The Art World’s Favorite Escape
VISIT TAMPA BAY EXPORTS INSPIRATION AS THE 2026 LONDON ART FAIR’S OFFICIAL DESTINATION SPONSOR
UK Artist Rose Electra Harris to Debut Tampa-influenced Work to Global Art Community
Tampa, FL (January 16, 2026) – Scattered sun showers powered by Tampa Bay’s beauty are in the London forecast when Visit Tampa Bay reprises its role as the exclusive Destination Sponsor of the 2026 London Art Fair January 21-26 for the second consecutive year.
Across the pond and ahead of the curve, Tampa Bay’s growing reputation as a destination with a vibrant art scene makes this continued partnership a central component of Visit Tampa Bay’s extensive marketing campaign in London and across the United Kingdom, Tampa Bay’s top overseas market.
Epitomizing the creative spirit shared by both Tampa Bay and London, UK-based artist, Rose Electra Harris, and her creation of a Tampa Bay-inspired mural will play a prominent part in Visit Tampa Bay’s presence at the fair. Harris was selected by Visit Tampa Bay for its UK-artist opportunity to travel to Tampa and plans to use the region’s dynamic cultural landscape to serve as her muse.
“It is such a pleasure to have been chosen to showcase my Tampa Bay-inspired creation at the 2026 London Art Fair,” said Harris. “Tampa is a city of vibrant contrasts-old and new, intimate and expansive. The mural reflects my experience of the city, blending architectural details and cultural symbols from the places that inspired me most.”
Harris and Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, will be featured on a panel discussing how travel and place shape artistic practice. The conversation will consider the differing artistic “currencies” of place--from street art to institutional commissions--and how artists translate cultural experiences into work that resonates far beyond its point of origin.
“Like London, striking art of all kinds permeates Tampa Bay’s environment,” said Corrada. “Colorful murals brighten downtown. Modern sculptures attract the eye along our top-rated Tampa Riverwalk. The Tampa Museum of Art and Florida Museum of Photographic Arts showcase some of the most arresting visual pieces found in the United States. Our region’s artistic displays communicate cultural experiences that reverberate far beyond Tampa Bay.”
In addition to Harris, London-based artist Jason Bruges will also be in attendance at the Art Fair sharing examples of his Tampa-inspired work that has been featured at Tampa International Airport, at the Tampa Convention Center, and in Tampa’s pulsating Water Street neighborhood.
Partnering with the London Art Fair is one of several strategic pillars underpinning Visit Tampa Bay’s UK marketing effort, part of the recently released “Go and You’ll Know” campaign. Visit Tampa Bay ads will air on Disney+, potentially reaching the streaming platform’s nearly 8 million UK-based subscribers. High-impact, out-of-home advertising placements in iconic locations like Waterloo and Victoria stations, as well as taxi wraps and digital billboards, are captivating the attention of millions of commuters. In-market representation and activations at major travel trade shows are further bolstering Tampa Bay’s visibility among key audiences.
The campaign also leverages cutting-edge digital tactics, including collaborations with Expedia, Tiki, and Skyscanner, to engage travel planners at critical decision-making stages. Custom landing pages, banner ads, and innovative data-driven targeting are designed to drive travel bookings directly to Tampa Bay.
Visit Tampa Bay is also in the midst of its continued partnership with Brentford Football Club where Tampa Bay is spotlighted during the club’s home matches and through exclusive media events. Corrada explained these initiatives, taken all together, are a clear signal that Tampa Bay appreciates what a strong market the UK and other international markets are for its destination.
“Investments in marketing and key partnerships with the London Art Fair and Brentford Football Club help keep Tampa Bay front of mind in our number one overseas market,” Corrada said. “That kind of intentional exposure ensures that our destination’s enticing mix of world-class eateries, luxurious accommodations, gorgeous weather, scenic beauty, distinct culture and welcoming spirit continues to attract discriminating travelers from the United Kingdom and around the world.”
ABOUT VISIT TAMPA BAY
The heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventure with a relaxing vibe to create vacation experiences that are authentically Tampa Bay. As a not-for-profit corporation certified by Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we work with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits. For more information, visit our website.