The 20th anniversary Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) has celebrated two decades of championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture, generating $4.87 million in artwork sales for participating Art Centres and stimulating the Northern Territory economy by $10 million.

Held August 6-9 this year at the Darwin Convention Centre on Larrakia Country and online, this year's milestone Fair continued DAAF's legacy of creating economic opportunities for First Nations artists and their communities, while strengthening cultural connections and celebrating the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic expression.

The 2026 results mark five consecutive years of generating more than $4.3 million in sales for participating Art Centres, continuing a significant contribution to the sector. Since 2013, DAAF has generated more than $43.26 million in income for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and their communities.

Presented by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAF Foundation), the Fair brought together 74 Art Centres representing more than 2,225 emerging and established artists from across Australia.

Of these, 67 participated in person, with 45 represented through DAAF Online, offering audiences greater access to First Nations art and enabling remote communities to participate regardless of distance.

More than 10,760 unique artworks were presented across the hybrid Fair, with over 5,600 artworks sold.

The Fair generated an impressive $4.87 million across physical and online sales, including $3.56 million in direct sales at the physical Fair and almost $400,000 through DAAF Online.

In line with DAAF's commitment to ethical trade and community empowerment, 100 per cent of artwork sales go directly back to participating Art Centres and their communities.

For Papulankutja Artists, the Fair provided an opportunity to connect with audiences and collectors beyond the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, while generating income that directly supports artists and their Community.

"DAAF is one of the most important events in our calendar. For Papulankutja Artists, travelling from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands to Darwin is a significant logistical and financial undertaking, but it gives our artists direct access to audiences, collectors and industry opportunities that are simply not available to us remotely," a representative from Papulankutja Arts said.

"Strong sales at DAAF return income directly to artists and support the ongoing operation of our Art Centre, while the relationships and exposure created through the Fair continue well beyond the event itself. Most importantly, DAAF creates a national platform where our artists can represent their own work, culture and community."

Beyond its economic impact, the 20th anniversary DAAF offered an engaging Public Program of artist masterclasses, talks, demonstrations, children's activities and cultural performances, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, learning and connection.

The Cultural Keepers Program also welcomed 24 First Nations curators and Arts Workers working with 30 Art Centres, supporting professional development, knowledge-sharing and stronger industry networks.

DAAF Foundation executive director, Claire Summers, said the 20th anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate not only the growth of the Fair, but the communities, artists and Art Centres at its heart.

"Twenty years ago, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair began with just 16 Art Centres. Today, it has grown into Australia's premier Indigenous Art Fair, bringing together more than 70 Art Centres and thousands of artists from across the country," she said.

"What makes DAAF so special is that it is owned and shaped by the Art Centres and communities it represents.

"Our role is to create a platform where First Nations artists can share their work and stories on their own terms, connect directly with audiences and build sustainable economic opportunities for their communities.

"The $4.87 million in sales generated this year is an incredible achievement, but the impact of DAAF extends well beyond the Fair. It is about creating lasting relationships, supporting professional development, strengthening the industry and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture continue to be celebrated for generations to come."

In addition, DAAF Foundation's Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) continued to celebrate and elevate First Nations fashion and textile creatives, presenting the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) for the seventh consecutive year and Country to Couture for its 11th year.

The NIFA recognised 53 nominees, with 25 finalists shortlisted across seven categories. Country to Couture returned in a vibrant new location at Charles Darwin University's Danala City Campus, with two runway shows attracting a record audience of 1,828 people. Showcasing 21 unique collections spanning ready-to- wear, couture and community Art Centre collaborations, the event celebrated the creativity, cultural integrity and innovation of First Nations designers and artists.

Across the event, more than 220 First Nations creatives and industry talent contributed to bringing the runway to life, reinforcing IFP's commitment to empowering First Nations voices and creating sustainable opportunities across the fashion industry.

The Foundation relies on donations to continue supporting its Art Centre members, Indigenous artists and remote communities to thrive.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation is also excited to officially announce that the 21st Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is returning to Darwin and online from the 5th to 8th of August 2027.

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