Art + Dine
Art + Dine brings Sydney Contemporary into the city through artist conversations, exclusive dining experiences, and limited-edition cocktails
Meet leading contemporary artists over breakfast, cocktails and dinner at Ace Hotel Sydney, The EVE Hotel Sydney and Capella Sydney, or try one of six artist-inspired cocktails created by Saison Aperitifs and Four Pillars Gin. Art + Dine is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
In Conversation Event Series
Six intimate conversations with leading contemporary artists, over breakfast, cocktails, dinner and coffee, at venues across Sydney. Spaces are limited.
COCKTAIL HOUR
Nell and Tom Polo, in conversation with Stephen Todd
Join acclaimed artists Nell and Tom Polo in conversation with Stephen Todd, Design Editor of the Australian Financial Review, for an engaging discussion on their art, practice and creativity.
Enjoy an artist-inspired cocktail created by Four Pillars Gin – choose from Blue Heaven inspired by Tom’s work or Happy Days (non-alc) inspired by Nell’s work, alongside delicious snacks.
Wed 26 Aug | 5–6pm | Ace Hotel Sydney
DINNER
Reko Rennie, in conversation with Owen Craven
Join acclaimed artist Reko Rennie in conversation with UAP’s Owen Craven, for an intimate dinner exploring Reko’s distinctive practice, the ideas that underpin his work, and his approach to creating ambitious public artworks. The conversation will also offer insights into Reko’s major commissioned installation for Sydney Contemporary at the Sydney Fish Market.
Hosted at Kiln, Ace Hotel Sydney, the evening begins with a Saison Aperitif Rhubarb Paloma inspired by Reko’s work, followed by a curated set menu paired with wine by Yalumba.
Thu 27 Aug | 6.30–9pm | Kiln, Ace Hotel
COCKTAIL HOUR
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, in conversation with Benjamin Law
Artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran in conversation with writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law for an engaging discussion exploring Ramesh’s acclaimed sculptural practice, creative influences and the ideas that shape his work.
Enjoy a Saison Aperitif Walnut Sour, inspired by Ramesh’s practice and created exclusively for Sydney Contemporary, accompanied by delicious snacks.
Tue 1 Sep | 4–5.30pm | Ace Hotel Sydney
DINNER
Michael Zavros, in conversation with Kym Elphinstone
A special dinner with acclaimed artist Michael Zavros in conversation with curator and writer Kym Elphinstone, exploring the themes that define his new body of work, drawn from recent travels, along with stories from other shared tables, be they with family, friends or other artists including Jeff Koons and Kirsha Kaechele, whom he recently worked alongside as Guest Artistic Director of Bleach Festival 2025.
BREAKFAST
Gemma Smith, in conversation with Ariela Bard
Begin your day with an inspiring conversation and an intimate opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists. Join Gemma Smith in conversation with arts and culture writer Ariela Bard for a special breakfast exploring Gemma’s distinctive abstract practice, the inspirations behind her work, and the new body of work she has created for Sydney Contemporary.
Hosted at Olympus at The EVE Hotel, guests will enjoy breakfast, including a mocktail inspired by Gemma’s artwork.
Wed 2 Sep | 8–9am | The EVE Hotel
COFFEE & PASTRY
Remy Faint, in conversation with Cassandra Bird
Join artist Remy Faint in conversation with gallerist Cassandra Bird for an intimate morning discussion exploring his practice, the inspirations behind his work, his current exhibition as artist-in-residence at Good Chemistry, and the new works he has created for Sydney Contemporary.
Hosted at Good Chemistry at Ace Hotel Sydney, enjoy coffee and a pastry while gaining unique insight into Remy’s creative process before heading to the Fair opening at 11am Carriageworks.
Fri 4 Sep | 10–11am | Ace Hotel Sydney
The Artist Cocktail Series
Six artists. Six limited-edition cocktails. Sydney Contemporary beverage partners, Saison Aperitifs and Four Pillars Gin have taken inspiration from the work of leading contemporary artists to create a special cocktail series during Sydney Art Week. Available at the Fair and at partner hotels The Ace, The EVE and The Capella.
CREATED BY SAISON APERITIFS
Walnut Sour Inspired by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
Saison Black Walnut Vermouth, whiskey, verjuice, pecan, vanilla and Wonderfoam.
CREATED BY SAISON APERITIFS
White Flowers & Yuzu Spritz Inspired by Joan Ross
Matcha vodka, Saison White Flowers Vermouth, Prosecco, matcha syrup, yuzu, Strangelove Local Yuzu Soda and cucumber.
CREATED BY SAISON APERITIFS
Quince Negroni Inspired by Michael Zavros
Saison Fallen Quinces Vermouth, Four Pillars Dry Gin, Campari, Saison Marigold Amaro and blood orange.
CREATED BY SAISON APERITIFS
Rhubarb Paloma Inspired by Reko Rennie
Blanco tequila, Saison Spring Rhubarb Vermouth, strawberry and pink peppercorn, Strangelove Salted Grapefruit Soda and pink grapefruit.
CREATED BY FOUR PILLARS GIN
Happy Days Inspired by Nell
Four Pillars Bloody Bandwagon, blackberry and jasmine verjus, Crawley’s Ginger Syrup, Mischief Brew Limoncello Aperitivo and mint.
CREATED BY FOUR PILLARS GIN
Blue Heaven Inspired by Tom Polo
Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin, Marionette Blue Curaçao, Saison Spring Rhubarb Vermouth, raspberry and vanilla verjus, Strangelove Local Yuzu Soda and mint.
Art + Dine is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
