Why you simply can’t afford to miss this Brisbane art fair
With the mission of making art accessible to all, Brisbane’s first Affordable Art Fair will be a reflection of the vibrancy of the Queensland art scene
Stephanie Kelly says it was a no-brainer to bring global Affordable Art Fair phenomenon to Brisbane.
Global accessible art phenomenon Affordable Art Fair is heading to Brisbane with a four-day festival of art taking over the Bowen Hills Showgrounds Exhibition Building from May 9 to 12.
Brisbane is the 15th international city to host an Affordable Art Fair with the event welcoming more than 3.3 million art lovers and selling a staggering 600,000 artworks from emerging and established artists since its first fair in London in 1999.
Marking 25 years in operation this year, more than 40 independent Australian galleries are taking part in the inaugural Brisbane fair with thousands of original artworks for sale, priced from $100 to $10,000.
Australian Affordable Art Fair director Stephanie Kelly says the fair will be the single largest gathering of galleries and artists in one location, providing a platform for Australian creatives to showcase their work and connect with new and engaged audiences.
“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,” says 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.”
The curated collection of participating galleries from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific spans all styles and genres, producing an eclectic and electrifying smorgasbord of paintings, sculptures, installations, photographic works and limited-edition prints.
“Whether you’re a lover of landscapes, smitten with sculpture or an adorer of abstracts, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your taste, space and spend,” adds Kelly.
Among the 40 participating galleries from Queensland and beyond are Studio Gallery based in the heart of Fortitude Valley, Revival Art & Design at Albion, The Toowoomba Gallery, Sydney’s iconic Wentworth Galleries and contemporary Latin American gallery MG and Co and Orange gallery JUMBLED.
Apart from being able to browse through thousands of original artworks under one roof, visitors to the Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane can participate in a range of immersive experiences including
live-artist demonstrations, talks and tours, kids’ activities, hands-on workshops, live music and a delectable selection of culinary delights and tasty tipples.
“The Affordable Art Fair seeks to welcome art lovers of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels to explore and enjoy Australia’s most exciting living artists in a relaxed, social setting,” Kelly says.
“Plus, all works are rotated as they sell, so regardless of whether you’re among our most eager first attendees on Thursday (May 9) or instead choose to celebrate Mother’s Day with a side of art on Sunday (May 12), you’re guaranteed a satisfying and soul-brightening day at the fair.”
Affordable Art Fair, May 9-12, Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building, Bowen Hills.
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