The Other Art Fair Sydney

The Other Art Fair can be thought of as the enfant terrible of the Australian art scene, an event with its own distinct identity that aims to subvert, challenge and reframe traditional notions of what art itself might be, and how it is consumed and sold.

Taking place once again in the cavernous White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle, The Other Art Fair will host 130 emerging and established artists whose work is varyingly playful, experimental and even confronting at times. Distinguishing the fair even further is its mission to make art as affordable and accessible as possible, bringing world-class work into the lives of everyone. Prices start at just $100, with many artworks coming in below $2000, so you’re more than likely to find a bargain. You can even purchase miniatures at artist James Patrick’s Art Vending Machine, or go on a “blind date with an artwork” – buying a $200 piece sight unseen.

The Other Art Fair is international in scope, with other events in the US and UK, plus a complementary Australian fair in Melbourne, which took place in February. The Sydney line-up covers an array of mediums including painting, sculpture, installation, photography and drawing, reflecting the colourful exuberance, as well as the stylistic and thematic diversity, of local makers. This year also sees the world premiere of a giant, inflatable installation by Sydney-based “art-chitecture” studio Atelier Sisu, while the fair’s spotlight on Australian ceramicists showcases some charming and dizzyingly inventive takes on the form.

The Sydney fair is also defined by the special events and opportunities on offer across the long weekend, going beyond the art. You’ll find a bar, bites by pasta experts Fabbrica, live DJ sets, stick-and-poke tattoos, giveaways, and collage workshops put on by the Sydney Collage Society. Perhaps most exciting is the Art Battle, where “artists create the best work they can in 20 minutes, while you can move around the easels and see the creative process unfold before your very eyes”. A winner is voted on after each round, culminating in a grand final of sorts each day (Thursday to Sunday) – then you can bid on the finished artworks.

The other big event at The Other Art Fair is, naturally, opening night from 5pm to 10pm on Thursday May 8 – a separately ticketed celebration of the creativity and community on show over the ensuing three days. Opening night tickets include first access to all the works on show, plus re-entry to the fair for the whole weekend.

Book your tickets to The Other Art Fair via Broadsheet for 20 per cent off, plus a month’s free membership to Broadsheet Access. Just use the code BROADSHEET20 at checkout, or follow the link.

Hours:
Thurs 5pm-10pm
Fri 3pm–10pm
Sat 10am–6pm
Sun 10am–5pm

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of The Other Art Fair.