The Other Art Fair

Overview

After attracting hordes of art lovers to its Sydney editions for two years in a row, The Other Art Fair is making its way to Melbourne for the first time. The four-day fair, which started in London in 2011 as an alternative to commercial art market giants like the London Art Fair, will land at The Facility in Kensington on Thursday, May 4.

As it has done in London and Sydney, The Other Art Fair will present works by more than 100 emerging and unrepresented artists, which have been handpicked by a dedicated bunch of experts. Those on the panel include artists Patricia Piccinini and Kathy Temin, plastic surgeon and art patron Dr Terry Wu, Mossgreen Gallery director Lisa Fehily and Australian Centre for Contemporary Art curator Annika Kristensen. 

"The Other Art Fair is unique in its approach to supporting artists, providing a platform to make original art accessible by directly connecting emerging artists with galleries, companies and individual collectors," said The Other Art Fair's director Zoe Paulsen.

On top of the exhibition — from which you can purchase works directly from the artists — Melburnians can expect four days' worth of workshops, talks, and food and drinks. The full program includes an opening night performance by crochet artist Chilli Philly (complete with a new costume), a music performance from The Harpoons and a series of workshops from The School of Life. Try your hand at life drawing Frida Khalo, mix watercolours with wine, or give flower arranging a go.

Since launching almost six years ago, the Other Art Fair has been incarnated 16 times — in Sydney, London and Bristol. Last year's Sydney fair saw 15 artists sell out their entire shows, five artists each sell over $20,000 worth of works and eight artists each sell over $10,000 worth.

Image: Julian de Lorenzo.