Following a successful debut in Brisbane and return to Sydney earlier this year, the world’s largest art fair organiser will return to its Australian heart this winter.
Affordable Art Fair will transform the world-heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building with thousands of never-before-seen art works from over 55 of the nation’s best boutique galleries, ranging from $100 to $10,000. Aiming to demystify the traditional art buying experience with highly visible pricing and a relaxed atmosphere, visitors will have the unique opportunity to speak directly with gallerists, witness artists in action, and discover something new each day with works rotated as they sell.
Showcasing an impressive array of original works at approachable price points, organisers have curated an impressive line-up of Australia’s best regional, suburban, and metro galleries, and artist collectives. Inner-city highlights include SOL Gallery and Outré Gallery (Fitzroy), Art to Art (Balwyn) and the nation’s leading online gallery Bluethumb (Richmond).
Salt Contemporary (Queenscliff), Plume Gallery (Lorne) and Manyung Gallery (Sorrento) will present the best of Victoria’s coastlines, alongside Grainger Gallery (Canberra), Benten Gallery (Sydney) and Chris Riley Gallery (Brisbane) from across the eastern seaboard. Artist collective highlights include Femme+, Jackson Pensa Price, and Highlands Artist Collective, to name a few.
One of the longest running Aboriginal-owned art centres, Warlukurlangu Artists, returns as the Fair’s Access Partner. Each year, organisers partner with a non-profit organisation to support grassroots art initiatives. Based in Northern Territory, the team will present a series of authentic works with 100% of sales going back to support First Nations artists.
Complementing the treasure trove of gallery exhibits, visitors will be able to experience a stacked Artists in Action program including playful ceramic demonstrations from Louise Kyriakou (Outré Gallery), live sketches from James Price (Gallery Alchemy) and a larger-than-life ‘reading room’ by Blue Mountain’s local Ben Tankard (Sarah Birtles Art + Advice). Chanel Tang and Ambrose Rehorek of Creature Creature (Outré Gallery) will also welcome guests with a six-metre mural as Jackie Case returns with her iconic Art ATM – producing one-of-a-kind pieces from inside a life size bank teller, for visitors who purchase a token.
Rounding out this year’s stellar offering, the Discover: Young Talent program will showcase works from a new, hand-picked selection of emerging artists under the age of 35, and little creatives will be kept busy at the refreshed Children’s Art Studio. Presented in collaboration with Gold Coast based artist, Dion Parker, the kid-friendly zone will feature colouring activities inspired by Dion’s signature style and free face painting.
Affordable Art Fair made its Australian debut in Melbourne in 2019 and has since become a cornerstone event in the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.
Highlights:
Refreshed Children’s Art Studio: Kids can enjoy creative activities led by Dion Parker, along with free face painting.
Artists in Action: Stay captivated through live sketches, an ART ATM producing unique pieces, and an exciting larger-than-life 'reading room' installation.
Largest Australian Gallery Lineup: Explore artworks from over 60 Australian and international galleries under one roof.
Transparent Pricing and Relaxed Atmosphere: Enjoy highly visible pricing and a relaxed setting to interact directly with gallerists.
Dynamic Art Experience: Discover new artworks daily as pieces are rotated with onsite free wrapping services for convenience.
Young Talent Exhibition: Spotlight on emerging artists under 35, showcasing fresh perspectives and creativity.
Access Partner Showcase: Special exhibition by Warlukurlangu Artists with 100% of sales supporting First Nations artists.
Gastronomic Delights: Take a break and refuel with delicious food and beverages available onsite.
Event Details:
Dates:
VIP Preview (by invitation only)
Thursday 29 August: 12pm – 5pm
Public Opening Hours
Opening Night: Thursday 29 August: 5pm – 9pm
Friday 30 August: 10am – 9pm
Saturday 31 August: 10am – 5pm
Sunday 1 September: 10am – 5pm
Location: Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
Tickets: Tickets from $21.35 and Kids under 16 get Free entry
Children under 16 are free to enter (without a ticket) the fair with a paying adult.
Please note that refunds and exchanges are not available for this event. However, in the event that the fair is postponed, we will be rolling over tickets to the new dates and accepting refund requests. If the event is cancelled we will refund you.
If you're planning to bring a tour group through, please get in touch with us at australia@affordableartfair.com prior.
Our venue the Royal Exhibition Building conveniently located in Carlton and easily accessible by car and public transport options.