Art ATMs, first-time buys and live painting – your guide to Affordable Art Fair Brisbane
Affordable Art Fair was born out of the desire to democratise art and nearly 25 years later, this mission has spread all the way from London to Brisbane. The four-day festival is set to transform the Showgrounds Exhibition Building into an epicentre of culture and creativity this May 9–12. Local art lovers are invited to explore a curated collection of works from more than 40 independent galleries – and snag a piece or two for their own collection. Here’s all to expect from this Brisbane-first art festival …
Explore more than 40 galleries from Queensland and beyond
Brisbane’s Affordable Art Fair will be showcasing an exciting mixture of emerging and established artists from more than 40 galleries. The transformed Showgrounds space will host thousands of original paintings to browse, featuring everything from landscapes and still lifes to abstract creations and contemporary styles. Each work has been priced between $100 and $10,000, providing art lovers the chance to start their collection at an accessible price point.
Witness Artists in Action
Experience firsthand the mesmerising magic of artists at work when five artists take to the easel to showcase their skills, styles and techniques with live painting. The Artists in Action series will see Joanna Davies, Darren White, Chris Riley, Kate Quinn and Andrew Grassi painting live across the four days – and each of the freshly created works will also be available for purchase.
Make a withdrawal from the Art ATM
For even more live art experiences, Australian-illustrator Jackie Case will be creating almost instant (or five-minute) sketches from inside the fair’s Art ATM. Simply swipe your novelty credit card and pin in an idea and withdraw a priceless artwork. The experience lets you buy one-of-a-kind art and be witness to Jackie’s extraordinary talent to turn your idea into a prized possession.
Discover some budget-friendly buys
The tradition of art collection tends to feel like a pastime of only the rich and famous. But that’s the very assumption that Affordable Art Fair wants to change. Every taste, space and most importantly, budget will find something amidst this stacked showcase. For ease, organisers have created under $1,000 and under $500 highlights to help you find an artwork that works for you.
Experience the artistry of local young guns
Affordable Art Fair Brisbane will be introducing Discover: Young Talent – a platform made up of six up-and-coming artists. Collectors – new and established – can explore works by artists at the start of their career and learn about each artist’s individual approach to their practice. Discover: Young Talent will be profiling Sam Harrison, Jade Pearl, Zoe Willey, Sunday Jemmott, Siena Stubbs, and Renee Kire.
Find more to love
Affordable Art Fair Brisbane promises a full-day out, complete with entertainment and festival fare. Peruse paintings alongside a roving performance from Brisbane’s own art collective Dead Puppet Society. Guests will get to experience this unique fusion of design and theatre as the group debuts its newest and craziest creations. You can also catch a new animation piece from artist Melanie Vugich, which captures her works coming to life. For little art lovers (and big ones too), Children’s Art Studio x Dion Parker will be home to plenty of walk-in creative workshops to help connect with your inner artist as well. In the case of art fatigue, refuel with a coffee from Johnny K x Café, toast with friends at the Bubble Bar or feast at Creative Café.
The Affordable Art Fair will be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from May 9–12, 2024. Tickets are on sale now and for more information, head to the Affordable Art Fair website.
To find out more about what’s on in the Gold Coast, head to our Event Guide.