Small Space, Big Collection

Collecting art isn’t reserved for sprawling homes or white-walled galleries; some of the most compelling collections are built within the constraints of smaller, inner-city spaces. But how do you live with art when space is limited? Does size matter, or is it all about placement, framing and intention?

Bringing together architect Billy Maynard, interior designer Mariah Burton (Folk Studio) and artist Ben Mazey, this conversation explores the creative possibilities of collecting for compact living and for financially diverse baselines. From salon-style hangs and unexpected placements to choosing works that resonate without overwhelming a room, the panel will unpack the unwritten rules – and when to break them – showing how even the smallest spaces can hold bold, personal and meaningful collections.

Tanya Buchanan | Host
Mariah Burton | Speaker
Billy Maynard | Speaker
Ben Mazey | Speaker

Each talk runs for approximately 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. A valid ticket to Sydney Contemporary 2026 is required for entry to this talk. Buy tickets online here.

About the Speakers

Tanya Buchanan is one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected voices in the luxury and interior design media landscape. As editor-in-chief of Belle, and formerly Australian House & Garden, Tanya has hosted countless industry-defining events, including the Belle Interior Design Awards, Belle Milan Reports, Belle ArtStart, and House & Garden’s Top 50 Rooms galas.

Beyond the page, Tanya is an in-demand speaker and moderator across luxury, interior design, trade, and consumer events, including panel talks, masterclasses, book launches, design fairs, and trend panels. She regularly collaborates with leading brands and creative figures, including Winnings, Top 3 by Design, Fanuli, Ralph Lauren, Reece, CDK Stone, Sub-Zero & Wolf, and Kaolin, as well as respected voices such as Steve Cordony, Greg Natale, Thomas Hamel, Meryl Hare, and Adelaide Bragg, to name a few.  Known for her authority, warmth, and deep industry insight, Tanya brings clarity, relevance, and a distinctly editorial lens to every conversation.

Mariah Burton is the director and co-founder of Folk Studio, a boutique Sydney based interior design practice founded in 2018 and grounded in human-centred design principles. The name Folk, meaning “people in general,” reflects the studio’s philosophy of creating homes and spaces that prioritise wellbeing, authenticity and meaningful connection. Through this lens, Folk Studio has become known for its holistic and collaborative approach to design, balancing transparency, emotion and functionality in equal measure. Folk’s work is characterised by sensitivity, integrity and a genuine commitment to creating spaces that enrich the everyday lives of the people who inhabit them.

Billy Maynard is a Sydney-based architect and director of Billy Maynard Architects, recognised for crafting bespoke, sustainable residential and public projects that focus on connection to nature.

Ben Mazey is an Australian based artist whose practice draws from his inner and outer worlds, imbuing references collected from his New Zealand childhood and time abroad (he worked in fashion and design in the UK, France, and China, with seven years as Design Director at Kenzo, Paris). He also pulls from an affinity with Warhol’s pop art repetitions, Gordon Matta-Clark’s architectural interventions, Art Nouveau’s superfluous decoration, and the impermanence of Land Art. Too, as a Queer artist, he gives his pieces a playful—often camp—exaggeration in homage of his younger self, who felt pressured to mask his flamboyant side. With this assemblage of resonant emotional and aesthetic cues, Mazey seeks a release of cathartic nostalgia throughout his materials, process and final pieces.

About Sydney Contemporary

Sydney Contemporary, presented by MA Financial Group, returns to Carriageworks from 3-6 September, bringing together 100 galleries from nine countries for the 10th edition of Australasia’s premier art fair. For 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, it’s Sydney’s most exciting cultural event this spring and an event not to miss.

Image: Folk Studios, Pyrmont Apartment, Photo: Jacqui Turk.