BUDDING art collectors take note: There are good bargains to be had in two shows featuring affordable artworks.

Both feature photographs and paintings, many of which can be had for less than $300, or about the price of an 8GB iPod Nano.

Visual arts centre Objectifs is holding a bazaar showcasing the works of emerging and established Singapore photographers, while Fost Gallery in Kim Yam Road is putting on 1x1x1, where works by 23 artists, each measuring no more than 1m by 1m, are on sale for less than $1,000.

Ms Emmeline Yong, 30, a partner at Objectifs, says: 'We are able to keep the price down because we asked established photographers to create a new series of work, instead of pricing their gallery work down.

'And emerging photographers are able to price their pieces at a more accessible level.'

This second instalment of The Affordable Photo Fair is on this Sunday at Tanglin Village. The first was held in May at rooftop bar Loof.

Ms Jean Wan, 30, a lawyer and first-time art buyer, bought a print by Singapore photographer Vincent Goh at that fair held in May.

The print, which shows a wall of flower pots in Cuba, cost just $60 and is hanging in her bedroom.

'It feels good to know you're buying something to support local art,' she says.

Objectifs hopes to attract more people like her. Ms Yong says: 'The fact that people are placing a value on local art is important. It really gives a boost to photographers here in terms of looking at their work as art to sell.'

Over at the Fost Gallery, a variety of artworks in media ranging from pen sketchings to oil paintings and mixed-media sculptures are on offer.

Gallery owner Stephanie Fong, 32, says: 'This exhibition is just to make art more accessible. Art buying can be intimidating.

'Also, most of us live in apartments so it's easier to fit a small art piece into our homes. It also benefits artists as they can sell their work to people who would not normally be able to buy their work.'

1x1x1 was first held last December and more than half the pieces on show were sold, many to first-time art buyers.

Miss Fong adds: 'I think people are definitely more curious about art now. They still don't really know what they want in an artwork, which is why I organised this show. It's okay to buy something you like. It's not necessary for art to be an investment.'

And it's not just young, unknown artists who are showcased. Pop artist Justin Lee, 43, who usually commands at least $3,800 for his 1m by 1.4m canvases, is one of the more well-known artists represented.

He says: 'Exhibiting with newcomers gives me the opportunity to show my work to different groups of viewers. Art is about sharing, not just about making money.'

» The Affordable Photo Fair will be held in the Wassily Room at the Barracks, 8D Dempsey Road, on Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free.

» 1x1x1 is on at Fost Gallery, 65 Kim Yam Road, from today till Dec 9. Opening hours are noon to 7pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 1 to 5pm on Sundays. Admission is free.