The annual Melbourne Art Fair is set to transform the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, presenting a dynamic showcase of contemporary art that spans established galleries, emerging spaces, and Indigenous-owned art centres. Open from 20th-23rd February 2025 with a significantly increased footprint, exhibitor list and program, the fair continues to cement its position as a vibrant platform for contemporary art in Australia.
This year’s edition features 70 galleries and Indigenous-owned art centres presenting more than 100 artists across three main sectors: Galleries, Young Galleries, and the William Mora Indigenous Art Centres. The latter celebrates MOA Arts (Mua Lag/Moa Island), Munupi Arts & Crafts Association, (Pirlangimpi/Garden Point), Papunya Tjupi Arts (Warumpi/Papunya), and Wik & Kugu Arts Centre (Aurukun/Cape York Peninsula).
The Young Galleries sector demonstrates particular vitality, with 19 participating galleries, an indication of the flourishing next generation of commercial art galleries and the importance of participating in fairs to expand audience reach. Highlights include Day01. (Sydney | Gadigal) and LON Gallery (Melbourne | Naarm), with Jennings Kerr (Robertson, NSW) presenting a solo exhibition of Daniel Hollier’s shaped abstractions. From across the Tasman, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s SUMER gallery brings a compelling duo presentation featuring Cindy Huang and Sandra Bushby.
Established and returning galleries maintain a strong presence, with Roslyn Oxley9 (Sydney | Gadigal) showcasing contemporary artist Tracey Moffatt’s new photographic series, while Tolarno Galleries presents Hannah Gartside’s sculptures. Neon Parc offers a thoughtful dialogue between new and historical works by artists including the late Damiano Bertoli and Diena Georgetti, exploring their shared interests in Modernism and abstraction. Further, Jan Murphy Gallery will present a series of captivating photographs by Bidjara artist Michael Cook, and the intricate sculptures of Sam Gold at Hugo Michell are not to be missed.
Two major new commissions highlight the fair’s commitment to institutional museum partnerships. In collaboration with Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Singaporean artist Dawn Ng will present an attractive moving-image work that explores the passage of time through dissolving blocks of coloured pigment. Furthermore, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based artist Yona Lee, partnering with Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, will challenge traditional sculptural concepts with an installation that questions object-making in our digital age.
The BEYOND sector, curated by Anna Briers promises to captivate with three large-scale sculptural installations by Paul Yore, Jahne Pascoe-White, and Kuku Yalanji/ Kalkadoon artist Kim Ah Sam, whose projects push the boundaries of spatial interventions. Additionally, VIDEO offers a dynamic presentation of thought-provoking works by Destiny Deacon with Erin Hefferon, Sara Cwynar, Oliver Laric and Tong Wenmin. Further, the fair also features experimental PROJECTS from non-commercial spaces including West Space (Melbourne | Naarm) and Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE), (Adelaide | Tartanya).
The comprehensive program also extends beyond the galleries to include CONVERSATIONS – a series of talks, focusing on collecting and the art market, as well as artist and curator discussions. Additional art-making and exploratory creative workshops led by Arts Project Australia further enhance the educational and family-friendly aspect of the event.
Indigenous art takes centre stage with the announcement of the inaugural Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair to be officially launched in 2027. This year’s showcase will exhibit 38 artists and designers as a prelude. The VFPADF Commission has been awarded to Mitch Mahoney (Boon Wurrung, Barkindji), whose work explores the revitalisation of Aboriginal practices, creating cultural items such as possum skin cloaks, traditional canoes and kangaroo tooth necklaces, whilst celebrating connection to Country.
Newly appointed Fair Director, Melissa Loughnan, encourages visitors to approach the fair with an open mind: “Leave room for unexpected discoveries. Some of the most exciting moments come from engaging in conversation with the artists, gallerists, and other attendees, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about the works.”
Despite economic challenges, Loughnan remains optimistic about the market’s resilience. “One can only speculate, but we remain confident. Collectors continue to see art as a valuable asset, and galleries are adapting their strategies to engage both seasoned and emerging buyers,” she notes. The fair aims to match or exceed its 2024 sales figure of AU$14.4m.
Visitor experience remains paramount, with leading Australian architecture firm Denton Corker Marshall returning to create a thoughtfully planned fair layout. Loughnan explains further: “Wide aisles and consistent sightlines enable an ease of navigation and a sense of calm in the midst of so many different artforms and aesthetics.” When you need to sit and consider a myriad of potential acquisitions over a glass of Piper-Heidseick, the VIP Lounge, designed by Oigåll Projects, offers a bold and playful luxury space featuring custom works by contemporary artists and designers, from aluminium structures to inflatable furniture.
With its diverse array of galleries, commissioned works and stimulating programs, the 2025 Melbourne Art Fair is set to deliver an engaging platform for discovering and buying contemporary art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art world, the fair offers multiple entry points for exploration and engagement with today’s most compelling artists and galleries. As Loughnan exclaims, “Melbourne Art Fair program has so much packed into four days, there is something for everyone!”
