Aotearoa Art Fair, New Zealand's premier art fair, returns to the Viaduct Events Centre from 1–4 May 2025, offering an enriched programme designed to educate and inspire art enthusiasts and collectors alike. With a focus on contemporary artistic practice, cultural discourse, and the evolving landscape of the art market, this year’s Fair presents an unparalleled opportunity for audiences to deepen their engagement with art through an immersive programme, including a dynamic series of artist-led discussions, expert panels, and guided tours.


LET’S TALK ART: ENGAGING CONVERSATIONS PRESENTED BY AON
The acclaimed Let’s Talk Art programme, presented by Aon, will feature 30 distinguished artists, curators, designers, and collectors across nine compelling sessions over three days.

One of the highlights, Art, Architecture, and How to Live Best with Both, will explore the relationship between art and architecture, with expert insights into how art enhances architectural and interior design. Moderated by Jeremy Hansen, this panel will feature speakers including internationally recognised Aotearoa Art Fair architect Mike Stiff, award winning interior designer Sonja Hawkins, and musician DJ Tai.

Another key discussion, The Art of Protection – Preserving and Managing Collections for the Future, will delve into the challenges and strategies of safeguarding artworks, drawing from real-life conservation case studies involving well-known New Zealand artists. Moderated by Aon’s Principal Art & Collections Valuer Ben Ashley, with speakers Maddie Gifford, art collection advisor, and paintings conservator Giulia Scott, the session will provide valuable insights for collectors at every stage.

For those navigating a creative career, From Passion to Profession: How to Thrive as an Artist in 2025 will offer practical guidance on building a successful artistic practice. Moderated by Natasha Conland, Curator Contemporary Art, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, the discussion will bring together esteemed artists Raukura Turei, Jude Rae, and Brett Graham, who will share their experiences on establishing a sustainable career in the art world.


CURATED TOURS: DEEP DIVES INTO ART COLLECTION
Attendees can take part in guided tours that provide an in-depth exploration of the Fair's diverse offerings, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.

How to Start an Art Collection with Graeme Douglas, host of The Good Oil podcast, will take participants through six gallery presentations, offering insights into key principles of art collecting and strategies for making confident acquisitions.

Another key tour, Curators’ Fair Highlights Tour, will be led by Te Uru Director AD Schierning and Curator James Gatt. Drawing from their extensive experience in both public and private institutions, Schierning and Gatt will guide visitors through selected highlights of the Fair, discussing the broader historical and global artistic contexts of the works on display.


ARTIST BOOTH TALKS: PERSONAL INSIGHTS INTO CREATIVE PROCESSES
A series of Artist Talks at individual gallery booths will provide attendees with intimate opportunities to hear directly from artists about their inspirations, techniques, and creative narratives. With a range of personal insights, these talks offer a unique opportunity to connect with the minds behind the art on display—inviting a deeper appreciation of contemporary art and the unique perspectives shaping today’s artistic landscape.


ADDITIONAL PROGRAMME FEATURES
Beyond talks and tours, the Aotearoa Art Fair 2025 will present the newly introduced Horizons, presented by Chapman Tripp and curated by Becky Hemus, editor of The Art Paper. This new feature will spotlight emerging artistic talent from Aotearoa and the Pacific, reinforcing the Fair’s commitment to fostering new voices in the arts.

Aotearoa Art Fair 2025 promises to be a truly immersive experience—an essential event for those seeking to engage with the very best of contemporary art. With more galleries, more international exhibitors, and exciting new features, this year’s Fair is set to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.


PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: ARTIST BOOTH TALKS
View Schedule
● Nicholas Blowers presented by Nanda\Hobbs
● Leila Jeffreys presented by OLSEN Gallery
● Emma Hercus presented by Railway Street Gallery + Studios
● Emily Parker, Director of PARKER Contemporary
● Teresa HR Lane presented by MD Gallery
● Edward Waring presented by Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert
● Prue MacDougall and Nan Mulder presented by Railway Street Gallery + Studios
● Elliot Collins presented by Black Door Gallery
● Emily Hartley-Skudder presented by Jhana Millers
● Robyn Penn presented by Artor Contemporary
● Lottie Consalvo presented by Nanda\Hobbs
● Jonathan Dalton presented by Nanda\Hobbs
● Michael McHugh presented by Martin Browne Contemporary
● Greer Clayton presented by Parnell Gallery
● Jack Hadley presented by Laree Payne Gallery
● James Drinkwater presented by Nanda\Hobbs
● Elliot Love presented by Parnell Gallery
● Nikau Hindin presented by N.Smith Gallery
● Peter Gardiner presented by Nanda\Hobbs
● Vincent Ward presented by Milford Galleries
● Heidi Brickell presented by Laree Payne Gallery
● Catherine Thone presented by SANDERSON CONTEMPORARY

LET’S TALK ART
View Schedule
● Collecting Art at Home and Abroad
● Art, Architecture and How to Live Best with Both
● The Art of Protection – Preserving and Managing Collections for the Future (AON)
● The Art of Collecting Photography
● From Passion to Profession – How to Thrive as an Artist in 2025
● Kōrero – Contemporary Māori Art
● Art Through Time – The Burden of the Past and the New Zealand Painter
● Quiz – So you Think you Know About Art
● Paererewā – the 1,000 Year Bench Project

CURATED TOURS
View Schedule
● How to Start an Art Collection with Graeme Douglas (Good Oil Podcast)
● Horizons Tour of Emerging Artists with Becky Hemus
● Curators’ Fair Highlights Tour with AD Schierning & James Gatt
● Mark Making and How to Collect with Sue Gardiner
● First Time at the Fair Tour with Linda Tyler

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