The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) celebrates 19 years of bringing local and international audiences together on Larrakia Country, from some of Australia’s most remote regions. Over the last two decades, the Fair has grown to include a series of major events propelling the story of Indigenous art and fashion.
DAAF exhibits work from over 70 art centres and offers not just a chance to purchase the work of First Nations artists ethically, but also the opportunity to experience a vibrant programme of dance performances, artist talks, and demonstrations where visitors can learn about Indigenous artistic practices, cultural traditions and contemporary design.
Significantly, monies from sales are returned directly to the communities, impacting their economic sustainability and the preservation and protection of their cultures.
This showcase of the rich heritage of First Nations people has grown to include the Country to Couture runway and Indigenous Fashion Awards, uniquely memorable experiences taking place under the stars. Art forms proudly share space at DAAF, with visitors encountering works such as weavings from Durrmu Arts, luminous carvings and fabrics from Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre, and the swirling atmospheric paintings of country from Pauline Wangin, alongside traditional adornment and wearable art.
“Creativity can be expressed and shared in many ways,” says the Fair’s executive director Claire Summers, “but DAAF is unlike any other commercial fair. It is a truly unique experience seeing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives express who they are, and their cultural heritage, through many different art forms.”
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
Darwin Convention Centre
7—10 August
Country to Couture
Larrakia Country
5 August
National Indigenous Fashion Awards
Larrakia Country
6 August
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