No.9 Cork Street: Frieze Collect The Keys

Frieze, the art tour de force is set to arrive at Cork Street with an enduring project and a dedicated address.

Launching in October 2021, Frieze will present No.9 Cork Street, a hub for international gallery residencies in the heart of Mayfair, at the centre of London’s gallery district. (Cork Street, just north of the Royal Academy of Arts, being known as one of the most significant neighbourhoods in the history of modern and contemporary art, with one of the highest concentrations of galleries in the capital.)

While bringing audiences together to celebrate contemporary art is a Frieze constant, the Cork Street initiative marks an exciting, first-of-its-kind for the platform, which comprises three magazines and four international art fairs.

Designed by architecture studio Matheson Whiteley and developed in partnership with The Pollen Estate, two converted townhouses – 600 square metres across three floors – will provide a flexible and collaborative year-round environment for the world’s leading galleries to connect with London audiences. Offering a fully equipped exhibition space, private viewing room and a range of media, digital and social media services, each residency will span approximately four weeks, with applications open to commercial art galleries or ventures that show a regular programme of exhibitions. Reduced participation fees will be offered to young galleries.

In addition, the lower level of No.9 will be used as an event space hosting artist talks, screenings and receptions related to Frieze’s newly launched membership programme.

“Over the past 12 months, we have learnt that the experience of seeing art is irreplaceable, as are the human connections that are so crucial to its appreciation,” explains Eva Langret, Frieze London’s Artistic Director. “We are always looking for new ways to support our community of galleries, and so No.9 Cork Street is a natural response to the challenges brought about by the pandemic. With ideas around locality, physicality and time particularly pertinent right now, the pop-up model allows for a more in-depth look at specific projects.”

No.9 Cork Street underscores a crucial, ongoing commitment to London’s creative spirit.

“We continue to be endlessly inspired by London, the resilience of our artistic community and the dynamic cultural fabric of our city,” Langret continues. “We are excited to propose a new space which will host international projects conceived specifically for London.”

“Their arrival marks an important milestone in the Cork Street Galleries initiative of reigniting Cork Street as the leading destination for modern and contemporary art in London,” asserts Julian Stocks, Property Director at The Pollen Estate.