Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Now in its 19th year, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is established as one of Australia’s most important, eclectic and well-attended art events devoted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander makers. The annual three-day fair brings together over 1500 artists and designers from more than 70 Indigenous art centres across the country – including some of its most remote regions.

Taking place at Darwin Convention Centre on Larrakia Country, DAAF attracts visitors from across Australia and overseas looking to experience the depth of contemporary Indigenous art-making and support artists by buying works. As always, 100 per cent of all sales go back to the artists and their communities.

Among the exhibiting artists are printmaker Solomon Booth (Moa Arts), painter Angela Watson (Ninuku Arts), painter and illustrator Johnny Warrkatja (Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts) and basket-maker, sculptor and painter Nephi Denham (Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre). Across these diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds, the artists are united by how they “embody the powerful role that storytelling plays in Indigenous art, exploring how these artworks convey not just stories of the past but also visions for the future”, fair curators say.

Presented alongside DAAF are two distinct fashion-focused events that have arguably become just as popular as the fair itself. Country to Couture, taking place on Wednesday August 5, features two runways showcasing work by Indigenous designers and artists, as well as collaborations between leading Australian labels and Indigenous communities. This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of cultural integrity, artistic innovation and community empowerment.

The following day, Thursday August 6, sees Darwin’s famous Deckchair Cinema host the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, an increasingly influential celebration of the diversity and imagination inherent to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion and textiles. Award categories include the Traditional Adornment Award, the Wearable Art Award and the Community Collaboration Award. Both these events are organised by the DAAF Foundation’s grassroots-focused Indigenous Fashion Projects.

The fair itself is free to attend from Friday to Sunday, though festivities begin on the evening of Thursday August 7 with the ticketed DAAF Opening Ceremony, a celebration that includes an exclusive preview of the artworks on show. Running alongside the fair is the vibrant Public Program, which includes ticketed artist talks, masterclasses, demonstrations, dance performances and kids’ activities. There is also DAAF Online, a digital initiative that means anyone can participate in the fair, even if you can’t make the trip to Larrakia Country – just sign up here.

Find more information and register for updates at daaf.com.au.