Taking place on Larrakia Country – and online – the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is back for its 17th year.
With the 2022 fair having generated $4.33 million in sales, with all sales going directly back to Art Centres and their communities, and injecting $12.5 million into the Northern Territory economy, there are high hopes this year's fair will generate the same success.
Running from August 11-13, DAAF aims to celebrate the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and culture.
Creating a space where the public can learn from a variety of different cultural groups, sees art centres from across Australia's most remote desert and coastal regions – plus rural and urban communities – come together over three days on Larrakia Country each August.
Having already kicked off with two of the fair's most popular events – Country to Couture and National Indigenous Fashion awards – DAAF's opening ceremony was of course nothing short of impressive.
Featuring lively music, a traditional welcoming and a display of beautiful artwork, DAAF's opening ceremony was the fair's official grand gesture.
With more than 70 Art Centres participating in this year's fair, attendees will be privy to engage with – and view – a unique range of art spanning across a variety of niches.
"DAAF draws art lovers from around the globe to see the works of leading Indigenous creatives in the top-end", said Northern Territory Government minister for major events, Hon Paul Kirby.
This year's fair is being offered as a hybrid digital and in-person event.
This model aims to enable those who are unable to travel with the opportunity to also enjoy and engage with the art and artists.
"We are proud to offer the Fair as a hybrid event online and in-person this year and encourage those looking to truly deep dive into First Nations cultures and storytelling, we encourage you to take part in in-person events and experience the magic of Larrakia Country," DAAF Foundation executive director Claire Summers said.
"But if you can't make it to Darwin, the online component provides an equally significant way to engage and experience the art."
The public program – which runs aside the fair – offers a range of ticketed and free events for all ages.
Including dance performances, artist masterclasses or educational talks, there is something for everyone.
"With more than 1,500 Indigenous artists and designers from some of Australia's most remote communities journeying to the Fair, visitors can learn first-hand from participants through cultural workshops, discussions by industry leaders, and demonstrations, including this year's new outdoor experience," Ms Summers said.
Showcasing a wide range of styles, mediums and products, the 2023 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is not to be missed.
"Seeing the artists here, just inspires you… you know that all the hard work you are doing is all worth it because you get to see them (the artists) sell their artwork, and be super proud of what they sell," Ms Summers told Style Up.
"There is new art centres popping up around Australia, and it's beautiful."
The 2023 DAAF will be open to the public from Friday 11 August to Sunday 13 August from 10am to 4pm, with the Fair staying open for an additional hour on Saturday.
DAAF Online will be live throughout the three days.
*Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is proudly supported by Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Australian Government Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support, Australian Government Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, Northern Territory Government, City of Darwin, an umbrella event of the Darwin Festival.
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