The Full Program: Melbourne’s Affordable Art Fair 2024

Welcome to the official, full program for Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2024! This year promises an amazing experience filled with vibrant art, installations, and interactive activities under the dome of the iconic Royal Exhibition Building this 29 August – 1 September. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Dive into our curated highlights and events to make the most of your visit.

An Art Collector’s Dream

New to collecting art or looking to expand your collection? Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2024 is the perfect opportunity to discover a wide variety of original, contemporary artworks. From stunning paintings and eye-catching sculptures to thought-provoking mixed media pieces, there is something for everyone with 60+ galleries from across the globe to explore.

See our full gallery list to start planning your arty wish-list today!

Under $1,000 Original Artworks

One of the unique aspects of this fair is its commitment to making art accessible to all. With price ranges from $100 to $10,000, you can explore a diverse selection of pieces by both emerging talents and established artists. Plus keep a look out for our Under $1,000 stickers which can be spotted throughout the fair!

Snap and Share: Instagram-Worthy Art Installations

Don’t forget to bring your camera! Set your sights on Instagram-worthy art installations accompanied by live painting sure to inspire art lovers.  

James Price (Gallery Alchemy) will bring a breathtaking installation that transforms plain white walls into a tapestry of art and storytelling. This Melbourne-based artist, celebrated for his confident and precise use of clean lines, has enveloped the entire room in paper, allowing his sketchbook process to take over the space. As an experienced muralist, Price’s keen attention to detail and dynamic storytelling invite you to witness his creative practice.

Step into a larger-than-life classic novel and immerse yourself in a vibrant space inspired by the captivating artworks of Blue Mountains-based painter and former bookseller Ben Tankard (Sarah Birtles Art + Advice). This ‘Reading Room’ transforms popular book covers into dramatic canvases, using thick, overlapping layers of paint, drips, splatters, and splashes. The resulting creations evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia while offering a fresh, modern twist on the Penguin Classic. 

Enjoy Breakfast with Home Beautiful’s Editor in Chief

Creature Creature’s Bold New Entrance Mural Revealed

As you walk into the Affordable Art Fair, the first thing you’ll see is an incredible entrance mural by Melbourne’s own artist duo, Creature Creature (Outre Gallery). Partnering with Resene for the paints, Chanel Tang and Ambrose Rehorek will showcase their unique collaborative style, drawing from their Chinese and Czech backgrounds. The mural, full of vibrant contrasts and smooth fluidity, has a sense of duality, balance, and togetherness. It’s a warm and visually stunning welcome. Known for their work on Melbourne’s city walls, including the NGV, and collaborations with big names like Adidas, AS Colour, Cotton On, and The New Yorker, Creature Creature’s artistry will set an exciting tone for your visit.

Fun for the Whole Family

Looking to introduce your little ones to the captivating world of art? Step into our Children’s Art Studio X Dion Parker. Here, young creatives can immerse themselves in kid-friendly coloring activities set against a magical, hand-painted backdrop of dinosaurs and rabbits. The studio, inspired by a short story written and illustrated by the artist, will host informal readings by Dion throughout the week. Plus, kids can immerse themselves in colour with free face painting, choosing to transform into a dinosaur, tiger, rainbow, or rabbit!

Afterwards, treat your little ones to a tasty meal from our Creative Cafe. The kid’s menu includes a ham & cheese sandwich, fresh fruit, a cookie, and juice, along with a fun activity set to keep them entertained whilst you browse the art on offer.

Children under 16 enter free with a paying adult, making this the ideal family outing that fits any budget. Gather your loved ones for an art-filled day everyone will cherish!

Spot these Sculpture highlights

Towering over our Children’s Art Studio, a large, inflatable dog by artist Dion Parker captures the imagination of young and old alike. Meanwhile, otherworldly creatures strike dynamic poses in a captivating series by Brad Gunn (Bluethumb Art). Sculpture enthusiasts won’t want to miss the exquisite collectible pieces from Australian Art Services or the mesmerizing optical illusion sculptures by G550‘s Gerard Mujica. With an array of exciting artworks to explore, simply follow the bright blue ‘Spotlight on Sculpture’ stickers around the fair to discover the best 3D art on display.

Get up close & personal with live painting in pop-up artist studios!

Ever wondered what goes on in an artist’s mind while they bring their visions to life? Our Artists in Action at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2024 are your chance to find out! You’ll witness skilled artists work their magic with brushes, paints, and canvases, transforming blank spaces into captivating pieces of art. 

A crowd favourite from our Brisbane fair, Joanna Davies (Toowoomba Gallery), will be travelling from Queensland to paint live at our newest Melbourne edition. Joining her is the beloved Ben Tankard (Sarah Birtles Art + Advice), journeying from New South Wales. Local stars Stacey Mrmacovski (Manyung Gallery) and James Price (Gallery Alchemy) will bring a slice of their local studios to the Royal Exhibition Building for you to experience in person.

Withdraw a Custom Artwork at an Art ATM

Jackie Case is back in Melbourne with her newly revamped hot pink ATM. This interactive installation allows you to purchase a custom artwork, generated from prompts you submit via a novelty credit card. Withdraw a unique and personal memento to commemorate your fair experience.

Fuel your creativity

Fuel your creativity with a delightful selection of food and beverage options available at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2024.

Discover the perfect lunch spot at our Creative Cafe. Enjoy a delightful menu crafted to satisfy every palate, from light sandwiches to hearty salads and dessert. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends, our arty ambience and delicious dishes create the ideal setting for gatherings with loved ones.

Later, sip on exquisite bubbles in a setting steeped in history under the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building. Raise a glass to art, friends, and all the fun to be had at the fair.

Discover: Young Talent

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne is proud to reintroduce its much-anticipated Discover: Young Talent platform, showcasing six unrepresented artists who have been selected for their innovative and exciting approach to their practice.

This curated selection of available works by young artists offers an ideal opportunity for collectors to snap up their artwork early and discover exciting new talent and techniques. With a range of mediums and styles, the Discover: Young Talent platform is not to be missed at the upcoming Affordable Art Fair Melbourne. Our rising stars this year are Olivia Walmsley, Lily-Rose Burgess, Sam Harrison, Kenzopaints, Sibylla ‘Billie’ Robertson, and Charli English.

Read more about each rising star on our handy blog here.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event. Buy your tickets now and join us at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2024!