Mark your calendars for the much-awaited return of the Affordable Art Fair, the world’s largest art fair organiser, to Australia’s cultural capital. From Thursday, 31 August to Sunday, 3 September 2023, the fair will take over the world-heritage-listed and recently restored Royal Exhibition Building with a program set to surprise and delight art lovers.
Over the course of four days, visitors can explore the vast collections of original works from more than 50 of Australia’s top boutique galleries. Moreover, they will be treated to live painting sessions, interactive workshops, and vibrant installations. The fair provides a unique opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to engage directly with featured artists and gallery owners. Each piece of contemporary art on display is priced under $10,000, making art ownership accessible to all.
Featuring thousands of never-before-seen pieces, this year’s gallery line-up boasts some of Australia’s best regional, suburban and city galleries, with 22 making their Fair debut. Returning favourites include Salt Contemporary, Bluethumb, Tits & Co, Antoinette Ferwerda Gallery, and JUMBLED. First-time exhibitors under the Royal Exhibition Building dome include Outre Gallery, Martine Gallery, Ubu Deco, and Jackson Pensa Price Collective, among others.
Adding to the line-up is one of the longest-running Aboriginal-owned galleries, Warlukurlangu Artists. Based in the Northern Territory, they will present a series of works, with 100% of sales going back to the organisation.
Georgia Huestis, the Fair’s newly appointed Melbourne Director, expressed her delight at the return of the fair, promising a dynamic four-day event filled with show-stopping installations and thousands of works from established and emerging artists.
The Fair also features an engaging program of interactive workshops and live demonstrations, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of the artistic process. Visitors can partake in a still life drawing workshop hosted by Alice Oehr, watch masterpieces be created in real time as part of the Artists in Action program, or discover new talent through the ‘Discover: Young Talent’ program.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an art enthusiast, or a first-time buyer, the Affordable Art Fair ensures an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. Since its Australian debut in Melbourne four years ago, the Fair has become a cornerstone event in the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. With a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to affordability, it is truly an ‘affair of the he-arts’.
Tickets are now available for purchase via the Affordable Art Fair website.