Melbourne Art Print Fair (MAPF) is a dynamic annual program celebrating the collective creativity of Australia’s contemporary printmaking community and highlighting the artistic, cultural and technical diversity of the medium.
The inaugural edition of MAPF in February 2025, a free exhibition held at Linden New Art, established an exciting new offering in the national arts calendar. Seven leading national print agencies presented work by forty living Australian artists, and the opening night drew a crowd of 400 visitors.
Over the three day event, more than 1200 people attended the Fair, demonstrating the strong interest in contemporary printmaking and the appeal of a curated, artist-centred platform. A program of free talks supported the Fair’s educational focus, while a curated exhibition enriched the visitor experience.
“At the inaugural Melbourne Art Print Fair, we were greeted every morning by queuing visitors waiting for the doors to open,” said Bronwyn Johnson, Co-Founder and Director, Melbourne Art Print Fair.
“Edition 2 will be expanded, with more contemporary prints by a diverse range of artists on display, as well as opportunities to meet and hear from the makers, printers and publishers, and take part in free hands-on workshops.”
Building on the success of its first year, Edition2 will expand both participation and programming. Nine national print agencies are scheduled to participate in the free exhibition, including five returning exhibitors alongside new participants BSG Editions, Viridian Press and Troppo Print Studio.
The 2026 Fair will feature an expanded program of free talks delivered by artists, printers and publishers. Hands-on printmaking workshops will also be introduced, including a Large Format Letterpress Workshop facilitated by Firestation Print Studio. A curated exhibition drawn from a private collection will accompany the Fair, further broadening the public’s engagement with original fine art prints.
In 2026, Melbourne Art Print Fair will also introduce a new accolade: the M.E.S. Materials Award, supported by Melbourne Etching Supplies. Judged by Linden New Art Director Dr Vincent Alessi and an M.E.S. representative, the award will provide $500 worth of M.E.S. materials to one of the artists exhibiting at the Fair. This new initiative strengthens the Fair’s commitment to supporting contemporary practice and recognising excellence in the field.
Through curated exhibitions, demonstrations, artist talks and conversations, MAPF aims to deepen public understanding of printmaking, grow and support the national printmaking community, and foster a stronger culture of collecting original prints by Australian contemporary artists. Entry to all events is free.
“Wonderful to see a new event that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary print making in Australia. The opening night and weekend programs were a wonderful opportunity for artists and colleagues to come together in the welcoming surrounds of Linden,” said Cathy Leahy, Senior Curator, Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Victoria
“Linden New Art is excited to partner with the presentation of the Melbourne Art Print Fair. The event shares Linden’s commitment to supporting living contemporary artists and showcasing the best of contemporary practice. We are thrilled with the outcomes of the 2025 event and looking forward to seeing lots of exciting new prints in 2026,” said Dr Vincent Alessi, Artistic Director and CEO, Linden New Art.
Melbourne Art Print Fair: Edition 2
Linden New Art, 26 Acland Street, St Kilda
Event: 6 – 8 February 2026
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.melbourneartprintfair.au for details.
Image: Melbourne Art Print Fair – courtesy of Linden New Art