Art enthusiasts, assemble. Australia's biggest contemporary art event is coming back to the Harbour City, and its milestone tenth edition is set to spill well beyond the walls of Carriageworks. From September 3-6, Sydney Contemporary will return with more than 500 artists from 33 countries, and an ambitious program of large-scale installations, performances and public artworks across the city.
While the fair itself will take over Carriageworks as usual, this year's highlights will extend to two beautiful waterfront spots. Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie will unveil a striking new installation at Sydney Fish Market, while Joan Ross's bold video work will transform Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo – inviting passing Sydneysiders to engage with contemporary art outside the traditional gallery setting.
Inside Carriageworks, expect everything from monumental sculptures and immersive textile installations to kinetic works and live performances. Melbourne duo The Huxleys will debut a joyous new performance piece, and Mike Hewson (the visionary behind AGNSW's universally-loved exhibition The Key's Under The Mat will transform the Carriageworks café with his signature immersive approach. Other headline names exhibtiing this year include acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge, Australian sculptor Alex Seton and Torres Strait artists Grace Lillian Lee, Dr Ken Thaiday Snr and Allan George Lee – though the real joy of Sydney Contemporary is discovering your new favourite artist from one of the 100+ galleries exhibitiong.
To mark its tenth anniversary, Sydney Contemporary will also unveil a special exhibition in the Collectors Lounge, showcasing works acquired across the fair's decade-long history and offering a rare peek inside some of Australia's most hefty private art collections.
Tickets start at $36 per adult, or if you and your art-loving partner or bestie are early-risers you can score two tickets for $50 (for entry before 12pm). Check out the full program and book tickets over here.
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