In this Exhibitor Guide, we’ll highlight the unique advantages that await gallerists who choose to participate in Affordable Art Fair Brisbane, where lies unique scope to expand your client networks, build valuable connections and enjoy the perks of presenting within a growing market.

Get to know Brisbane and the opportunities that exist in the heart of art in Queensland.

Why Brisbane?

Before we launched in Brisbane in 2024, we experienced a huge demand for an Affordable Art Fair in the city. Australian art buyers were long knocking down our social media doors, showing a real appetite for a large-scale art event to satisfy the wider area, from Noosa to Gold Coast. A growing population, keenness for upsizing homes and a cultural shift of priorities towards a more relaxed lifestyle made Brisbane the perfect location for a boutique-feel fair.

Perhaps the most significant reason to consider exhibiting with us at Affordable Art Fair Brisbane is that we are the only art fair. This is an enormous opportunity to develop and prosper, not just as an individual gallery, but with the entire local art market. It’s an exciting time for Brisbane. The city, and wider region, is in a phase of growth, with the Olympics approaching in 2032 and an art scene overflowing with talent. Queensland draws in artists from all around Australia, meaning there is incredible diversity in style, medium and approach. This serves our plans to continue creating a fun, welcoming and accessible edition each year, appealing to Brisbane local’s comfortability and trust in their own tastes.

We admire the city’s dedication to championing its existing art scene, which aligns with the Affordable Art Fair ethos of wanting to nurture local art ecosystems, as well as bringing art into the homes of visitors. With our Regional Managing Director, Stephanie Kelly, and our Marketing Manager, Anna Coyne, having lived in Brisbane, we know the city and its gallery culture extremely well.

In 2025 (only our second edition!), we welcomed over 13,000 visitors, generating $3.3 million in art sales – underlining the direction this burgeoning art market is going in.

First impressions of the fair

The fair takes place at Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building, a much-loved venue within the city. Home of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association (RNA), we transform the space from its farming roots into an impressive art experience. It’s a large space with a cool vibe and flexibility for us to create a stand out art event.

Both gallerists and visitors benefit from close proximity to the famed King Street restaurants, as well the luxury precincts of Fortitude Valley and James Street. Located in Bowen Hills at the center of the city, the Showgrounds are easily accessible via public transport and we have ample parking to cater for visitors. We bring art right to their doorstep, showcasing the best in the city, the state and Australia, whilst cultivating a local feel that is key to success in Brisbane.

Who are our audience?

Brisbane boasts an engaged art audience. The local community has a deep appreciation for creativity and actively seeks out opportunities to engage with various art forms. Whether it’s through attending immersive exhibitions, exploring open-air art installations, or participating in artist residencies, Brisbane’s art audience embraces the chance to connect with artists and experience the creative process first hand.

Different from other Affordable Art Fairs, we target the drive market, thus bringing together visitors from the entirety of the East Coast, not just the 2.5m residents in Brisbane itself. This far geographical reach means tapping into wealth from the nation’s retirees, young families and affluent professionals.

Australia is known for its strong aesthetic, and it goes without saying that Aussies love Aussie art. Although taste is varied, they’re loyal to their Australian artists. People in Brisbane are very house proud, with much larger spaces to fill than those in Europe. They like to entertain at home, which means your statement pieces and talking point artworks will be ideal for this market, especially those towards the more affordable end of our $100 to $10,000 price range. They want their houses to be unique, and art is a great way to achieve this.

Asia Pacific MD, Stephanie Kelly Gordine’s, top tips for success in Brisbane: 

• Bring a varied selection. Queenslander houses are big, with big spaces and big walls. But, it’s also key to remember to bring a variety of sizes and price ranges.
• Engage with pre-fair comms and marketing. Put a plan in place and follow it, including high-quality videos and images. Share plenty of information and materials with us on time, so we can best promote your activity.
• Visitors are far more inclined to enter your stand if you are warm and inviting with your body language. Keep your stand dynamic, be welcoming, and try not to sit down behind a table. 

Main image: Exhibitors enjoying a drink at Affordable Art Fair Brisbane in 2025.