Welcome to the Melbourne Art Fair, a renowned event that holds a significant place in the Australian art calendar. Serving as a vibrant hub for contemporary art, the fair draws artists, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the globe. In this blog post, my goal is to provide a detailed guide for both attendees and art aficionados, offering a glimpse into the importance and what awaits visitors at this year’s installment.
Venue and dates
The Melbourne Art Fair provides attendees with a stunning backdrop for artistic exploration, typically hosted at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Situated in the heart of the city, the venue offers ample space to accommodate a diverse range of artworks and exhibitions. Scheduled for the 22nd to the 25th of February 2024, the upcoming Melbourne Art Fair promises to be an exciting and immersive experience for art enthusiasts.
Spanning several days, the fair offers ample time for attendees to explore the various exhibitions, engage with artists, and participate in interactive events. With convenient transportation options available, including public transit and parking facilities, accessing the venue is hassle-free for visitors from all corners of Melbourne and beyond.
Exhibitors and Artworks
The Melbourne Art Fair boasts a diverse lineup of galleries, showcasing artworks from both local and international artists. This year’s event features a wide array of exhibitors. Attendees can expect to explore a rich tapestry of art genres and styles, from contemporary to traditional, spanning various mediums and artistic expressions.
With exhibitors from locations such as Naarm/Melbourne, Gadigal Country/Sydney, and beyond, the fair offers a unique opportunity to experience a global showcase of artistic talent. Visitors will have the chance to engage with artworks representing diverse cultural perspectives and artistic visions. From paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations, the Melbourne Art Fair presents an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the dynamic world of contemporary art.
2024 Exhibitors
1301SW/STARKWHITE – Naarm/Melbourne, Auckland, Queenstown
ALCASTON GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
AMES YAVUZ – Gadigal Country/Sydney, Singapore
ANNA SCHWARTZ GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
ART COLLECTIVE WA – Boorloo/Perth
ARTHOUSE GALLERY – Gadigal Country/Sydney
ARTS PROJECT AUSTRALIA – Naarm/Melbourne
BLACKARTPROJECTS – Naarm/Melbourne
CBONE – Naarm/Melbourne
CHALK HORSE – Gadigal Country/Sydney
CHARLES NODRUM GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
COMA – Gadigal Country/Sydney
DAINE SINGER – Naarm/Melbourne
DARREN KNIGHT GALLERY – Gadigal Country/Sydney
DAY01. – Gadigal Country/Sydney
DESPARD GALLERY – nipaluna/Hobart
FIRSTDRAFT – Gadigal Country/Sydney
FIVE WALLS – Naarm/Melbourne
FOX JENSEN & FOX JENSEN MCCRORY Gadigal Country/Sydney, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
FUTURES – Naarm/Melbourne
GAGPROJECTS – Tarntanya/Adelaide
GALLERY 9 – Gadigal Country/Sydney
GALLERY SALLY DAN-CUTHBERT – Gadigal Country/Sydney
GERTRUDE – Naarm/Melbourne
HAYDENS – Naarm/Melbourne
JACOB HOERNER GALLERIES – Naarm/Melbourne
JAMES MAKIN GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
JAN MURPHY GALLERY – Meanjin/Brisbane
KALLI ROLFE CONTEMPORARY ART Naarm/Melbourne
LON GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
MADRAGOA – Lisbon, Portugal
MARS GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
MARTIN BROWNE CONTEMPORARY Gadigal Country/Sydney
MOA ARTS – Mua Lag/Moa Island
MOORE CONTEMPORARY – Boorloo/Perth
MUNUPI ARTS & CRAFTS ASSOCIATION Pirlangimpi/Garden Point
N.SMITH GALLERY – Gadigal Country/Sydney
NANDA\HOBBS – Gadigal Country/Sydney
NASHA GALLERY – Gadigal Country/Sydney
NEON PARC – Naarm/Melbourne
NIAGARA GALLERIES – Naarm/Melbourne
NICHOLAS THOMPSON GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
OLSEN GALLERY – Gadigal Country/Sydney
PAPUNYA TJUPI ARTS – Papunya
READINGROOM – Naarm/Melbourne
ROSLYN OXLEY9 GALLERY – Gadigal Country/Sydney
SOPHIE GANNON GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
STATION – Naarm/Melbourne, Gadigal Country/Sydney
SULLIVAN+STRUMPF – Gadigal Country/Sydney, Naarm/Melbourne, Singapore
SUTTON GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
THE COMMERCIAL – Gadigal Country/Sydney
THE RENSHAWS’ – Meanjin/Brisbane
THIS IS NO FANTASY – Naarm/Melbourne
TOLARNO GALLERIES – Naarm/Melbourne
VERMILION ART – Gadigal Country/Sydney
VIVIEN ANDERSON GALLERY – Naarm/Melbourne
VOID_MELBOURNE – Naarm/Melbourne
WAGNER CONTEMPORARY – Gadigal Country/Sydney
WIK & KUGU ARTS CENTRE – Aurukun
WILLIAM MORA GALLERIES – Naarm/Melbourne,
Program and Events
The Melbourne Art Fair offers an array of programs and events designed to enrich the attendee experience. From insightful conversations and keynote talks to curated tours and late-night exhibitions, there’s something for every art enthusiast. Key highlights include the MELBOURNE ART FAIR OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY at The Kelvin Club and thought-provoking discussions like ‘THE OTHER SIDE: A JOURNEY INTO WOMEN, ART AND THE SPIRIT WORLD’.
Attendees can look forward to engaging talks such as ‘REFRAMING THE MUSEUM: RETHINKING COLLECTIONS THROUGH A NON-WESTERN LENS’ and premier artist talks like ‘PREMIER ARTIST TALK: AKIRA ISOGAWA AND JORDAN GOGOS’. Additionally, curated tours, including the WILLIAM MORA INDIGENOUS ART CENTRE PROGRAM TOUR, offer a deeper dive into specific themes and collections. With a diverse lineup of programs and events, the Melbourne Art Fair promises an immersive and unforgettable experience for all art enthusiasts. More details about programs and special events can be found here.
Images from the Melbourne Art Fair 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Melbourne Art Fair? The Melbourne Art Fair is a prestigious event that showcases contemporary art from around Australia and the world. It provides a platform for galleries, artists, and art enthusiasts to come together and celebrate creativity.
2. When and where does the Melbourne Art Fair take place? The Melbourne Art Fair is scheduled to be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from the 22nd to the 25th of February 2024.
3. How can I attend the Melbourne Art Fair? To attend the Melbourne Art Fair, you can purchase tickets through the official website or register for specific programs and events. Tickets may also be available for purchase at the venue during the event.
4. What is the address of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre?
Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon St, South Wharf VIC 3006
Exhibition Door 1, Nearest MCEC entrance: Clarendon Street, Closest MCEC carpark doors: 2, 3, 4, 5
5. What are the Opening Hours?
General Admission
Friday 23 February, 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Saturday 24 February, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday 25 February, 10:00am to 5:00pm
6. How do I get there?
Melbourne Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is found on the banks of the iconic Yarra River in South Wharf. A short walk from Melbourne’s central business district and just a 20-minute drive from Melbourne Airport.
Transport to the fair
TRAM
Hop on any of the below listed trams and get off at the stop opposite the Clarendon Street entrance of Melbourne Convention Centre:
- Route 96 – St Kilda to East Brunswick
- Route 109 – Port Melbourne to Box Hill
- Route 12 – Victoria Gardens to St Kilda
Alternatively catch tram number 48 or 70 and get off at the Flinders Street stop. Then take a short walk towards the Yarra River, across the Seafarers Bridge. For further tram timetable information and trip planning, visit the Victorian Public Transport website.
TRAIN
Catch any train that goes to Southern Cross Station. Get off at Southern Cross Station and take tram number 96, 109 or 112 as above. For further train timetable information and trip planning, visit the Victorian Public Transport website.
BUS
The SkyBus transports visitors directly from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross train station.
Bus route 238 operates to and from Southern Cross Station to Convention Place between the hours of 10.00am and 3.00pm, Monday to Friday. The coach pick up/drop off point is in ‘Bay 1’, Convention Centre Place (closest to DFO South Wharf). For further bus timetable information and trip planning, visit the Victorian Public Transport website.
RIDESHARE
There is a drop off point right for rideshare vehicles outside the Convention Centre entrance, opposite Pan Pacific.
CAR
There is ample underground parking available, however pre-booking is encouraged to ensure you are guaranteed a spot.
Book a spot at MCEC Wilson Parking here.
There is also an abundance of convenient secure car parking available close to MCEC. Nearby options include the South Wharf Retail, Siddeley St, Freeway and Montague Street car parks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, galleries were well represented from Melbourne and around Australia as well as some international galleries at the Melbourne Art Fair 2024. If you are a veteran of art fairs you would have been delighted with the variety of contemporary art. If you have never been to an art fair before, don’t feel intimidated, you have a right to be there as much as anyone else. It can be an educational visit and you never know you may become a collector in the future. So I hope you will attend the 2025 Melbourne Art Fair!
I absolutely loved looking at all the artworks in your post. I will certainly keep the Melbourne Art Fair in mind for next year!
Hi Ma, I loved looking at the artworks in person. I hope you get to go next year!