Art you can afford. Artists you can support. Stories that stay with you.
Returning for its sixth year, the Affordable Art Show is a true community win – for artists, buyers, and Space2b.
Art has a beautiful way of levelling us all Karen Hopkins
Here, and through Space2b, I found freedom Leila Ashtiani
The Affordable Art Show runs 2 December – 31 January 2026 at Space2b.
Festive Shopping Night and Show Opening Friday 5 December 6pm-9pm
There are so many things to celebrate about the forthcoming Affordable Art Show that it’s hard to know where to start.
Returning next month for its fifth year, it really is a win-win for everyone involved – artists, buyers, the community, and Space2b itself.
Here’s why:
Art you can afford
Discovering the work of artists at the start of their careers is a thrill, and a smart, low-risk way to enter the world of art-investing for those so inclined. Even the work of our most established artists is capped at $450, making it possible for anyone to take home something original, beautiful and meaningful. (Win!)
Art transforms and transports
Buying a work of art that you love and hanging it up is such a powerful way to transform your space and really claim it as your home.
Sharifa Raza, one of the women who sew and embroider for the Space2b shop, is exhibiting two pieces this year. One is a star-shaped embroidery. She says ‘In Afghanistan there are a lot of stars at night. So when I see stars, it reminds me of home.’
Art doesn’t just transform the spaces around us, it can also transport us to places we might be dreaming of, or longing for. (Win!)
A level, welcoming springboard into the art world
Showing your work can be daunting. A group exhibition takes away some of the pressure and scrutiny that solo shows bring, letting artists experiment and share their work without undue fear. (Win!)
Finding a first exhibition space can also be tough and expensive. But the Affordable Art Show is accessible to all and, much like the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in London, newcomers’ works hang alongside established names. (Win!)
This year our youngest exhibitor is just seven years old and will share wall space with seasoned artists such as Karen Hopkins who has more than 25 solo shows behind her. Karen mentors emerging talent and says ‘Art has a beautiful way of levelling us all. It connects people through shared creativity, curiosity, and expression.’
The show can be a genuine springboard, with artists exhibiting here for the first time before going on to have solo shows. (Win!)
Meaning, identity, and opportunity for migrants and refugees
The Affordable Art Show supports both new and established local artists, including many migrants and refugees who have honed their skills through Space2b workshops. Exhibiting their work provides not only income but a sense of belonging and identity in a new country. Seeing your work framed on a wall is a powerful experience, giving a deep sense of pride and connection. (Win!)
Exhibiting feels really good!
Sharifa Sultani, another sewer from Afghanistan, shared how meaningful it feels to earn her own income and bring joy to others through her artwork.
Leila Ashtiani, from Iran, is exhibiting again this year after a long collaboration with Space2b. Leila arrived in Australia seeking asylum, having survived a perilous journey in which eighty people lost their lives. She says of her former life in Tehran ‘Back then I couldn’t paint what I felt without dire consequences. Here, and through Space2b, I found freedom. Everyone deserves freedom – but only when you’ve lost it do you know how precious it is.’
(Win!)
Whichever way you look at it, this brilliant event – a highlight of the Space2b calendar – isn’t just win-win.
It’s win-win win-win-win-win-win!
Join us on 5th December for the opening night!
If you’re free, come along to the opening night and browse more than 100 unique artworks. Buy something that makes your heart sing. Support your community and local artists. Start (or finish?!) your Christmas shopping. Or simply come and have a bloody good evening!
The Affordable Art Show runs at Space2b from 2nd December to 31st January 2026.
Come and discover for yourself why it’s one of our most joyful events of the year.