Sydney Contemporary, presented in partnership with MA Financial Group, returns to Carriageworks from 3–6 September for its 10th edition, celebrating over a decade of cutting-edge ideas and world-class contemporary art.
There’s nothing like experiencing art in person, and nowhere does it quite like Sydney Contemporary.
From 3-6 September, 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.
For one week only, 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.
First Release tickets are on sale now, with savings of up to 35%.
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 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.
TALKS PROGRAM
Ideas, Insights & Inspiration: Conversations You Won’t Want to Miss!
Sydney Contemporary’s Talks program brings together more than 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, bringing together 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
Cutting edge live works unfold across the fair, activating space and bringing artists and audiences into direct encounter.
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
First Release Tickets now on sale
Save up to 35% until 10 July.
