Los Angeles’ premier art fairs, including Frieze LA, Felix, and several others, are set to go forward as planned next month despite the devastation caused by recent wildfires.
The decision comes amid widespread concern about the impact of the fires, which claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed neighbourhoods, and disrupted the lives of countless residents. Organisers and participants emphasise the fairs’ potential role in healing, rebuilding, and supporting the city’s vibrant arts community.
Frieze Los Angeles confirmed on Friday that its sixth edition will proceed from 20 February to 23 at the Santa Monica Airport. Felix Art Fair, hosted at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and the Santa Monica Post Office fair, a newish addition to the city’s art scene, also announced plans to move forward. These fairs, along with the 30th edition of the LA Art Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center, are poised to bring together artists, galleries, collectors, and curators from around the globe.
Frieze emphasised its commitment to the city in a statement: “The challenges the city is currently facing only strengthen our determination to work alongside the community to rebuild and recover together.” The fair’s organisers announced contributions to the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund and plans to develop additional initiatives to support recovery efforts.
Felix Art Fair co-founder Mills Morán echoed this sentiment, describing the event as vital for the local arts community’s economic and emotional well-being. “LA needs this now more than ever,” said Morán, who also established the Felix Wildfire Fund to benefit artists and art workers affected by the fires.
Prominent figures in the city’s arts scene have supported the fairs. Michael Govan, director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, described art as “the lifeblood of Los Angeles’s extraordinary creativity and also of its resilience.” Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete added, “Art can heal, and our community is open, strong, and ready to welcome Frieze Los Angeles artists, galleries, and attendees with open arms.”
Despite logistical and financial challenges, particularly for galleries travelling from out of town, the fairs’ organisers and participants are optimistic. The director of The Other Art Fair in Atwater Village, Nicole Garton, said the event aims to offer “respite to a community which has experienced so much loss.”
The fairs’ decision to proceed has not been without debate. Some questioned the appropriateness of hosting such events soon after a disaster, but the prevailing sentiment among local artists and gallerists is determined. For many, the fairs represent a chance to unite and find hope in adversity. Wendy Olsoff, co-founder of New York’s PPOW gallery, drew parallels to her experiences after 11 September. “Just being together was unbelievably healing,” she said, recalling a gallery opening despite the tragedy.
As Los Angeles wrestles with the aftermath of the fires, its art community is stepping up to demonstrate the city’s resilience. With 101 exhibitors confirmed for Frieze’s tent at Santa Monica Airport and strong support for other fairs, these events promise to be more than just showcases for art—they will be acts of defiance, solidarity, and hope.
In a city where creativity is both an identity and a lifeline, the upcoming fairs will offer Angelenos a chance to come together, celebrate their shared culture, and begin rebuilding—one painting, sculpture, and photograph at a time.
Top Photo: Clayton Calvert © Artlyst 2025