Over four days, the world-heritage-listed and newly restored Royal Exhibition Building will come alive with thousands of original works from over 50 of Australia’s best boutique galleries, alongside live painting sessions, interactive workshops, and vibrant installations. The highly anticipated event provides a unique opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to engage directly with featured artists and gallery owners, and select from an extensive array of contemporary designs, all under $10,000.
Presenting thousands of never-before-seen pieces, this year’s gallery lineup boasts some of Australia’s best regional, suburban and city galleries with 22 making their Fair debut. Returning favourites include Salt Contemporary from Queenscliff, leading Australian online gallery Bluethumb, all-female collective Tits & Co, Antoinette Ferwerda Gallery from Brighton East, and the eclectic JUMBLED from Orange, New South Wales. Galleries exhibiting under the Royal Exhibition Building dome for the first-time will include Ajaa Design, Greenbridge Gallery, West End, M.A.C Studios and Jackson Pensa Price Collective to name a few. One of the longest running Aboriginal-owned galleries will also join the line-up as the Fair’s Access Partner. Based in Northern Territory, Warlukurlangu Artists, will present a series of works with 100% of sales going back to the organisation.
The Fair’s newly appointed Melbourne director, Georgia Huestis said: “What a delight it is to announce the Affordable Art Fair’s return to the city where it all began and as the new local director. Back under the grandeur of the Royal Exhibition Building and its newly restored heritage dome, the Melbourne Fair promises to be a dynamic four-day event with show-stopping installations and thousands of bespoke artworks from established and emerging artists.”
In addition to a kaleidoscope of artworks and installations, the Fair will host an engaging program of interactive workshops and live demonstrations, allowing visitors to form a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artistic process. Those inspired to put their creative capabilities to the test can participate in a still life drawing workshop hosted by Alice Oehr, one of Melbourne’s renowned still life artists, and watch masterpieces created in real time by artists Ben Liney (Sketch Co Gallery) and Robert Delves (Storehouse) as part of Artists in Action program.
The crowd favourite ‘Discover: Young Talent’ program will also return, offering five new emerging artists under the age of 35 the opportunity to showcase and sell their artworks to new audiences. Discover: Young Talent’ artist, Liv McCarten will also be performing live art for the first time at the Fair.
Whether visitors are seasoned collectors, art enthusiasts, or first-time buyers, Affordable Art Fair ensures an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. The Affordable Art Fair made its Australian debut in Melbourne four years ago and has since become a cornerstone event in the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with tasty treats and its commitment to affordability, truly marks it as an ‘affair of the he-arts’.
Affordable Art Fair Melbourne | 31 August to 3 September 2023 | Royal Exhibition Building
