A very warm welcome.

WE ARE delighted to welcome you to the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair 2009 at The Sage Gateshead.

Now in its third year, the event is drawing international recognition with galleries exhibiting from as far away as Norway and the Czech Republic.

Artists and galleries will be gathering under one roof over four days to showcase the very best art on offer at affordable prices for visitors.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serious collector, the fair is set to appeal to all.

This year it has attracted more galleries than 2008 - showing how the event is well on its way to being on the international art fair map and one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the North East's arts calendar. Anthony Sargent, general director, The Sage Gateshead, said: "Alongside our focus on music, we're always very glad when we can host other kinds of events here and we're really looking forward to welcoming the art fair back after its runaway success last year." The event's sponsors include the Bupa Great North Run 2009, Gateshead Council, graphics company Chromazone and catalogue sponsor RMT. Further support has come from key regional organisations such as NGI, One North East and the Arts Council England. HSBC is supporting the art fair for a third year in a row.

Special thanks must go to The Sage Gateshead for providing a magnificent backdrop for the fair, media partner ncjMedia, promotions company MHW PR and event organisers Benchmark, who all have been integral in putting this major event together.

All of this could not happen without the galleries and artists involved and it's great to see so many returning from previous fairs.

We hope you enjoy the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.

Andy Balman and Vincent Woods, directors of NewcastleGateshead Art Fair.

CAPTION(S):

RUNAWAY SUCCESS Andy Balman, left, and Vincent Woods, directors of NewcastleGateshead Art Fair, which is attracting international attention.