Brisbane shows its art-loving heart with record-breaking Fair

Brisbane has once again proven it’s a city of art lovers, with the 2025 Affordable Art Fair smashing expectations and cementing its place as a must-do on the city’s cultural calendar.

Held across four vibrant days at the Brisbane Showgrounds from 8–11 May, the Fair drew an incredible 13,300 attendees – a 25% increase on last year’s inaugural event.

And it wasn’t just foot traffic that soared! Art sales skyrocketed to a whopping $3.3 million, up 22% from 2024, with every dollar going directly to the artists who made the magic happen.

Aruga Account Director and Affordable Art Fair project lead Beth Uttley said the response from Brisbane audiences was nothing short of phenomenal.

“What makes it truly special is that 100% of art sales go directly into the pockets of artists.

“That kind of support is transformative, not just for emerging creatives, but for the entire arts ecosystem.”

The 2025 Fair featured more than 50 independent galleries, interactive installations, Artist in Action demonstrations, a new Children’s Art Studio and a powerful spotlight on First Nations artists.

From seasoned collectors to first-time buyers, thousands left with original artworks ready to hang at home (including eight Aruga team members!)

Uttley said the impact of the Fair extended far beyond the gallery walls.

“With more than 1,000 media hits for the campaign, Queensland artists gained national exposure, regional collectives found new audiences and visitors engaged deeply with the stories behind the work.”

Missed the Brisbane buzz? Don’t worry – there’s more to come! Affordable Art Fair heads to Melbourne from 28–31 August and to Sydney from 6–9 November.

Whether you’re searching for a bold statement piece, a conversation starter or your first-ever artwork, there’s never been a better time to discover the joy of collecting. To learn more and book tickets, visit affordableartfair.com.

Images by Kit Edwards for Affordable Art Fair.