In 2014, the first iteration of SPRING1883 brought a new excitement and level of intellectual rigour to the more traditional offerings of Melbourne's Art Week.

For a four day period, a carefully selected gathering of independent galleries from Australia and beyond presented artworks in baths, drawers, beds and bed-side tables across four floors of Melbourne's cherished grand Hotel Windsor.   SPRING1883 was named one of the most exciting, fresh and unique offerings from the 2014 Melbourne Art Week. 

In 2015, the SPRING1883 team - Melbourne gallerists Kate Barber, Vasili Kaliman, Vikki McInnes and Geoff Newton - took over Sydney's Establishment, again to great acclaim.

And while the Melbourne Art Fair is now postponed until further notice, SPRING1883 will forge on regardless, again repurposing the much-loved Hotel Windsor into an international art event in the spirit of adventure in which it was first established.

Galleries in this years SPRING1883 program include Kansas (New York), Grey Noise (Dubai), Southard Reid (London), Hamish McKay (Wellington), GAGPROJECTS (Adelaide), Darren Knight Gallery (Sydney) and Jan Murphy Gallery (Brisbane) to name a few.  There is as always, a strong representation from Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington contemporary art spaces and works on show from some of the most important early, mid-career and senior contemporary artists working today.

In addition, SPRING1883 team have joined forces with Melbourne arts organisations ACCA, Tarrawarra and Gertrude Contemporary, to offer a comprehensive program for visiting art fair audiences, and a slice of Melbourne's thriving contemporary art scene.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

SPRING1883 is an invitation only, hotel-based art fair, presented by galleries for galleries.  Boasting a strong overseas presence – with 25% international galleries – SPRING1883 is renowned for offering a unique atmosphere and a high caliber of exhibitors. 

Highlights of the 2016 program include:

• Prominent Queensland gallerist Jan Murphy will show Alex Seton's latest body of work, Nothing's Going to Chance My World, as well as works by Archibald Prize winners Fiona Lowry and Guy Maestri.
• Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art (Melbourne) will present works by Juan Davila, Alison Burton, Polixeni Papapetrou and Adrienne Gaha, as well as a series of works on paper and paintings by Howard Arkley from the 1970s.
• Gallery 9 (Sydney) will focus on the diversity of contemporary painting from their stable of early and mid-career artists, including Julian Hooper, Louise Tuckwell and Belem Lett.
• Sydney based artist-run initiative Alaska Projects, which normally runs in a disused Kings Cross car park, will present new works from key contributors in the Alaska project across a variety of mediums including expanded photography, textiles and ceramics.
• Melbourne's Murray White Room will exhibit a group of portraits and table sculptures appropriate to the exhibition context of the grand suite at The Hotel Windsor.
• Mark Feary, Artistic Director of Gertrude Contemporary will curate a series of encounters and private moments rendered public throughout the hotel.
• Auckland gallerist Michael Lett will present new work by leading New Zealand contemporary artist Simon Denny, who represented New Zealand at the 56th Venice Biennale.
• And Tolarno Galleries presentation will include an installation by Ben Quilty, and a performance from Anastasia Klose, who will appear as 'Miss Spring' on opening night.

Fair Director Luisa Bosci says, “After the runaway success of the past two events we are more committed than ever to delivering an experience that is both rigorous and popular for galleries, artists and visitors alike.” 

Phillida Reid of Southard Reid, London says, “SPRING1883 offers a space that is enjoyably artist and gallery oriented.  It is very well organized and provides a focused environment to meet with institutions and collectors from the region.”

Adipoetra Halim, Director of the Windsor Hotel, says “We're delighted to have SPRING1883 return to The Windsor this year, bringing its creative flair and vibrancy to our city's majestic Grand Dame.  As the original Melbourne partner in its inaugural year in 2014, we're extremely proud of our continuing partnership with this exceptional event.” 

SPRING1883, The Hotel Windsor, 17-21 August 2016.