Sydney Contemporary 2025 at Carriageworks

In 2025, Carriageworks plays host to the largest ever edition of Sydney Contemporary, one of the most anticipated events on the Australian arts calendar. For its ninth year, the art fair features no less than 116 exhibitors showing over 1000 works by more than 500 artists.

The Galleries sector, the heart of the fair, is one of the largest gatherings of contemporary art galleries in Australasia – and every work on display is for sale. Alongside the many Sydney institutions taking part are galleries from Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and various regional locations, as well as Aotearoa New Zealand, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and London.

Several familiar names stand out on the list, including Roslyn Oxley9, Olsen, Sullivan & Strumpf, Chalk Horse, Starkwhite, Neon Parc, Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert and more. Exciting newcomers include Sydney’s Brenda Colahan Fine Art and Gallery LNL, and Auckland’s FHE Galleries and Jonathan Smart Gallery / Emily Gardener Projects. Australian Indigenous art is also strongly represented, with Aboriginal & Pacific Art, APY Art Centre Collective, Art Leven and D’Lan Contemporary among the participants.

Alongside the Galleries sector is Future, offering a platform for new galleries and emerging artist-run initiatives; Works on Paper, a mini-exhibition that focuses on watercolours, drawings, artist books, prints and editions; and, new for 2025, Photo Sydney, which explores the many dimensions of contemporary photography –introduced due to popular demand. The program also features an ambitious line-up of large-scale installations, experimental performances, topical (and sometimes controversial) panel discussions, artist talks, tours led by industry experts, and more.

Celebrate the opening on Thursday September 11 with after-dark special Art Night, a vibrant evening of art, music, and performance. Catch a DJ set by Carla Uriarte of Bar Freda’s, plus two live performances of fair highlight Recital by Bidjara/Chinese Australian artist Dr Christian Thompson AO in collaboration with pianist and composer Adam Rudegeair.

On September 12, the fair stays open late again for Friday Night, with live music from DJ Salami (Dave Abram, another Bar Freda’s talent), food pop-ups and drinks from Champagne Pommery, Four Pillars Gin, Yalumba, Illy, Almighty and more.

To maximise your experience, a Premium+ pass is the way to go. It includes entry to all four days of the fair, including Art Night, Friday Night and the invitation-only Collector Preview on Wednesday September 10. Passholders also get access to the Sydney Contemporary Terrace Lounge, exclusive art events, studio visits and other perks.

Tickets are available now.

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of Sydney Contemporary.