Melbourne Art Fair Returns For Its 20th Edition
20 editions in, Melbourne Art Fair returns in 2027 for the design devoted, showcasing contemporary art and design from over 80 galleries & some of Australia’s most exciting creative talents.
Words HANDE RENSHAW Photos ANNIKA KAFCALOUDIS, CASPER PLUM & DANIEL GRIMA
For nearly four years, Melbourne Art Fair has been a fixture on Australia’s cultural calendar, championing contemporary art and the artists behind it. Photo: Annika Kafcaloudis
The fair is a place to wander, pause, talk and see the world, briefly, through someone else’s eyes. Photo: Casper Plum
Melbourne Art Fair is produced by Melbourne Art Foundation, making it one of the few not-for-profit art fairs in the world. Photo: Daniel Grima
“What started as a shared vision between a group of gallerists in the 80s, Melbourne Art Fair is now firmly established as a defining fixture on the Australasian cultural calendar. I feel incredibly proud to be helming the Fair for the 20th edition as we celebrate its long legacy.”
Celebrating its 20th edition, Melbourne Art Fair returns in February 2027, bringing together more than 80 galleries, Indigenous-owned art centres and design studios for four days of contemporary art and collectible design.
A fixture on Melbourne’s cultural calendar since 1988, Melbourne Art Fair will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18 – 21 February 2027. A celebration of Australian contemporary art, the Fair’s 20th edition will bring together established and emerging artists, showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, moving image and collectible design.
More than 50 galleries will return, including Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sullivan+Strumpf, STATION, Ames Yavuz, Neon Parc and Michael Reid. Newcomers such as Helgoland, BSG Projects and 8 Wall will join the line-up, presenting solo exhibitions and curated group shows.
Following its debut in 2026, collectible design salon FUTUREOBJEKT returns for a second year. Curated by Andy Kelly, the exhibition brings furniture, lighting and sculptural objects into conversation with contemporary art. Designers Christopher Boots, Jordan Fleming, Adam Cornish and TOMFEREDAY return, joined by Dean Norton, Andrew Carvolth, Fomu Studio and Marlo Lyda & Martyn Thompson, among others.
First Peoples art and design will also be an important part of the Fair. Six Indigenous-owned art centres, including Buku-Larrngay Mulka, Maningrida Arts and Culture and Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, will participate through the William Mora Indigenous Art Centre Program, connecting artists from remote communities with new audiences.
The Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair will present an exhibition centred on wood, exploring its connection to Country, cultural practices and the natural environment. Paintings, sculpture, furniture and artefacts will be accompanied alongside artist talks, workshops and conversations.
The program also includes VIDEO, curated by Matthew Hanson, and PROJECT ROOMS, featuring BlakDot and Outer Space. A special exhibition with the Art Galleries Association of Australia will reflect on the Fair's history and the galleries that have helped shape it over the decades.
Melbourne Art Fair will run from 18 – 21 February 2027. Tickets are available here.
