserving your energy will help you get the most out of the entire week.
With a few simple practices, you’ll keep your energy up and be ready to fully enjoy each day of art week. Meal times can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to carry a few snacks to keep you going. A refillable water bottle is also a must—staying hydrated will keep you focused and energised throughout the day. Here are a few snack and hydration tips from our expert friends at TheArtGorgeous:
Bananas: grab a bunch of bananas on day one. There will be either the morning you are too rushed for a proper breakfast or the night you get home rather late, and somehow didn’t eat at all, and are in need of some sustenance. Nutrients, natural source of magnesium (all that walking). — TheArtGorgeous
Broth & Tea: I always travel with a few stock cubes of broth. If the night was a wee bit adventurous, a hot salty liquid is everything your body needs and wants sometimes. Restores you nicely. A few herbal teas of your choice - in my case chamomile and valerian as I am a grandma at heart - also help with a little aircon sniffle, or after fair/ gallery weekend fatigue, a mild hangover etc. — TheArtGorgeous
Tip 8: Network! Network! Network!
Attending an art week is a significant investment, so make the most of every opportunity to build connections. The week will be filled with valuable networking chances, whether it's meeting gallery owners, artists, collectors, or industry insiders. Be proactive about exchanging contact details, and keep a small notebook or use your phone to note down memorable details about each person you meet—this can make easier following up later. Take time to introduce yourself, and genuinely engage with others. These interactions often turn into lasting connections, opening doors for future collaborations.
Once You’re Back...
Tip 9: Follow Up
The connections you make during art week are invaluable. Within a few days, reach out to the people you met—whether it’s a quick email, a LinkedIn request, or a follow on Instagram. A good first message can keep those new professional relationships warm and memorable, paving the way for future opportunities.
Tip 10: Take time to recharge
After the whirlwind of art week, give yourself some well-deserved rest. Decompress for a few days, allowing both your body and mind to recover. Art weeks are thrilling but can be intense, and taking time to recharge is essential for sustaining your well-being.
By following these tips from ARTSVP and TheArtGorgeous, you’ll not only survive art weeks but truly thrive in them. We’re genuinely happy to share the tips we’ve picked up from years of navigating art weeks—lessons we’ve learned firsthand, sometimes the hard way! It’s been a journey of discovering what really works and what doesn’t, and we’re grateful to have collaborated with the amazing team at TheArtGorgeous to bring you these insights. Together, we hope these pointers help you make the most of every art week, connecting with great people, enjoying unforgettable moments, and staying energised all the way through.
TheArtGorgeous is a global creative agency with a beloved Instagram and over ten years of experience in collaborating with brands, institutions, and corporations worldwide. Their all-female team brings fresh, feel-good content from the creative world, making it more fun, accessible, and inclusive.
With their welcoming #youcansitwithus attitude, they host events and conferences at art fairs, biennales, and other key cultural moments, fostering an open and friendly atmosphere. To access events and join their global community, you can become a member of TheArtGorgeous Close Friends for just €25 a year—because everyone should be able to afford it!
Written by
Rosita Mariella
Rosita is an art historian and researcher based in Madrid. She’s been working in the art market since 2015, for galleries and collections based in London, until she joined ARTSVP in 2021.