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Affordable Art Fair Brisbane: The Full Program
Have you purchased your tickets to Affordable Art Fair Brisbane, but are unsure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Whether you have an hour or a whole day, here is a list of suggested activities to help you get the most out of your visit!
Victoria Barns
Tuesday 9 April, 2024
Way back in 1999, when Will Ramsay launched the first Affordable Art Fair, little did the art world know that he had set his aspirations beyond London alone. In fact, Will had set his sights further than England, Europe, and not even America or Hong Kong would satisfy his need to get art to the people. The latest addition to the Affordable Art Fair family is located about as far away from London as is possible; in sunny Australia!
We’re delighted to announce that on the 25th year of Affordable Art Fair, the Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building will open its doors to the art-loving public from 9 – 12 May.
To get you in the mood for all the fun of the fair, here’s everything you can see and do at the newest edition of Affordable Art Fair.
Discover 1000s of artworks under one roof
Get ready to explore a diverse range of artwork across various styles and mediums. With over 40 galleries from Queensland and beyond, you’ll have the opportunity to discover thousands of original paintings priced between AU$100 and AU$10,000. Have a blank wall at home to fill? Now is the chance to discover the joy of collecting art.
Can’t wait to take your artwork home? Take advantage of our complimentary wrapping services provided by Fantastic Framing throughout the duration of the fair.
Watch Artists in Action create brand new artwork
Curious about the magic of art-making? Don’t miss the chance to witness it firsthand! While perusing the fair aisles, you’ll encounter multiple artists in action displaying a wide array of styles and techniques. Five artists will be painting live throughout the fair giving you an exciting opportunity to see an artwork created in real-time. Painting over four days will be, Joanna Davies, Darren White, Chris Riley, Kate Quinn, and Andrew Grassi.
Don’t worry – if you fall in love with their artworks you can head over to their gallery’s stand to purchase one for yourself.
Withdraw a custom artwork at our Art ATM
A twist on the Artist in Action concept, Jackie Case will create five-minute sketches inside an interactive Art ATM. These bespoke artworks can be withdrawn with an idea submitted on a novelty credit card, allowing you to become a part of the creative process.
Get closer to art with roving performances by Dead Puppet Society
A flamboyance of full-size Flamingos will be let loose at the fair. Design-led theatre masterminds, Dead Puppet Society will unleash their newest and most ludicrous creature puppets to roam freely to a disco dance beat. These unexpected visitors will be the undisputed life of the party.
Dead Puppet Society will also be showcasing their Collection range of hand-crafted original sculptures inspired by the natural world, all to be snapped up by connoisseur collectors.
Spotlight on Sculpture
Explore the different sculptures around the fair, including ‘Lil Dusty’, a four-metre red inflatable dog towering over our Creative Café. Renee Kire’s conceptual playground, ‘Rearrangable Perceptions,’ will greet you at the entrance. Optical illusions are materialised in a series of sculptures from G550.
Keep your eyes peeled for our ‘Spotlight on Sculpture’ signs throughout the fair for the best 3D art on show.
Discover the art of Tomas Lineker
Normal is boring. No better sentiment describes Tomas Lineker’s weird and wonderful world of painting. For him, the more out of place his imagery, the more at home he feels. Roused from childhood whimsy, spontaneity and wit, Lineker’s eccentric colours and characters harbour timeless humour and sophistication.
Tomas Lineker’s feature wall will welcome guests as they enter Affordable Art Fair Brisbane.
Art workshops for the young (and young at heart)
Our Children’s Art Studio x Dion Parker will create a magical world of dinosaurs and rabbits. With walk-in creative workshops, you, too, can unleash your inner artist.
Free face painting will also be available throughout the fair for extra family fun.
Get the arty party started at Ovolo Social Hour
Art deserves bubbles. Our friends at Ovolo Hotels will be hosting a social hour on Friday night from 5pm, serving up Kazba’s Sangria, with Ovolo Radio pumping across the venue to have you dancing through the aisles. Attendees can also go into the draw to win a three-night stay at an Ovolo Hotel in Australia, Hong Kong, or Bali.
Budget-friendly buys
A highlight of visiting an Affordable Art Fair is searching through thousands of artworks on your hunt for the perfect piece. There is something for every taste, space and spend – and we make it easy for you to find a piece in your budget with our handy Under AU$1,000 and Under AU$500 highlights. Keep your eyes peeled for these as you walk around the fair!
Discover: Young Talent
Affordable Art Fair Brisbane is proud to introduce its much-anticipated Discover: Young Talent platform, showcasing six artists selected for their innovative and exciting approach to their practice.
This curated selection of available works offers an ideal opportunity for collectors to snap up emerging artists work 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 fair. This year’s rising stars are Sam Harrison, Jade Pearl, Zoe Willey, Sunday Jemmott, Siena Stubbs, and Renee Kire.
Read more about each rising star on our handy Discover: Young Talent blog.
Animation by Melanie Vugich
“Animation is such a fun way for viewers to experience my work and to see the various elements literally coming to life. I love the way just having the leaves of a banksia swaying, steam rising from a teapot or a plum rolling across the table can really draw viewers into different aspects of a painting.” – Melanie Vugich
On the outside wall of Sarah Birtles Art + Advice’s stand, a continuously looped animation will play throughout the fair, adding a dynamic quality to Melanie’s artwork.
Fuel your art search
Have no fear of art fair-tigue! Grab a coffee pick-me-up from Johnny K x Café, connect with friends in our Bubble Bar, or enjoy an arty lunch at our Creative Café, while the kids explore the Children’s Art Studio.
Our Johnny K x Café is a unique collaboration with our campaign artwork. Read our exclusive interview to learn more about Johnny and their painting methodology.
Buy your tickets online, or at the fair!
Plan ahead or be spontaneous, it’s totally up to you! Snap up your tickets online and enjoy our Advanced Ticket sale, or get tickets on the door.
If you want to purchase your tickets upon arrival, head over to our ticket desk. Whether you want to pay with your card or mobile device, we can take your payment quickly to maximise your time in the fair aisles.
With so much to see and do, what are you waiting for? Secure your Advanced Tickets and sign up for fair updates to receive all our exclusive arty news, offers and inspiration.
Main image: Flamingos by Dead Puppet Society. Photo: Dean Hanson
