Overview
Everyone should be able to fill their walls with art no matter their bank balance. That's the idea behind Affordable Art Fair, and has been since 1999. Back in the 20th century, the event initially popped up in London to share eye-catching pieces with the world at manageable prices, and then started spreading its art-for-all ethos around the world. A quarter-century later, it's now set to make a Brisbane appearance.
For four days in May 2024 — from Thursday, May 9–Sunday, May 12 — the first-ever Affordable Art Fair Brisbane will debut at Brisbane Showgrounds. On offer at the Bowen Hills venue will be original artworks by the thousands, with prices starting from $100. If you are feeling flush with cash, however, costs will max out at $10,000 per piece.
The fair's arrival in the River City adds to a footprint that spans 17 fairs in 16 cities, including in Melbourne and Sydney already. The 2024 run will also see both Berlin and Austin join Affordable Art Fair's ranks as host spots. Making repeat visits, the event will return to London, Brussels, Hamburg, Stockholm and Amsterdam in Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong in Asia, and New York in the US as well.
Unsurprisingly, democratising art has been proving the hit as Affordable Art Fair notches up the years. Across its stops worldwide since 1999, the event has sold 568,000 artworks at a value of over AU$820 million.
In Brisbane, more than 40 independent Australian galleries will have pieces up for sale, alongside Asia-Pacific institutions. Among the Aussie contingent, Studio Gallery, Revival Art & Design, The Toowoomba Gallery, Wentworth Galleries, MG and Co and JUMBLED will all be represented. Buying art isn't the only drawcard, though, with talks, tours, workshops, live tunes, bites to eat, drinks and live artist demonstrations all also on the agenda.
"Affordable Art Fair focuses on the fun side of viewing and buying art and seeks to put art into every home, no matter the size or buyer's budget," explains Australian Fair Director Stephanie Kelly.
"The mission of the fair is to democratise and demystify the art world and make art accessible to all. Unlike traditional art fairs, every exhibited work is from a living artist, every artwork on display lists a sale price and every artwork is looking for a new home."
Affordable Art Fair Brisbane will take place from Thursday, May 9–Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills — head to the event's website for tickets and more details.