ArtAML™ is sponsoring the Best Stand Awards at London Art Fair 2026 (20-25 January, Islington). We’ve expanded what was previously a single award into three categories that reflect our core principles whilst supporting galleries at every stage – from newcomers navigating their first fair to established exhibitors demonstrating climate resilience.
Award structure and criteria
The main Best Stand Award evaluates visual impact and creative use of space, thoughtful curation that enhances visitor engagement, and clear pricing information through wall labels, price lists or QR codes.
Winners receive a comprehensive two-hour AML Compliance Strategy Session with our CEO and co-founder Susan J Mumford, including follow-up implementation guidance, access to essential compliance templates and resources, plus complimentary CPD-certified AML training courses (2-2.5 hours, self-paced) for up to two team members.
The Newcomer Runner-up applies identical criteria to first-time London Art Fair exhibitors. Winners receive an AML Compliance Power Hour – a focused one-hour review of their compliance framework with Susan J Mumford, follow-up implementation guidance, access to essential templates and resources, plus CPD-certified training for one team member.
The Environmental Sustainability Runner-up assesses sustainable choices in stand construction and presentation, visible sustainable practices demonstrating thoughtful resource use and demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability through Gallery Climate Coalition membership (such as a membership badge on display), sustainable practices or clear communication of environmental approach.
Exhibitors may email [email protected] by 18 January with a brief description (maximum 200 words) of your business’s environmental approach if you wish to highlight non-visible sustainable practices.
Winners of the latter two prizes receive an AML Compliance Power Hour with implementation support and CPD-certified training for one team member.
Galleries may be considered for multiple awards. All awards must be redeemed by 31 August 2026.
Values alignment
The environmental sustainability category reinforces our active membership of the Gallery Climate Coalition and our commitment to climate resilience within the art market.
The newcomer category acknowledges that first-time fair exhibitors face distinct challenges. Early-stage galleries often operate with limited resources whilst navigating complex regulatory requirements.
By creating a dedicated runner-up award for newcomers, we’re providing meaningful compliance support when establishing sound practices makes the greatest long-term difference.
Judges and announcement
Sarah Monk, the fair’s Portfolio Director, says:
“We are delighted to present the Best Stand Award, sponsored by ArtAML™, to celebrate the creativity, innovation and curatorial excellence that define the London Art Fair. This award recognises outstanding presentation and stand design — reflecting the dedication and vision of the galleries that make the Fair such a dynamic and inspiring showcase for modern and contemporary art.”
We’re particularly pleased that art critic and curator Tabish Khan a.k.a. @londonartcritic joins our judging panel. His commitment to accessibility and clear communication mirrors our own principles of transparency, fairness and accessibility in compliance.
Judging takes place during the VIP Preview on 20 January. The panel includes Sarah Monk (Portfolio Director, London Art Fair Director), Susan J Mumford (CEO and co-founder, ArtAML™), Dr Chris King (CTO and co-founder, ArtAML™) and Tabish Khan.
In conclusion
Our partnership with the London Art Fair champions our values as a provider to an ever-developing art market in which clarity and communication of values is paramount. Indeed, our approach centres on five core principles: accessibility, fairness, professionalism, transparency and trustworthiness.
These aren’t aspirations – they guide how we develop tools, deliver training and support our clients through evolving regulatory requirements.
Further reading
- London Art Fair https://www.londonartfair.co.uk/
- Tabish Khan https://www.tabish-khan.com/