What’s On
Alongside the galleries, Aotearoa Art Fair offers a lively programme of talks, installations, performances and special events. From guided tours and hands-on workshops to delicious dining and the Opening Night celebration, there’s plenty to explore.
FAIR PROGRAMME AND EXPERIENCES
Sculpture Trail
The Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail is free and open to all, bringing together a lineup of over 20 extraordinary artworks pushing the boundaries of three-dimensional work throughout Auckland’s beautiful harbour-front Viaduct Harbour. Experience art in a whole new dimension – perfect for a family day out of a lunchtime stroll. The Sculpture Trail will reopen in 2027.
Opening Night
Experience the Fair at it’s most vibrant at the Opening Night! Be among the first through the doors surrounded by bold contemporary art, a live performance art, music, and hundreds of fellow art lovers.
Let’s Talk Art!
One of the most popular parts of the Fair, Let’s Talk Art presented by Aon brings together artists, designers and collectors for fun, lively, and engaging panel discussions. Hear conversations that offer insight, ideas and behind-the-scenes perspectives on contemporary art and culture.
Installations
Ambitious, large-scale installations transform the Fair into something far beyond a gallery visit. Each year, we commission artists to create works, giving visitors an encounter with exciting contemporary art. See the 2026 Installations here.
Performance Art
Opening Night becomes a spectacle as performance artists create moments of surprise throughout the buzzing crowd. Live works that complement the energy of the Fair at its most electric.
Artist Talks
Step into the creative process with our popular Artist Talk series, where artists share the stories, inspirations, and experiences behind their works at the galley booths. With a range of perspectives and personal insights, these talks offer a unique opportunity to connect with the minds behind the art on display.
Guided Tours
Not sure where to start? Let the experts show you around. Guided tours run throughout the Fair, led by curators, artists, and collectors, and are included in your Fair ticket.
Fair Dining
Browsing and buying art is hungry (and thirsty) work. Our dining spaces are presented in partnership with Savor Group, one of Auckland’s most loved hospitality teams, behind favourites such as Amano, Bivacco, and more. Relax, recharge and enjoy great food and drinks throughout the day.
Dedicated Fair Bookshop
The dedicated art and design bookshop offers a carefully curated selection of titles on contemporary art, design, architecture and culture. It’s the perfect place to browse, discover and take home something inspiring.
Horizons: Emerging Artist Sector
Presented by Chapman Tripp
Horizons highlights new-generation and unrepresented artists from across Aotearoa and the Pacific, offering visitors the chance to discover experimental new work. For 2026, Horizons featured four curated booths led by Dan Ahwa, Matthew Galloway, Chevron Hassett and Becky Hemus and was facilitated by Becky Hemus, publisher and editor-in-chief of Current art magazine. Read more about Horizons 2026 here.
Wall House Party: Object Sector
Presented by Wall Real Estate
The Object sector together beautifully crafted objects, ceramics, design and small-scale works that blur the line between art and everyday living. With a focus on materiality, craftsmanship and contemporary design, the sector offers tactile, playful and thoughtfully made works. Explore the 2026 Object sector here.
Works on Paper
Works on Paper presents drawing, printmaking, photography and editions, showcasing the richness and versatility of these mediums. The sector also offers one of the most accessible entry points for new collectors, with works to suit a wide range of budgets.
Squiggla Making Space
Developed in Aotearoa New Zealand by The Chartwell Trust, Squiggla is a hands-on, all-ages programme that builds creative thinking through the power and joy of mark making. By experimenting with dots, lines, and marks participants explore and discover the creative process through visual expression. Think of Squiggla as a gymnasium for creative visual thinking, using free flow, playful mark making to exercise the creative mind.
Futures
Futures highlights emerging galleries and artist-run spaces, offering a platform for new voices and ambitious ideas. Often one of the most dynamic areas of the Fair, this sector is a place to discover artists at an early stage of their careers. Explore the Futures exhibitors in 2026 here.
Galleries
The Galleries sector brings together leading galleries presenting solo and group exhibitions by established and emerging artists. Visitors can explore a wide range of contemporary practice across painting, sculpture, photography, installation and more, and discover artists shaping the art of today.