Difference Between Exhibition and Fair

Key Difference – Exhibition vs Fair
 

Exhibition and fair are two words that refer to temporary public events. Although both these events can inform and entertain the public, there is a difference between exhibition and fair. An exhibition is a public showing of works of art or items of interest. A fair is a gathering of people for various entertainment or commercial activities. This is the key difference between exhibition and fair.

What is an Exhibition?

An exhibition is a public showing of works of art or items of interest. Exhibitions are usually held in art galleries, museums or at trade fairs. The noun exhibition is derived from the verb exhibit, which means to display and show. Exhibits at an exhibition may typically include works of arts such as paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Exhibitions can also exhibit artifacts with historical value, local arts and crafts, mechanical objects such as machines and robots.

Exhibitions can be broadly categorized into three groups: art exhibitions, interpretive exhibitions, and commercial exhibitions.

Art exhibitions – Art exhibitions display artifacts related to arts – sculpture, paintings, drawings, crafts, sound installations, performances etc. Exhibits may belong to one artist, one group, one theme or may be selected by a jury or curator.

Interpretive exhibitions – Interpretive exhibitions involve more text and graphics that art exhibitions. Exhibitions related to historical and scientific themes belong to this category.

Commercial exhibitions – Commercial exhibitions are called trade fairs or expos, and are usually organized so that organizations can showcase their newest products and services.

What is a Fair?

The word fair has different meanings in different regions. It can be described generally as a gathering of people for various entertainment or commercial activities. There are different types of fairs:

Street Fairs: Street fairs are usually held on the main road of a neighborhood; they have booths that produce goods or transmit information. Some street fairs have live music and dance demonstrations as well as parades and carnival rides.

County Fair: Also known as agricultural shows, these are public events that display animals, sports, equipment, recreation associated with animal husbandry and agriculture.

State Fair: This is often a large version of country fairs.

Trade fair: Trade fair is an exhibition that allows organizations in a specific industry to showcase and demonstrate their newest products and services and explore recent market trends and opportunities.

What is the difference between Exhibition and Fair?

Definition:

Exhibition: An exhibition is a public showing of works of art or items of interest.

Fair: A fair is a gathering of people for various entertainment or commercial activities.

Variety:

Exhibition: Exhibitions may display the work of one artist.

Fair: Fairs have a variety of products and services.

Commercial Elements:

Exhibition: Exhibitions often do not have a commercial aspect as fairs.

Fair: Fairs have booths that sell different items such as food, accessories, and souvenirs.

Entertainment:

Exhibition: Exhibition does not have another recreational or entertainment element.

Fair: Fairs have carnival rides, games, etc. for recreation.

 Image Courtesy:

“Sudrak – Painting & Sculpture Exhibition – Kolkata 2012-10-03 0544” By Biswarup Ganguly (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

“Ohio State Fair Picture 1” (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia 

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