The 2025 edition of Sydney Contemporary, presented in partnership with Principal Partner MA Financial Group, from 11 – 14 September attracted 26,440 visitors to the fair at Carriageworks and recorded AUD$16million in sales across the four days of the Fair, with further sales expected to follow in the coming days. 

For its largest edition to date, Sydney Contemporary 2025 showcased 116 exhibitors presenting over 500 artists from Australia and around the world, as well as the premiere of Photo Sydney, dedicated to contemporary photography. 

Galleries and artists from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA, London, Indonesia, Singapore, and Seoul, came together offering collectors, curators, art lovers and institutions the rare opportunity to experience thousands of top tier contemporary artworks all under one roof. 

Since its launch in 2013, Sydney Contemporary has welcomed over 25,000 visitors per edition and generated more than AU$138 million in art sales. The Fair is the pre-eminent meeting place for the art world, and critical to the growth of the art market in Australia, providing a major boost to the art market and supporting the growth of contemporary art across the region.

Sydney Contemporary Fair Director Zoe Paulsen said: “We were delighted with the success of the ninth edition of Sydney Contemporary – our most ambitious Fair to date. With more exhibitors and artists than ever before, the Fair saw excellent visitation and strong sales across the four days. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the launch of Photo Sydney, fulfilling a growing demand for experiencing the best of contemporary photography. Carriageworks was alive with creativity, curiosity and ideas as visitors engaged with works of exceptional quality from both emerging voices and established names. This year’s success further reinforces Sydney Contemporary’s position as the region’s premier art fair, and we’re proud of the role it plays in shaping the future of the arts in Australia.” 

Sydney Contemporary Founder and Co-Owner Tim Etchells said: “Each year, Sydney Contemporary stands out as a highlight of the cultural calendar, bringing together artists, galleries and collectors in Australasia’s leading art fair. As the biggest event in Australia dedicated to showcasing new contemporary art, it continues to energise the market, strengthen the local arts community and deliver direct, lasting impact on the livelihoods of living artists. In this more challenging climate, the Fair’s atmosphere of excitement and optimism was especially significant, affirming the vital role it plays in the cultural fabric of this country.” 

MA Financial Managing Director and Head of Asset Management, Andrew Martin, said: “As proud Principal Partner of Sydney Contemporary, we were thrilled with the success of this year’s Fair, which once again reinforced its pivotal role in Australia’s vibrant arts ecosystem. We were especially proud to award the 2025 MA Art Prize to Gamilaraay artist Juanita McLauchlan, deservedly taking home the increased $15,000 prize for her unique and inspiring work ‘Mandaymanday/String of Stars’.”