Torrance Art Museum, along with the City of Torrance, is pleased to announce that TRYST will be returning in 2026!

August 7 - 9, 2026

TRYST is the world’s largest international art fair dedicated exclusively to artist-run spaces, collectives, and independent organizations. More than a conventional art fair, TRYST is a global gathering centered on international exchange among grassroots, artist-led initiatives.

Now in its fourth edition, TRYST has established itself as a powerful alternative to commercial art fairs—prioritizing collaboration, experimentation, and cultural dialogue over traditional art structures and market-driven models.

In response to the need for opportunities and artistic exchange among grassroots artist organizations worldwide, this fair aims to facilitate international artists’ exposure to new Los Angeles audiences, foster networking among participants, and encourage further international exchange.

Apply Now

TRYST is free to apply for and FREE to participate in
Application deadline May 25, 2026 (or until spaces are filled)

TRYST 2026 will once again take place at Del Amo Crossing in Torrance, California, within the greater Los Angeles area. The venue provides an accessible and dynamic setting for international exchange.

Past participants include international spaces from Albania, Armenia, Australia, China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine. as well as domestic spaces from across the the US including California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas.

The 2025 edition welcomed more than 5,000 visitors. In 2026, we hope to expand this number even further.

TRYST is dedicated to increasing interactions between artist-run spaces and the general public through a non-commercial initiative that focuses on independent spaces and experimental projects. The fair positions itself as an alternative to the established commercial art scene and institutional frameworks, fostering risk-taking, experimentation, and supportive networks.

TRYST 2026 will feature exhibitions by international artist-run spaces and collectives, alongside talks, panels, and public discussions.In the days leading up to the fair, participating groups install their exhibitions and connect with the local community, transforming the venue into an active site of dialogue, collaboration, and exchange.

The conference potion of TRYST will host multiple panels and round table discussions to focus on active development of future international exchanges for artist-run-spaces, collectives and organizations and address how institutional spaces can develop partnerships and programs hand-in-hand with these grassroots groups.

The program will also include Talks and Performances, as well as Social Events for participants.

FAQs

What is TRYST?
TRYST is an Independent, non-commercial, Art Fair for international Artist-Run-Spaces and Collectives
(Definition of tryst: a rendezvous by lovers at a given time or place, often in secret) 

Who is eligible to apply / participate?
All artist-run spaces and galleries, art collectives, organizers, and alternative spaces are eligible to apply. Individuals will not be considered - the upcoming NOMAD project is available to individual artists and will run concurrently with TRYST at the same location (applications coming soon).

How much does TRYST cost?
TRYST is FREE to apply for and FREE to participate in, and FREE to attend. Spaces keep 100% of any sales they make.

Do participants need to physically attend?
Yes, one or more representatives from each space must be physically present throughout the fair and install/deinstall their group’s art works themselves. Digital / virtual presentations without a physical representative will not be allowed as this goes against the community building aspect of the event.

Will spaces be pre-assigned? / Can participants choose their own space?
While specific installation requirements will be taken into consideration, all spaces will be pre-allocated in advance by the event organizers. Once accepted, participants will be notified of their space assignment and will be provided with the corresponding dimensions for their space.