Brisbane’s art scene is buzzing this weekend as the Affordable Art Fair makes its highly anticipated return to the Brisbane Showgrounds. Running from 7–10 May, the fair’s third year coincides with Mother’s Day weekend, offering a vibrant destination for seasoned collectors and first-time buyers alike.
A Growing Cultural Phenomenon
Following a record-breaking 2025 event that saw over 13,300 visitors spend $3.3 million on original works, expectations for this year are even higher. Australian Fair Director Georgia Huestis anticipates new records will be set as the fair continues its mission to make art appreciation “welcoming and relaxed”.
With over 55 independent galleries from across the country, the fair showcases thousands of original pieces. The core appeal remains its accessibility: every artwork is priced between $100 and $10,000, and buyers can have their new treasures wrapped to take home the same day.
2026 Program Highlights
- Live Artistry: Guests can witness the creative process firsthand through the Artist in Action series, featuring live painting demonstrations throughout the four-day event.
- Immersive Installations: Celebrated muralist Jason Parker greets visitors with a massive, rotating suspended mural and a live painting performance.
- Nurturing New Talent: The Discover: Young Talent exhibition provides a platform for emerging artists, including Polly Dawson and Sophie Clews, to show their work on an international stage.
- Family-Friendly Creativity: Artist Claudio Kirac has designed the Children’s Art Studio, featuring free face painting and activities for budding artists of all ages.
Featured Galleries & Artists
This year’s line-up balances returning favourites with exciting Brisbane debuts:
- Returning Favourites: Look out for Aspire Gallery (Paddington) with works under $1,000, the high-energy aesthetics of Jumbled (NSW), and the multimedia offerings of Good Work Gallery.
- Fair Newcomers: Making their Brisbane debut are Rich & Strange, showcasing stunning realism by Alice Palmer and Joe Whyte, and Artist Lane, featuring a diverse roster including Indigenous artist Kamilya Lowana.
- First Nations Art: The fair continues to champion Indigenous creators through its Access Partner program, featuring ethically sourced works from Artists of Ampilatwatja and Warlukurlangu Artists.
Plan Your Visit
Where: Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds (600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills).
When:
- Friday 8 May: 10am – 8pm
- Saturday 9 May: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday 10 May: 10am – 5pm
Tickets: General entry is $28 (+bf), while children under 16 attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets and further information are available at affordableartfair.com/fairs/brisbane.
