illy x Affordable Art Fair, Brisbane Edition
Discover how illy Australia brought together coffee, creativity, and contemporary culture through its partnership with the Affordable Art Fair Brisbane.
At illycaffè, art has never simply been an association, it is part of who we are.
For decades, illy has existed at the intersection of coffee, culture, design, and creativity, driven by the belief that beauty can elevate everyday rituals. From the shape of our iconic cup to collaborations with some of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists, creativity has always been deeply embedded within the illy experience.
That philosophy came to life once again through our partnership with the Affordable Art Fair Brisbane, an event dedicated to making contemporary art accessible, inspiring, and engaging for all.
Celebrating Creativity Through Shared Experiences
Across the weekend, visitors immersed themselves in a curated world of contemporary art while enjoying premium illy coffee moments, from espresso and cold brew to our signature crema coffee.
The partnership reflected a natural synergy between art and coffee culture: both invite people to slow down, connect, and experience moments more intentionally.
For illy, partnerships like Affordable Art Fair are about more than visibility. They are an extension of our brand DNA - creating meaningful cultural experiences that foster inspiration, conversation, and connection.
The illy Art Collection: Coffee Cups as Canvases
A key highlight of the event was the latest illy Art Collection created in collaboration with internationally renowned artist John Armleder.
For more than 30 years, the illy Art Collection has transformed the iconic illy cup into a canvas for artistic expression, featuring collaborations with over 135 contemporary artists from around the world.
Known for his bold, colourful, and multidisciplinary works, John Armleder brings a dynamic energy to the latest collection, blurring the lines between functionality and art. Through vibrant compositions and expressive design, the collection transforms the everyday coffee ritual into a collectible artistic experience.
It is a reflection of illy’s enduring belief that art should not exist only within galleries, it should be experienced in daily life.
A Long-Standing Commitment to Art and Culture
illy’s relationship with art dates back to the vision of founder Francesco Illy and was further shaped by the creative direction of Ernesto Illy, who believed that innovation and beauty could coexist across every aspect of the brand.
Today, that commitment continues globally through partnerships, exhibitions, design collaborations, and cultural events that celebrate creativity in all forms.
The Affordable Art Fair partnership represents another chapter in this journey, bringing together art, hospitality, and coffee culture in a way that feels authentic to the illy brand.
Continuing the Journey
Following Brisbane, illy will continue its partnership with Affordable Art Fair in Melbourne and Sydney, creating further opportunities to connect with art lovers, coffee enthusiasts, and the wider creative community.
As we continue exploring the relationship between coffee and contemporary culture, one thing remains constant: at illy, art will always be more than inspiration. It is part of our identity.
