What’s on | Melbourne

Welcome to the official, full program for Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2025! This year promises an amazing experience filled with vibrant art, installations, and interactive activities all under the dome of the iconic Royal Exhibition Building this 28 – 31 August. 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.

New to collecting art or looking to expand your collection? Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2025 is the perfect opportunity to discover a wide variety of original, contemporary artworks. With 1,000s of artworks, 100s of artists and 70 galleries, there is something for everyone to explore.

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

This year, we’re proud to be presenting the work of Sally Ryan (Hamley Studio of Fine Art) a three time Archibald Prize Finalist. Known for celebrating portrait painting and everyday Australians, the Archibald Prize plays an important part of our Australian Art Scene.

Dive into our Portraits by Sally Ryan booth and experience two of her prize-worthy artworks up close. You also have the chance to watch her artistry in action at our Classical Painting Stage, where she’ll be painting alongside fellow painters at Hamley Studio of Fine Art and friends from P3 Collective. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or curious visitor, it’s a rare opportunity to catch classical painting techniques in action at our fair.

Our Portraits by Sally Ryan booth is brought to you by Resene.

One of the unique aspects of our fair is a 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 and Under $500 stickers, which can be spotted throughout the fair!

Experience the cycle of creation, destruction and renewal with a rotating installation by immersive artist Jason Parker. A Melbourne based artist known for his bold, breathtaking works, Jason will be live painting a mural over the four days of Affordable Art Fair Melbourne. Parker’s keen attention to detail and dynamic storytelling invite you to witness his creative practice up close.

Start your Friday morning with a delightful and inspiring breakfast hosted by Home Beautiful’s Editor in Chief, Elle Lovelock. This event offers the perfect setting to fuel up for our fair, with a selection of fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, and aromatic coffee while enjoying conversations brimming with creativity. Get ready to dive into insightful discussions about the latest trends in home décor and how to seamlessly incorporate beautiful, affordable art pieces into your living spaces.

Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your day with a blend of art and delicious food. Secure your spot now.

This event will run on Friday 29 August at 9:00am. Places are limited, so be quick!

Warlukurlangu means ‘belonging to fire’ in the Warlpiri language, and is named for a fire dreaming site in the west of Yuendumu. Established in 1985, Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation that is 100% Aboriginal-owned by its artists from the remote desert community of Yuendumu in Central Australia. The aim of Warlukurlangu Art Centre is to promote the maintenance of local Indigenous culture by producing beautiful Aboriginal Art.

Check out vibrant hand – painted mural, Flourish: Stories of the Meanjin, by Lauren Rogers. Celebrating the the strength, beauty and continuity of First Nations culture, this mural pays tribute to the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which it stands. Through vibrant native flora, the mural reflects the richness of Country and the land that we grow and connect on. Lauren’s Hand Painted mural is brought to you by Resene.

We’re delighted to partner with Bed Threads, Australia’s premier bedding destination, known for its colour forward collection of luxurious and sustainably crafted bedding in pure linen and cotton. Nestled against the walls of the stunning Royal Exhibition Building, the Bed Threads booth is the perfect place to find interior inspiration and fresh bedding to match your exciting new art finds.

Curious about the magic of artmaking? Our skilled Artists in Action at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2025 is your chance to witness artists firsthand. As you wander the aisles, you’ll encounter our artists in action displaying a wide array of styles and techniques, from painting with a palette knife to textile weaving. If you fall in love with one of their artworks, don’t forget to head over to their stand to purchase one for yourself.

Our Artist in Actions this year include Renee Mitchell (Gallery NWC), Madeleine McKinlay (The Toowoomba Gallery) and Jud Keresztesi (Manyung Gallery). Joining them are artists from Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation and Naarm Textile Collective.

Jackie Case is back in Melbourne with her 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.

Fuel your creativity with a delightful selection of food and beverage options available at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2025.

We’re delighted to partner with Bird in Hand, a renowned Adelaide Hills winery. The founding principle of Bird in Hand is to be at the pinnacle of sustainable cool-climate winemaking, contemporary art, bespoke experiences and social advocacy, making this a seamless alignment.

Fuel your creativity with a delightful selection of food and beverage options available. Grab a coffee from Café Botanica, unwind in our Art Lounge overlooking our classical painters in action, and Cheers a Glass of Bird in Hand Bubbles under the dome of the iconic Royal Exhibition Building.

Our Discover: Young Talent platform showcases nine young artists who have been selected for their innovative and exciting approach to their practice.

This curated selection of available works by young artists is an ideal opportunity for collectors to snap up their artwork early and discover brand 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 Aimee McCartney, Abby Lee Sleep, Beatrice Dahllof, Lauren Cameron, Miffy Murray, Morgana Celeste, Ronald Chu, Tara Strubing and Vittoria Cugno.

Read more about each rising star on our blog.

Be inspired with installations this 28 – 31 August. Much loved local artist Sally Hastings’ (Thirteen 05) Giant Gummy T-Rex skeleton sculpture is set to make a roaring impression, while Maryanne Moodie (Naarm Textile Collective) Imagined Landscapes is sure to inspire creative minds.

Our Children’s Art Studio x Tenyka Jay will create a magical underwater world of sea creatures, mermaids and more. Don’t forget to join her complimentary walk-in creative colouring activities, where art lovers young and old can unleash their inner artist. Free face painting will bring underwater adventures to life, transforming little ones into glowing jellyfish, or mythical mermaids.

As a treasured keepsake, families can take home a watercolour whale by Tenyka Jay. These delicate, ocean-inspired originals start at just $50 and are a perfect way to start your art collection.

Our Children’s Art Studio x Tenyka Jay is brought to you by Resene.

Watercolour Whales Activity
Thursday 28 August: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 9pm
Friday 29 August: 10am – 6pm

Free Face Painting
28 – 31 August: All day

Can’t wait to take your artwork home? Take advantage of our complimentary wrapping services provided by Grace Fine Art throughout the duration of the fair.