Get ready to feel inspired and maybe even renew your space because the phenomenal Affordable Art Fair is returning to Brisbane after the success of its first edition last year — 12,000 attendees are expected this time around — with a four-day celebration of art from May 8 to 11 on the spectacular Brisbane Showgrounds.
With prices starting as low as $100 and around 50 independent Australian galleries and over 400 artists exhibiting their work, beautifying your life has never been easier or more fun and interesting. As well as debuting and returning artists, visitors visitors will be able to witness live painting by renowned artists Nick Olsen, Jan Du Rand, Caitlin Lever, Phillip Edwards and Brad Turner, making visitors a part of the creative process.
This year, for the first time, the Fair will include a Children’s Art Studio, aiming to introduce little ones to the magic of art and the power of creation. Curated by artist Tenyka Jay, budding artists of all ages can explore an underwater wonderland filled with sea life and submarines including a seven-metre hand-painted mural, watercolour whales, colouring activities and free face painting.
There’s something for the adults too: you can ponder on the meaning of that abstract painting that caught your eye at the Bird in Hand Wine Bar. And, if you find yourself unsure where to start or intimidated by the variety of art on display, Home Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Elle Lovelock will share her insight on curating beautiful spaces at a special breakfast event.
The spotlight will be on First Nations art this year, featuring Lauren Rogers (Ngarabul, Torres Strait Islander), Nikita Newley (Wuthathi-Darumbal) and Chloe Watego (Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi), among others. In addition, Yaama Ganu Gallery, a not-for-profit gallery supporting artists from the Kamilaroi Nation and Aboriginal-managed Art Centres, is teaming up with Aboriginal Contemporary, a gallery that ethically sources Aboriginal art, to exhibit at Affordable Art Fair Brisbane for the first time.
Entry is free for all children under 16, and you can find all the information and tickets here.