National Indigenous Art Fair to return for fifth year

Phoebe Blogg Published April 11, 2024 at 2.50pm (AWST)

arts

Behind the scenes at NIAF 2022. (Image: Destination NSW)

The National Indigenous Art Fair will return on Gadigal land in Sydney for the fifth time in June.

An ethical marketplace known for showcasing work from remote and local First Nations artists across Australia, NIAF is also an opportunity for art-goers, the public and critics to buy artworks, textiles, handmade jewellery, ceramics and artefacts directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from remote community-owned art centres from the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

First Hand Solutions CEO, Peter Cooley shared his excitement for the upcoming event, saying the fair provides the public and critics a rare opportunity to meet artists from some of the most remote parts of Australia.

*Behind the scenes at NIAF 2022. (Image: Destination NSW)*

"The National Indigenous Art Fair is an opportunity to meet the artist and hear the stories of this art directly from the maker with the knowledge that whatever the visitor spends will go directly back to these artists and their communities," Mr Cooley said.

"It is a rare opportunity to meet artists from some of the most remote parts of Australia and provides them an opportunity to promote and sell their artworks and host workshops demonstrating their unique arts and cultural practice."

Over the two-day event, visitors will have the chance to experience Indigenous culture first-hand with NIAF featuring a weekend festival program hosting a variety of live performances, cultural displays, workshops, interactive Indigenous weaving circles and the opportunity to taste and learn about native bushfood.

*Behind the scenes at NIAF 2022, at the Barkindji Arts Stall. (Image: Destination NSW)*

NIAF is also committed to preserving and strengthening cultural practices and language by supporting remote Indigenous art centres and their artists.

The fair aims to address the economic exclusion experienced by residents of Australian remote Indigenous communities by ensuring all proceeds go directly to the artist and their Indigenous-owned and governed art centres.

The Fair will be proudly presented by Sydney-based First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with the Port Authority of NSW, Destination NSW, University of Technology, Sydney, Gilbert + Tobin, Meers Foundation, the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, Artwatch and Mercure Sydney.

*A Bushfood Cooking Demo taking place at NIAF 2022. (Image: Destination NSW)*

With a series of talented artists and well known art centres set to return to this year's fair, NIAF is encouraging attendees to bring the entire family along.

A program brimming with events, interactive activities and more, NIAF is bound to be somewhat of an artistic experience in itself.