The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, the largest event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and fashion in Australia, is set to take place from August 11-13th.
The event, which had its most successful year in 2022, is poised to showcase an array of cultural and creative displays that are rich in colour and couture on Larrakia Country.
The Fair is acknowledged as one of the most rewarding events in Australia, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to buy artworks in an ethical manner. More than 70 art centres will participate in the event, representing over 1,500 artists.
All revenue generated from the Fair will be returned to the art centres and the regional and remote communities where the artists reside.
DAAF, now in its 17th year, will have both in-person and online components. Visitors can appreciate renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks and fashion items in-person while immersing themselves in the cultural diversity of Australia's top end.
In-person attendees have a unique opportunity to learn about the world's oldest continually living cultures through workshops, demonstrations and discussions led by industry leaders and innovators.
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Additionally, Kuku-Yalanji woman and ARIA Award Winner, Jessica Mauboy will return as DAAF Foundation's Community Ambassador, highlighting the organisations events and broader programs.
"I am proud to be DAAF Foundation's Community Ambassador for a second year, and for the chance to return home to Darwin and experience the August events in person and meet with First Nations designers, artists and art centres," Ms Mauboy said.
DAAF Foundation executive director Claire Summers said the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair "will ignite the Top End this August, inspiring visitors with an immersive deep dive into Indigenous cultures, storytelling and expression through art, fashion and design".
"DAAF is truly unique in its ability to provide such a culturally nourishing experience, through art and fashion, that electrifies the senses," she said.
"It is a rare opportunity to experience the diversity of culture, languages and stories from over 70 communities in one space."
Not only is DAAF connecting Indigenous creatives with mainstream audiences, but it also delivers significant economic benefits to the Northern Territory and Indigenous communities.
The full DAAF Foundation program and tickets for their August events will be released at the end of May 2023, and features the following events:
Country To Couture | Tue 8 August:
Country to Couture is a runway event showcasing wearable art that combines First Nations fashions and textiles with high-end fashion, supported by the Northern Territory Government and Country Road.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) | Wed 9 August:
The prestigious awards recognise excellence across six categories:
- Traditional Adornment Award, supported by the Northern Territory Government
- Community Collaboration Award, supported by Canberra Centre
- Business Achievement Award, supported by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation
- Textile Design Award, supported by RMIT
- Wearable Art Award, supported by Robina Town Centre
- Fashion Designer Award, supported by Country Road
17th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Public Program and Online | 11-13 August:
DAAF is the only national event of its kind and is a internationally recognised arts event. Visitors can ethically purchase art directly from Art Centres, meet artists, and learn about their cultural heritage, stories, history and traditional and artistic practices.
Those unable to make the journey to the Top End - and - DAAF at the Convention Centre
in person are invited to experience DAAF Online 2023.
