Australasia's premier art fair. Discover and buy exceptional contemporary art from over 100 galleries and 500 artists.
There’s nothing like experiencing art in person, and nowhere does it quite like Sydney Contemporary!
From 3-6 September, more than 100 galleries from nine countries come together at Carriageworks for the 10th edition of Australasia’s premier art fair, delivering four unforgettable days of discovery, conversation and spectacle.
Carriageworks becomes the centre of the art world in our region, alive with buzzing crowds, ambitious installations, performances, talks and inspiring encounters with artists and galleries. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious first-timer or simply looking for Sydney’s most exciting cultural event this spring, this is the event not to miss.
Save up to 20% on tickets when you buy in advance.
3-6 September 2026
Carriageworks, Sydney
Principal Partner MA Financial Group
OVER A DECADE AT THE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
10th Edition of Sydney Contemporary
Since 2013, Sydney Contemporary has grown into Australasia’s leading annual contemporary art fair, bringing together galleries, artists, collectors and institutions at Carriageworks each spring.
Across nine editions, the Fair has welcomed thousands of visitors and generated over $100 million in art sales, becoming a defining meeting point for contemporary practice in the region.
This September, the 10th edition builds on that momentum – celebrating over a decade of cutting-edge ideas, world-class contemporary art, and the galleries and artists who have shaped it along the way, while looking forward to the next 10 years of contemporary art in Australia and beyond.
Letter from Fair Director, Zoe Paulsen
Fair Director Zoe Paulsen reflects on a decade of growth, the community that has shaped the Fair, and what lies ahead.
“What I’m most looking forward to is seeing Carriageworks come alive once again, filled with artists, galleries, collectors and visitors discovering contemporary art together. While anniversaries invite reflection, contemporary art is always about what comes next.”
DISCOVER, EXPERIENCE, COLLECT
The Galleries
At the heart of Sydney Contemporary is an exceptional line-up of more than 100 galleries from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and beyond, filling the fair with ambitious presentations.
Explore works across painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and more. From iconic names to the next generation of artists shaping the future of contemporary practice, every corner of the Fair offers something unexpected – with all works available to buy.
INSTALLATIONS PROGRAM
Celebrating 10 Editions with Our Biggest Ever Installations Program and Public Art!
For our 10th edition, we’re taking contemporary art further than ever before, bringing ambitious commissions beyond the Fair and into the city!
As a major initiative supported by Destination NSW, Sydney Contemporary extends beyond Carriageworks with new public installations at Sydney Fish Market and Pier Pavilion, before continuing the journey through 12 large-scale installations at the Fair, curated by José Da Silva.
SYDNEY FISH MARKET
Reko Rennie
Reko Rennie brings histories of Aboriginal culture and identity to the iconic Sydney Fish Market, extending his distinctive visual language of geometric patterning and urban iconography. Free to visit from 27 August until 16 September.
Presented by Ames Yavuz with the support of Destination NSW, and supported by Placemaking NSW.
PIER PAVILION, BARANGAROO
Joan Ross
Joan Ross transforms Pier Pavilion into an encounter with a critical eye on colonial history. Her animated worlds combine colonial imagery, the absurd, and hi-vis yellow to reframe the Australian landscape and expose the ongoing consequences of colonisation. Free to visit from 27 August until 7 September.
Presented by N. with the support of Destination NSW, and supported by Placemaking NSW.
SYDNEY CONTEMPORARY CAFÉ
Mike Hewson
This year, the Sydney Contemporary Café gets the Mike Hewson treatment, transforming it into a shared sculptural setting.
Presented by Roslyn Oxley9.
CARRIAGEWORKS
Billy Apple®
The pop-conceptual works of Billy Apple® are incisive reflections on artistic labour, branding, value, circulation and the relationships that underpin contemporary art. Sydney Contemporary celebrates his legacy with three related projects.
Presented by 1301SW | STARKWHITE with the support of Destination NSW.
TALKS PROGRAM
Ideas, Insights & Inspiration: Conversations You Won’t Want to Miss!
Sydney Contemporary’s Talks program brings together over 30 artists, designers, collectors, and creative thinkers for thought-provoking conversations across all four days of the Fair.
Discover the ideas shaping contemporary art, architecture, design, collecting, technology, materials and the environment, and hear directly from the people leading them.
THURSDAY 3 SEPT, 12PM
Surface Tension: The New Age of Painting
Painting is back. Artists are embracing gesture, materiality and storytelling to reimagine one of art’s oldest mediums, exploring why painting continues to captivate audiences in the digital age.
FRIDAY 4 SEPT, 12PM
Small Space, Big Collection
Think great art needs a big home? Discover practical ideas for collecting, displaying and living with art in compact spaces, proving every home can showcase meaningful works.
FRIDAY 4 SEPT, 4PM
Art, But Make It Fun!
Can contemporary art be joyful? Artists explore humour, play and participation, revealing how creativity can surprise, entertain and connect with audiences in unexpected ways.
SAT 5 SEPT, 12PM
The Material Turn
Textiles, ceramics and handcrafted materials are enjoying a resurgence. Discover why artists are embracing traditional techniques and how materiality is reshaping contemporary art, craft and collectible design.
WHAT’S ON: FAIR PROGRAMME
Art, Conversation, Performance and Discovery Under One Roof
Alongside the gallery presentations, Sydney Contemporary expands into a full cultural program, with artist talks, live performances, large-scale installations, engaging panel discussions, and special workshops unfolding across Carriageworks throughout the Fair.
EXPLORE WITH EXPERTS
Guided Tours
Discover the stories behind the artworks on a free guided tour led by art experts. These relaxed, accessible tours offer insight into artists, ideas and highlights across the Fair, and are a great way to deepen your experience.
IMMERSIVE LARGE-SCALE WORKS
Installations
Experience ambitious artworks by leading artists that go beyond the gallery booth, transforming the architecture and atmosphere of Carriageworks.
THE FAIR COMES ALIVE
Performance
Experience art that comes to life with live performance at the Fair. This year, The Huxleys present ‘Radical Joy’, a vibrant spectacle of extravagant costumes, sound, video and celebration.
AT GALLERY BOOTHS
Artist Talks
The work tells one story, the artist tells another. Hear directly from exhibiting artists about the ideas behind the work, the process behind the ideas, and how it comes to life inside the fair.
WHAT THE PRESS SAY
OPENING CELEBRATION
Art Night at Carriageworks
Experience Sydney Contemporary at its most vibrant! Art Night marks the opening of the fair with an all encompassing evening of art, performance, music, and dining.
It’s a first encounter with the fair at full energy. Celebrate with artists, collectors and art lovers for one of the great nights on the contemporary art calendar!
A WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY, INSIDE THE FAIR
Photo Sydney
Launched in 2025, Photo Sydney brings together leading and emerging photographic practices from across Australia, New Zealand and the wider region.
Presented within Sydney Contemporary, the sector highlights the evolving language of the photographic image – from documentary and conceptual work to experimental and large-scale contemporary practice.
Conversations is an ongoing series of interviews and personal reflections with the artists, gallerists, collectors, and cultural figures at the heart of contemporary art.
Join us as Sydney Contemporary celebrates its 10th edition!
3-6 September, Carriageworks
Save up to 20% on tickets when you buy in advance.
