Are you an art lover, tired of shows that feel too pricey or exclusive? Welcome to Australia’s biggest and most inclusive art show, where every piece is sold for just $100.
The Incognito Art Show returns to Sydney this June, finding a new home at Carriageworks to showcase its extensive collection of over 20,000 original artworks.
Running from Saturday, June 27, until Sunday, July 5, the show gives visitors the chance to score an original A5-sized piece of art for just $100 each. The catch? The artist of the piece will remain anonymous (or “incognito”).
By stripping away the pretension and exclusivity often associated with the art world, the Incognito Art Show creates an experience that is both welcoming and accessible, while also inspiring a new generation of art collectors and supporters.
Another reason to love the Incognito Art Show is its commitment to giving back to the creative community. All profits from the 2026 exhibition will fund professional development opportunities for artists with disabilities through organisations including Studio A in North Sydney, The Art Factory in Wagga Wagga and Access Arts in Brisbane.
How does it work?
Artists of all levels, from emerging talents to some of Australia’s most celebrated names, have generously contributed A5 postcard-sized artworks to the show. True to its name, the Incognito Art Show presents each artwork anonymously, putting all artists on a level playing field and adding a touch of mystery to the art-buying experience.
Each artist can send in up to three pieces, with the only rule being that they must be A5-sized.
Buyers are encouraged to connect with the art itself, choosing pieces they genuinely love rather than being guided by big-name reputations. Incognito Art Show co-founder David Liston has previously stated, “You could be buying from a kid across the road… or you could be buying this year’s Archibald winner.”
Artworks are sold in person on a first-come, first-served basis, and the artist’s identity is revealed only after purchase. On the back of each piece of art is the artist’s name, signature and a little message for the buyer.
Every piece of art costs $100, and there is also the option to get your art framed during the show, which will cost another $100.
The story behind the Incognito Art Show
We chatted to one of the co-founders of the Incognito Art Show, Ed Liston, ahead of their 2026 event. He tells us that the show started “six years ago”, when his brother David Liston saw a similar show in Ireland and was inspired to bring it over to Sydney.
“We linked up with a friend, Laura Jones, who won the Archibald Prize a couple of years ago. Another friend, Lachlan Harris, who’s got a background in PR and politics and Zoe Paulsen, who’s now the head of Sydney Contemporary… No one had those sorts of titles 6 years ago, but we met to put the show together.”
“We expected to get 100 artworks and me and my brother had prepared to do 50 of them each!”
Luckily for the founders, this wasn’t the case. “It just blew up.” said Ed, “The first year we got 1800 artworks, next year, 3500 next year, 5000, next year, 18,000 next year, 22,000. And this year, 39,000.”
The Incognito Art Show is a not-for-profit, and now has three partners that they donate money to.
Its longest-standing partner, Studio A, has been involved since the show’s inception. The organisation has expanded its reach by partnering with The Art Factory in Wagga Wagga and now (for the first time) Access Arts in Brisbane. This year also marks a significant milestone for Incognito, with its first exhibition outside Sydney taking place in Brisbane in July, and then another show due for Townsville in August.
Which artists are involved?
The show features artworks donated by artists from across Australia and around the world, including some of the country’s most celebrated contemporary names.
Among the confirmed contributors are recent Archibald Prize winners Laura Jones, Julia Gutman and Blak Douglas, alongside artists Donovan Christie, Sam Cranstoun, Desiree Crossing, Christophe Domerge, Stephanie Galloway Brown, Eliza Gosse, Daniel Kim, Lara Merrett, Camille Olsen-Ormandy, Meagan Pelham, Marisa Purcell, Tahlia Riley, Florence Wang and Caroline Zilinsky.
Leading contemporary artist Tony Albert, whose major exhibition is currently on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, has also donated a work.
Artists from Studio A are also among this year’s contributors, including three-time Archibald Prize finalist Catherine McGuinness and five-time finalist Thom Roberts.
Tips for the day
At last year’s show in Paddington, some eager art lovers queued overnight outside the gallery, determined to claim the best picks under the ‘first in, best dressed’ policy.
If you’re hoping to snap up one of the most sought-after artworks, you’ll want to join the queue on opening day. But with more art on offer than ever before, there’s a good chance you’ll still discover something you love no matter when you arrive. You can also buy art online from Sunday, June 28 at 6pm, if you’re not able to get down to Carriageworks on its opening days.
For first-time visitors, Ed’s top tip is to browse the artworks online before heading to the show and make a shortlist of your favourites. The website updates in real time as pieces are sold, allowing you to keep track of what’s still available and adjust your wish list accordingly.
It should also be noted that the first buyers will be limited to only buying three pieces of art each, however they are welcome to re-enter after and have another go, and after day one, there won’t be limits on purchases. It’s just to make sure the first few buyers don’t clean out the show!
If you’re simply looking to discover new artists and soak up the atmosphere, consider visiting after opening day. The crowds will be smaller, making for a more relaxed experience and giving you plenty of time to explore the thousands of artworks on display.
You can explore the 2026 artwork at Incognito Art Show here.
