More than 13,000 art aficionados and first-timers are expected to visit Affordable Art Fair when the four-day celebration of art returns to Sydney from 13 – 16 June 2024.
Marking 25 years in 2024, the global phenomenon will welcome more than 50 independent Australian galleries to its third Sydney instalment with thousands of original works for sale, priced from $100 to $10,000.
Sydney Fair Director Stephanie Kelly-Gordine said the inaugural Sydney Fair in 2022 opened with a modest 35 galleries over one level of the Royal Randwick Racecourse’s Winx Pavilion.
“Our doors opened at 12pm and we registered our first sale at 12.01pm and we haven’t looked back since then,” said Mrs Kelly-Gordine. “This year, we are expecting 13,000 visitors to explore more than 50 galleries under one roof and engage with a packed program of live art activations, artist talks, children’s activities, special events and more.
“We are so pleased to welcome new galleries and new artists as well as many returning favourites because one thing we know about our visitors is that they can keep art in their heart for years before pouncing and buying.”
Among the 50-plus participating galleries from New South Wales and beyond are long-standing Darlinghurst establishment Robin Gibson Gallery; Sydney’s hub of affordable and original abstract pieces, SIBU Gallery; the Blue Mountains representative of acclaimed contemporary Australian artists, Sarah Birtles Art + Advice; the thoughtfully curated Gallery Alchemy on the New South Wales south coast; and the Darling Downs’ home of contemporary art, The Toowoomba Gallery.
In addition to exploring thousands of artworks, visitors are granted a glimpse into the artistic process with several artists creating work live throughout the Fair. Ben Tankard will relocate his studio from the Blue Mountains to the Pavilion and create a large-scale Monopoly board – complete with houses and hotels – in his signature nostalgic and humorous style.
Also working from a pop-up gallery space is West Australian artist Nell Symonds – Affordable Art Fair Sydney’s 2024 Campaign Artist – who will live-paint a series of her bold and commanding fruit still life pieces.
A creative wonderland for children – harnessing the talent and imagination of Gold Coast artist Dion Parker – includes custom artwork, poetry, worksheets and face painting.
Ms Kelly-Gordine said Affordable Art Fair was Sydney’s largest gathering of artists in one location with more than 500 artists represented, providing a platform for Australian creatives to showcase their work and connect with new and engaged audiences.
These include a new generation of young and emerging artists, five of whom are hand-selected to show their pieces in Sydney’s Discover: Young Talent exhibition.
“Affordable Art Fair Sydney is very much a family-friendly event; our focus is on the fun side of viewing and buying art. Our mission is to put art into every home, no matter the size or buyer’s budget,” she said.
“There’s something so special about exploring incredible art across sculpture, painting, contemporary ink, prints, photography and more, then sitting on The Terrace with a glass of bubbles or having a picnic on the lawn overlooking the racecourse while you ponder which piece to buy.”
“Affordable Art Fair welcomes art lovers of all ages, backgrounds, budgets and experience levels to enjoy Australia’s most exciting living artists in a relaxed, social setting,” said Ms Kelly-Gordine.
Affordable Art Fair Sydney runs Thursday 13 June – Sunday 16 June 2024 at Royal Randwick Racecourse. For more information, visit: www.affordableartfair.com for details.
Image: Affordable Art Fair Sydney (supplied)