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Unknown artists from young galleries will be showcased at the Frieze Art Fair after the recession forced out some international dealers.
Thirteen American galleries that took a stand at last year's event in Regent's Park are not returning this year.
Organisers were planning a new section to present rising stars, but the extra space created by the downturn will be twice as big as intended.
The section, called Frame, will host 29 galleries chosen from more than 200 applications, including six from London and newcomers from San Francisco to Bucharest and Mumbai. Each will present a single up-and-coming artist.
Amanda Sharp, Frieze co-director, said it was a coincidence that the fair's advisers were pushing for more space for new artists while established dealers were having a tough time. For planning reasons, galleries had to commit to the fair by February, when many were still suffering the effects of the market crash. Ms Sharp said: “It's really important for us to keep a door open to young, exciting artists. But the competition for space is very tough.”
She said there would be about 135 established dealers in the main part of the fair, compared with 150 last year: “It's sad when people aren't in a position to join you, but all of the really substantial galleries are coming back.”
Jonathan Viner, who set up the Jonathan Viner Gallery/Fortescue Avenue four years ago, said he was delighted to take part. “There's a certain momentum created by it and Frame is a really cool section. The idea of encouraging young galleries to do straight presentations of one artist and of a younger artist is risky but there's going to be a lot of interest,” he said.
Mr Viner will show a new work by London artist Emily Wardill, who works primarily in 16mm film. The other selected London galleries are Ancient & Modern, the Laura Bartlett Gallery, Ibid Projects, Limoncello and Seventeen.
Some are also contributing to the public sculpture gallery outside the Frieze fair in the park, including works by Louise Bourgeois and Graham Hudson.
The fair, sponsored by Deutsche Bank, runs from 15 to 18 October.
For more information visit www.friezeartfair.com
