Sydney Contemporary returns to Carriageworks from September 11-14 for a full-scale, multi-factor celebration of the arts.
Hundreds of galleries will come together for four days of discussion, engagement and exhibitions.
Photography is set to play a bigger part this year with its own dedicated program.
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One of Sydney’s biggest, brightest and boldest yearly arts events is set to return as Sydney Contemporary 2025 stages a takeover at Carriageworks from Thursday, September 11 to Sunday, September 14.

Four curated programs—Installation, Performance, Kid Contemporary and Talks—will once again glue together many different and disparate local art scenes to create a wide-reaching, exploratory discussion on where art is in 2025.

Sydney Contemporary grows notably larger each year. For 2025, the four-day event promises 114 exhibitors showcasing more than 500 artists, including a newly conceived Photo Sydney sector set to highlight photographers such as George Byrne and Paul Blackmore.

Expect a lot. On the Performance side we’re looking forward to works like Dr Christian Thompson AO’s powerful vocal performance, Recital, imagining contemporary art spaces as living sites for the resurgence of endangered languages, kinetic sculpture works from award-winning New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana CNZM, and a high-concept sculpture garden from Zac Langdon-Pole, presenting 1:1 marble replicas of iconic sculptures such as Michelangelo’s David.

*Arts lovers will once again flood into Carriageworks across four days in September (photo supplied).*

A bigger focus on photography

Deep discussions on art, design and architecture form a big part of Sydney Contemporary. This year, topics include “How to Collect Art” with Kym Elphinstone, various artist-on-artist talks, and a special talk with prolific photographers exploring the vast storytelling potential of such an adaptable medium.

There’s more. “My brat summer” will discuss the delicate balance between being serious and unserious about art; “Designing spaces for an artful life” will focus on the emotional impact of art and what this does for spaces, with insight from Charlotte Wilson, who handled the interiors at chic, fresh-faced Sydney hotel The Eve. There aren’t many occasions where such education is so readily and freely available, designed to inspire and encourage guests from all works of life.

Sydney Contemporary’s kids program doubles down on ceramic works this year, providing a creative hands-on space for kids with a series of interactive stations. Including one where kids can create wearable pieces like necklaces and badges.

A time to celebrate our best art galleries

And, of course, we have the booths. Some of Australia’s most important arts institutions and galleries will each be hosting their own exhibition across Carriageworks, creating a string of fascinating concepts. This includes Redbase Art and its presentation of Chinese artist Shen Shaomin’s Chinese Carp installation, built from 2000 mechanical carps, as well as The National Art School presenting works from nine recent graduates across the school’s six major disciplines.

“This year’s Sydney Contemporary is bigger and bolder than ever,” said Director Zoe Paulsen.

“We’re welcoming more exhibitors, more artists, and laughing exciting new initiatives like Photo Sydney. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about contemporary art, there’s something here for everyone. It’s a chance to experience boundary-pushing installations, live performance, and thought-provoking conversations, all under one roof at Carriageworks.”