2024 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair celebrates another successful year

Phoebe Blogg Published August 13, 2024 at 3.00pm (AWST)

culture

Art fair guests admiring the Artists of Ampilatwatja stand at DAAF. (Image: Marley Morgan)

Celebrating its 18th year in operation, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) has officially concluded for another year.

With more than 70 Art Centres from across the most remote regions in Australia, participating and showcasing their work, attendees were introduced to a vast variety of art works.

*Guests attending the opening ceremony of DAAF, 2024. (Image: Marley Morgan)*

As a creative hub for art and culture enthusiasts, adventurers, locals and international guests seeking a truly unique experience, DAAF was committed to giving back to the participating artists with 100 per cent of profits going back to artists and their communities at this year's event.

Earlier this month, DAAF Foundation's executive director Claire Summers said the event was aiming to showcase more than 1000 Indigenous artists and designers across August 9-11.

"The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will ignite the Top End this August, allowing visitors to view the art of over 1,500 Indigenous artists and designers, with a genuine opportunity to hear directly from artists about our First Nations' cultures, storytelling and expression through art, fashion, and design," she predicted.

"We feel privileged to provide this global stage. It's inspiring to witness the market growth and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and fashion since the Fair began 18 years ago."

*Munupi Arts & Crafts Association and Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association performing at DAAF, 2024. (Image: Marley Morgan)*

In 2024, DAAF curated an engaging public program of events, which featured a public program that includes workshops led by artists, industry leaders and cultural groups hosting dance performances, artist talks, masterclasses, material demonstrations, children's activities, and more.

The re-freshed program also welcomed new fashion-focused panel discussions, workshops and spotlight talks.

With the iconic Country to Couture runways and National Indigenous Fashion Awards having already stirred up hype, the excitement surrounding the weekend fair was evident in the hundreds of guests who attended and supported the event.

*An art fair guest admiring artwork at DAAF. (Image: Marley Morgan)*

"On the ground, visitors can partake in an array of unique experiences, including cultural workshops, live demonstrations, and enlightening discussions facilitated by industry leaders and innovators," Ms Summers said before the event's commencement.

"We look forward to welcoming guests from across Australia and around the globe to Darwin to partake in the diverse offerings of DAAF."

"For those who are unable to make the trip to Darwin, but who are still looking to support First Nations artists and designers, they can buy directly from our Art Centres through our online version of the Fair that will run simultaneously alongside our in-person event."

Owned and governed by the 78 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres and peak bodies it represents, The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation is a not-for-profit, Indigenous organisation with a vision to provide vibrant and exciting platforms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design, and culture with a reputation for innovation, diversity and cultural integrity.

With a vast range of guests and artists having walked through the doors this year, patrons are encouraged to stay tuned for next year's program which is expected to be just as successful.

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