Who is Georgia Huestis?
I’m a lover of art, colour and all things visual, and I’m proud to be the Fair Director of Affordable Art Fair in Australia, with Fairs in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. I’m passionate about helping artists and galleries connect with buyers and helping people fall in love with art that makes their house feel like a home.
Before running art fairs, I managed a gallery in London and New York, exhibiting at international art fairs and immersing myself in the global art world. When I’m not surrounded by art, you’ll usually find me pottering in the garden with my family, it’s my happy place.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t think I’d stray too far to be honest – I love what I do. If I wasn’t running art fairs, I know I’d still be in a gallery somewhere, connecting people with art.
Who inspires you and why?
My grandmother has always been my greatest inspiration. She wore coral lipstick, never stopped smiling, had a contagious energy that lit up any room, and treated everyone with kindness. She was a fashion designer, and from an early age we would sit and draw together. She taught me the value of creativity, joy and kindness.
I’m also deeply inspired by artist Jason Parker who will be suspending a large-scale rotating hand-painted mural from the ceiling of the Royal Exhibition Building at our upcoming Melbourne Fair.
Jason has such a distinct sense of colour and an effortless way of immersing the audience in his visually dense world; a world which is both beautiful, vulnerable and layered. I’ve been following Jason’s art for several years and love the way he works across so many different platforms, environments, and surfaces to explore the boundaries of his art.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Keep making art accessible to everyone. Art shouldn’t feel intimidating or out of reach, it should be something that sparks joy, conversation and connection for all.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love the pace of the Victorian Surf Coast in winter – there’s nothing better than sitting by a fireplace in winter and crisp walks in nature. It’s close enough to Melbourne to feel spontaneous but far enough away to feel like a proper escape.
I’ve also been dreaming of a trip to Molong in Central NSW to stay at SONA, a beautiful old bank building Pip Brett converted into accommodation. Pip runs JUMBLED in Orange and exhibits at all our Fairs with her signature vibrant style. As our galleries always travel to us, I love the idea of returning the visit.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I love to show off Melbourne’s local art galleries. SOL Gallery, Brunswick Street Gallery and Outre Gallery are all in Fitzroy and make for the perfect art-filled meander.
I’m also in the stage of my life where keeping young children entertained directs much of what we do. The NGV is a favourite – the kids love the waterwall and lying on their backs to stare up at the magnificent stained-glass ceiling by Leonard French.
What are you currently reading?
Evenings and Weekends by Irish author Oisin McKenna. Some escapism and a web of characters navigating Summer in London.
What are you currently listening to?
This morning, we had Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 on in the car, my girls love it! ‘A cup of ambition’ feels like a great way to start the day.
Happiness is?
Being in the garden. The daffodils have just bloomed, and the violets are spreading. Bulbs always feel like a reward for patience.
What does the future hold for you?
Our Melbourne Affordable Art Fair is just around the corner, and I am really looking forward to spending the week celebrating art under the heritage dome of the Royal Exhibition Building. Next stop will be time with the team in Sydney for our Sydney Affordable Art Fair’s debut at our new Carriageworks venue. You’ll then find me curled up with a cup of tea, resting my feet, until we do it all again in sunny Brisbane next May!
Georgia is the Fair Director of the Affordable Art Fair Melbourne – which takes place at the Royal Exhibition Building from 28 – 31 August 2025. For more information, visit: www.affordableartfair.com for details.
Image: Georgia Huestis (supplied)