The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) has officially returned for 2026.

Now in its 20th year, the internationally recognised art fair held an impressive opening ceremony on August 6, featuring performances by Tiwi Singers and Dancers from Jilamara and Munipi Arts & Crafts Associations plus Kerkar Kus Dance Team.

One of the largest national events of its kind, DAAF is free for guests to attend, providing art lovers, collectors and visitors the opportunity to ethically purchase artwork directly from over 75 Indigenous-owned Art Centres across Australia, with 100 per cent of sales generated returned to Art Centres and their communities.

It is open on Larrakia Country and online, and the final day is Sunday.

Complementing the fair's electric atmosphere, this year boasts an expanded public program, offering visitors the chance to connect deeply with artistic practice, cultural traditions and contemporary design.

The program features artist-led workshops, dance performances, artist talks, masterclasses, material demonstrations, children's activities and more.

For those unable to make the journey to Garamilla (Darwin), visitors can also shop artwork directly from Art Centres via DAAF Online, which runs simultaneously alongside the in- person event.

The fair is also thrilled to welcome back some of its very first Art Centres, who have proudly showcased their works on Larrakia Country since the event's launch, to mark twenty years of shared history.

Among them is Bula'bula Arts, who have been participating in the Fair since its earliest years.

Bula'bula Arts' long-term commitment to DAAF is a powerful reflection of what it means to celebrate the rich cultural history of First Nations art, and a testament to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island art, design and culture that has helped shape the Foundation into what it is today.

Bula'bula Art's manager Mel George commented on the lasting impact the Fair has had on the artists she represents, stating the milestone anniversary as a moment of great pride for the community.

"For Bula'bula Arts, twenty years of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair represents two decades of Yolŋu voices standing strong on a national stage. It reflects Ramingining artists growing in confidence, pride and opportunity," she said.

"For our artists, being part of the rich and diverse landscape of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity across Australia is deeply affirming and empowering.

"They love that what they make and the stories they tell, sit within a powerful, collective movement of First Nations excellence."

DAAF Foundation executive director Claire Summers expressed how rewarding it is to see the fair go from strength to strength over 20 years.

"This August, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair returns for its 20th year - marking two decades of celebrating and elevating the work of First Nations artists across the country," she said.

"Since its inception, DAAF has proudly represented authentic artwork from thousands of artists and designers to bring authentic, ethically produced, contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to audiences in Australia and across the globe.

"DAAF started with a clear vision to create a platform for community owned Art Centres to showcase the vibrancy and rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous art and creativity - giving them the autonomy to showcase the work of their communities in their own way.

"Twenty years on, that vision remains at the heart of what we do - connecting Indigenous-governed and community-led Art Centres directly with the world."

Ms Summers noted DAAF is unique in that the event is owned by the Art Centres themselves - who determine the evolution and growth of this remarkable event.

"Art fairs like DAAF play a critical role in ensuring artists are fairly represented and ethically supported," she said.

"By connecting artists with buyers, we help generate real economic returns for Indigenous communities, while strengthening the Northern Territory's cultural and tourism landscape.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new audiences to Darwin and online for what will be a truly unforgettable 20th anniversary."

At the fair's opening ceremony, Ms Summers acknowledged the Foundation's team and how everyone at DAAF has played a significant role in the event's ongoing success.

"I have had the great privilege of being with DAAF since its inception in 2007, an idea was formed at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory's board to develop an event that allowed Art Centres and buyers to connect and do business whilst they celebrated the NATSIAA in Darwin each year," she said.

"At the DAAF Foundation, we are more than the sum of our parts, it does not take one single person it takes a community.

"I am backed by the most extraordinary team, they are phenomenal, they work round the clock, their passion, belief and drive is what brings us here today."

With 2025 marking DAAF's highest sales record and continuing a five-year running streak from 2021-2025 of clearing the $5 million mark for its participating Art Centres, the fair is only continuing to grow.

Over the past ten years (2016-2025), DAAF has generated over $34.2 million for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual art sector, and continues to strive for more in the years to come.

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