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illy x Affordable Art Fair Melbourne

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, bringing together contemporary art, culture and coffee.

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illy x Affordable Art Fair Melbourne

The 2026 Affordable Art Fair Melbourne brought contemporary art, creativity and culture together beneath the iconic dome of the Royal Exhibition Building. Across four days, more than 70 galleries showcased thousands of original artworks, creating a vibrant meeting place for artists, collectors and art lovers.

As a proud partner of the Fair, illy once again brought together two worlds at the heart of its identity: coffee and contemporary art.

This year, the illy experience placed a special spotlight on Venezuelan artist Sol Calero and her illy Art Collection. Known for her bold use of colour, pattern and playful visual language, Calero’s work transformed the iconic illy espresso cup into a miniature canvas, bringing her distinctive artistic expression into the everyday ritual of coffee.

Throughout the Fair, visitors were invited to discover the Sol Calero collection while enjoying the complete illy coffee experience. From classic espresso to refreshing illyCrema and Cold Brew, the illy café offered a place to pause, connect and enjoy a coffee between discovering the Fair’s galleries, installations and creative experiences.

The Sol Calero activation brought an additional layer of colour and creativity to the space, reflecting illy’s long-standing belief that beauty, art and quality can enrich everyday experiences. Much like contemporary art, coffee can create moments of discovery, conversation and connection, making Affordable Art Fair a natural home for illy.

For illy, the partnership extends beyond serving coffee. Through the illy Art Collection, established in 1992, the iconic white espresso cup has become a canvas for internationally recognised contemporary artists, bringing art beyond traditional gallery spaces and into a daily ritual enjoyed around the world.

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne provided another opportunity to celebrate this connection, inviting visitors to experience art not only on the walls around them, but in the cup in their hands.

illy is proud to continue supporting Affordable Art Fair and its mission to make contemporary art more accessible, while creating memorable experiences where art, culture and coffee come together.

 

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