National Indigenous Art Fair: Here’s An Event Sydneysiders Won’t Want To Miss

If you’re a Sydneysider with a wall in need of a glow-up (or a fabric stash in need of something special), then you’re in luck because the National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) is heading to town this month (29 and 30 June 2024). Held on Gadigal land, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Warrane (Sydney Cove), this annual event is your chance to peruse prints, textiles, ceramics and jewellery from all over the country – and to purchase directly from the artists.

above NICK LAWRENCE, DESTINATION NSW

above (left and centre) NICK LAWRENCE, DESTINATION NSW

The weekend also happens to be packed with arty workshops that will have you painting and weaving alongside masters of the craft. Plus, all profits go to remote, community-owned art centres and their artists, ensuring these skills are passed on. Says Peter Cooley, CEO of event organiser First Hand Solutions: “The National Indigenous Art Fair is a unique opportunity for these art centres, which are often economically excluded, to showcase, celebrate and sell their art in Sydney.” 

Beyond the dollars, Peter says the fair is important for bridging the urban and non-urban divide. “Many Australians haven’t had the opportunity to connect with Indigenous people and culture, further challenged by the geographic divide between our remote communities and cities on the east coast. NIAF breaks down these barriers, building pride in culture and amplifying the voice of remote communities.”

above (from left) MARY DHAPALANY FROM BULA’BULA ARTS, POSSUM SKIN WRISTBANDS, THEO (FAYE) NANGALA HUDSON FROM WARLUKURLANGU ARTISTS

Our advice? Book a spot in the ochre-on-paper workshop, where you’ll get a chance to learn the painting techniques of West Arnhem Land, taught by Kunwinjku artists from Injalak Arts Centre. There’s also communal weaving to be done, a bush food cooking demo and live music by the Stiff Gins and Microwave Jenny. 

For little artists, there’s sand painting and a Torres Strait Island dance workshop. Plus, artist and storyteller Amanda Reynolds (Guringai) will lead kids’ wristband-making workshops using offcuts from possum pelts, shells and recycled fibres. They’re traditionally gifted as a token of friendship and connection among people living in what is now Sydney and the South Coast.

above (left and right) BASKET WEAVING AT NUMBULWAR NUMBURINDI ARTS (centre) FAITH BUTLER IN TJUKURLA, PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROSIE FRECHEVILLE

Another highlight is The Living Room, an installation curated by Paper Dolls actress Miah Madden (Gadigal and Bundjalung). Filled with Indigenous-designed furniture, textiles and homewares, Miah’s showroom takes Indigenous art beyond the walls of a gallery and brings it into the home.

THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR. THE EVENT RUNS 29 AND 30 JUNE 2024 AT THE OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL IN WARRANE (SYDNEY COVE). FAIR ENTRY IS $2.50 (FREE FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE). TO BOOK A WORKSHOP OR FOR A LIST OF PARTICIPATING ART CENTRES, GO TO niaf.com.au.