Sydney's Blak Markets will return to La Perouse for a one-day festival on Sunday, providing a space for people to connect with local Indigenous history, art, and culture.
A social enterprise of First Hand Solutions, the Blak Markets provides Indigenous artists, designers and small business owners a live marketplace to showcase their wares.
The unique event allows locals and visitors to the area to connect directly with artists and make ethical purchases of authentic Aboriginal products.
"The Blak Markets allow Sydneysiders to shop locally and support a good cause, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going back to Indigenous stallholders," First Hand Solutions CEO, Peter Cooley, said.
"There is nothing quite like shopping at the Blak Markets. Not only do you get to see the art and craft close up, but you get to hear the story behind it from the artist who created it.
There is also a whole festival program that runs alongside the marketplace, including a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, song, dance and weaving workshops, just to name a few."
The event pays homage to La Perouse's Indigenous art scene, which up until the 1960's saw artists carve boomerangs and women make shell art to sell to visitors who came to the suburb to watch artists at work.
Established 12 years ago, the Blak Markets aim to bring back the area's artistic heritage with a vibrant and colourful marketplace celebrating Indigenous culture and performance.
The event will feature 20 stallholders selling a variety of art, homewares, jewellery, fashion, children's clothing, textiles, woodwork, woven goods, plants and bushfoods.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase homemade baked goods created with Indigenous bush tucker and spices, source quality Indigenous skincare products and buy native plants for the garden from IndigiGrow.
In addition to a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, the Brolga Dance Academy will perform Aboriginal dance at 10:40am and 1pm, with singing by rising R&B singer-songwriter Riah at 11am and 1:30pm.
There will also be an interactive weaving workshop held by Wiradjuri Wave for craft enthusiasts from 11.00am until 2.30pm.
"Set against the stunning backdrop of the La Perouse headland, there's something for everyone at Blak Markets," Randwick City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Clare Willington, said.
"We're proud to continue our support for this wonderful event and encourage visitors to check out the latest exhibitions at Council's La Perouse Museum after the markets."
The free event will be held on Sunday 20 September from 10am to 3pm at the La Perouse Museum overlooking Botany Bay.
