How can artists make the most of the rise in affordable art fairs?
Australia is one of the Affordable Art Fair's fastest growing markets. While there are opportunities for artists, the big investment also means there's a lot to weigh up before jumping in.
Melbourne Affordable Art Fair 2025. Image courtesy of Affordable Art Fair.
While hardly a new phenomenon, the Affordable Art Fair movement, which began with a single annual event in London almost 30 years ago, now has global reach, with a presence in 16 cities across Europe, the US, Asia and most recently, Australia.
Huestis says that the first Melbourne Affordable Art Fair in 2019 included 55 stands and over 450 artists, with this year’s edition set to host just over 70 exhibitors and 600 artists, taking the Melbourne edition close to the fair’s global average of 79 exhibitors per event.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
