Melbourne art fair survives restrictions by launching satellites

A Melbourne contemporary art fair nearly killed by pandemic restrictions has found a way to survive: by dividing itself between different galleries to create a “satellite program” across the city.

Spring1883 usually sees commercial galleries set up booths in the rooms of a Melbourne hotel â€" but in the aftermath of the July lockdown hotels count as private residences, where visitors are currently banned.

The Sarah Scout Presents gallery features Christian Thompson’s King Billy #2 in its Spring1883 show.Credit:courtesy the artist

So, instead, a score of galleries will activate spaces around inner Melbourne, from now until Saturday. Some physical shows, as well as a digital show on Artsy, will continue for the rest of the month.

Fair director Kate Barber said organisers had been awed and astounded at the resilience of the participating galleries and their artists.

On Thursday they reported good attendances, a buoyant mood among visitors and strong sales in-house and through the online art marketplace Artsy.

“As Melburnians we pride ourselves on being the cultural capital of Australia,” Barber said. “The way in which Melbourne’s art-interested have pivoted to embrace this new version of the fair, both online and in person, is testament to that.”

Nick Miller is Arts Editor of The Age. He was previously The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald's European correspondent.

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