|notfair| 11.11.2020

Melbourne’s original  independent art fair will return this November for our greatest event ever to celebrate our 10th anniversary! (if restrictions allow)

Yes, we do things a little bit different… Founded as an alternative to the Melbourne Art Fair in 2010 |notfair| is a hybrid of a curated exhibition and a commercial art fair. |notfair| is a new model art fair that has the look and feel of a Biennale style exhibition but all artworks are for sale. It is a fair and not a fair at the same time. Participants are selected by our panel of curators, pursuing to uncover new blood, the sometimes challenging and always remarkable game changers of the art world.

|notfair| puts the spotlight on independent artists with notable talent and creates a platform that connects under-represented artists to each other,  to art lovers, collectors, critics, curators and commercial gallery directors. It challenges the established gatekeepers of the art world and offers new opportunities for artists and audiences.

|notfair| is a not for profit organisation entirely driven by volunteers with support of  sponsors and donations. About to celebrate our 10^th anniversary, the event has proven to be a resounding success over the years with a significant number of |notfair| artists moving on to successful careers, gallery representation, inclusion in major curated exhibitions, grants, awards and media attention.

|notfair|  just not your average fair…

11.11.2020, an auspicious and ambitious date to set to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of |notfair|. I’ve been asked many times if this is even possible and responsible in this time of global pandemic and why wouldn’t we just play it safe and move it to 2021. Of course, if restrictions are still in place we shall postpone to a later date – possibly February 2021 – to ensure the wellbeing and safety of participants and audience. However, especially in this complex time of severe insecurity, collective depression and indefinite hardship, we must reach out and provide hope and opportunity and do it as soon as we can. We all know the arts sector is suffering immensely because of the pandemic, as art does not survive without an audience; it needs to be seen, heard and experienced to validate its very existence. If the intermission takes too long it will affect the very nature of who we are. At the same time, the intermission forces us to reflect on what is behind us and the world we created, a world where equality still seems to be an utopian dream rather than a basic human right and a fundamental moral  principle. It is our choice to make a difference. As an arts organization, |notfair| embraces diversity;  it is the very nature of our beliefs and we will continue to support, unearth and empower artists, all different, all equal.

Anne Runhardt – Chair, |notfair| Art Foundation

|notfair| acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land upon we gather and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We recognize the strength, pride and expression of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.