Melbourne Art Print Fair 2026
6–8 February 2026
Melbourne Art Print Fair (MAPF) is a dynamic annual program celebrating the collective creativity of Australia’s contemporary printmaking community and highlighting the artistic, cultural and technical diversity of the medium.
The inaugural edition of MAPF in February 2025, a free exhibition held at Linden New Art, established an exciting new offering in the national arts calendar. Seven leading national print agencies presented work by forty living Australian artists, and the opening night drew a crowd of 400 visitors. Over the three- day event, more than 1200 people attended the Fair, demonstrating the strong interest in contemporary printmaking and the appeal of a curated, artist-centred platform.
A program of free talks supported the Fair’s educational focus, while a curated exhibition enriched the visitor experience. Each morning,
queues formed at the door, a testament to the energy, enthusiasm and curiosity that surrounded the launch of this new annual initiative.
“At the inaugural Melbourne Art Print Fair, we were greeted every morning by queuing visitors waiting for the doors to open. Edition 2 will be expanded, with more contemporary prints by a diverse range of artists on display, as well as opportunities to meet and hear from the makers, printers and publishers, and take part in free hands-on workshops.” Bronwyn Johnson, Co-Founder and Director, Melbourne
Art Print Fair.
Building on the success of its first year, Edition2 will expand both participation and programming. Nine national print agencies are scheduled to participate in the free exhibition, including five returning exhibitors alongside new participants BSG Editions, Viridian Press and Troppo Print Studio. The 2026 Fair will feature an expanded program of free talks delivered by artists, printers and publishers, with full program details to be announced in January.
Hands-on printmaking workshops will also be introduced, including a Large Format Letterpress Workshop facilitated by Firestation Print Studio. Details of all workshops will be released in January. A curated exhibition drawn from a private collection will accompany the Fair, further broadening the public’s engagement with original fine art prints.
In 2026, Melbourne Art Print Fair will also introduce a new accolade: the M.E.S. Materials Award, supported by Melbourne Etching Supplies. Judged by Linden New Art Director Dr Vincent Alessi and an M.E.S. representative, the award will provide $500 worth of M.E.S. materials to one of the artists exhibiting at the Fair. This new initiative strengthens the Fair’s commitment to supporting contemporary
practice and recognising excellence in the field.
Through curated exhibitions, demonstrations, artist talks and conversations, MAPF aims to deepen public understanding of printmaking, grow and support the national printmaking community, and foster a stronger culture of collecting original prints by Australian contemporary artists. Entry to all events is free.
“Wonderful to see a new event that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary print making in Australia. The opening night and weekend programs were a wonderful opportunity for artists and colleagues to come together in the welcoming surrounds of Linden.” Cathy Leahy, Senior Curator, Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Victoria.
Printed Editions is delighted to be a media sponsor of the Melbourne Art Print Fair 2026.