Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair to return for its 16th year

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair to return for its 16th year
July 4, 2022

This NAIDOC Week (3rd July to 10th July) is the perfect opportunity to spotlight Australia’s largest Indigenous visual art event - the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), which is returning in August for its 16th year running.

DAAF has secured a reputation as one of the country’s most significant and internationally recognised arts events, creating a unique opportunity to connect with, and ethically purchase art directly from Art Centres, as well as meeting the artists and learning firsthand about their cultural heritage, stories, history and traditional artistic practices through a range of masterclasses, talks and demonstrations.

Emerging from two years of uncertainty and sudden disruptions associated with the pandemic, the Foundation’s latest iteration of the Fair is on track to be the most successful and widest reaching one yet. In 2021, the Fair achieved a record $3.12 million in sales with 100% of profits going back to the Art Centres and their communities.

Commenting on the significance of connecting artists and the public in person, DAAF Foundation Executive Director, Claire Summers advises “due to the uncertainty of the past two years, we are reminded of how important it is for people to connect and experience art and culture firsthand.

“With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, fashion and design experiencing a meteoric rise these last years – we feel this recognition as just the beginning, and we still have a long way to go in terms of representation. Storytelling is a major part of First Nations culture and we, as Australians, still have so much to learn – connecting with artists and understanding and appreciating their practices and traditions is a fantastic way do this.”

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair returns to Larrakia Country after two years and will showcase works from over 1,500 First Nations artists from across Australia.

DAAFF, as an internationally celebrated art fair, sits alongside the Foundation’s two Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) events, Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). These events will provide audiences with a vibrant and immersive opportunity to experience world-renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual art, fashion and cultural experiences.

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair prioritises the benefits for communities above all else, with the preservation, protection and elevation of culture as a critical element to the health and wellbeing of remote communities across the country.

Commenting on the Foundation’s commitment to fostering First Nations talent, DAAF Foundation’s Artistic Director, Shilo McNamee, said the series of events continues to bring people together from all over the world to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry, heritage, and storytelling of the world’s oldest living cultures.

“DAAF Foundation has been providing opportunities for Australian First Nations peoples to showcase their incredible creations for 16 years. Each of the events are special in their own ways – Country to Couture brings emerging and established designers together in an incredible display of fashion on the runway, the NIFA shines a light on designers and creatives across six different award categories and the Fair supports over 75 Art Centres and ensures that 100 per cent of all profits go back to the artists and their communities.”

Northern Territory Government Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby added “we welcome this premier event back to the Territory events calendar in 2022, after two years as a dedicated online event. Together with Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, the events collectively represent the diversity, colour, collaborations and artistic contribution of our First Nations community. The Northern Territory Government is proud to support these events, which provide opportunities for Aboriginal artists and Art Centres to showcase their work and help attract visitors to the Territory.”

The program of events will run from 2nd-7th August 2022:

  • Country to Couture – Tuesday 2nd August 2022
  • National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) – Wednesday 3rd August 2022
  • 16th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) – 5th-7th August 2022
  • DAAF Public Program – 5th-7th August 2022

Tickets to Country to Couture, the NIFA and DAAF are available now at www.daaf.com.au

Images from top: 2019 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair; workshops; models for Country to Couture

Related Articles

3rd July 2022 - Ash Barty named Person of the Year at NAIDOC Awards

24th June 2022 - Australian National Maritime Museum celebrates NAIDOC week

21st June 2021 - Australia’s largest Indigenous visual art event embraces hybrid delivery mode

17th June 2022 - Darwin Festival organisers unveil an impressive program for 2022


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

AUSTRALIAN WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE

A leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

BODY BIKE APAC

BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Tim Batt Water Solutions

Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Technology / Venues

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 

revolutioniseSPORT

revolutioniseSPORT is the emerging market leader in online club management in Australia. Whether it is memberships, registrations, events, online sales or governance tools - revolutioniseSPORT is the…

read more

Recreation / Sport / Technology

 
 

XBODY Australia Pty Ltd

PROVEN BUSINESS CONCEPTS WITH XBODY XBody’s goal is to see you and your EMS business succeed. That is why we don’t just sell equipment, we provide know-how, expert knowledge, business support…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Pricemark Pty Ltd

Pricemark supplies a wide range of custom branded membership & RFID access products for the Health & Leisure Industry. 

read more

Access

 
 

SWIMPLEX AQUATICS

Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business