Art At The Heart: What To Expect From This Year’s DAAF

Words by Peppermint

11 July 2025

It’s almost our favourite time again! Yup, we’re getting ready to immerse ourselves in the vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island art, fashion, and culture that is the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), returning to Larrakia Country from August 7-10 this year. This annual event is a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural calendar, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the rich tapestry of First Nations creativity. (Read: fall in love with the most beautiful, inspiring arts and crafts created by over 1,500 artists from over 70 Indigenous-owned Art Centres – and have the opportunity to ethically purchase a heirloom of your very own directly from its creator!) From intricate textiles to contemporary paintings, DAAF is a platform for First Nations artists to share their stories and traditions. Importantly, 100% of sales go directly back to the Art Centres, supporting the artists and their communities.

So, what are we looking forward to most? Well, everything! But here are a few things you simply cannot miss out on.

PHOTOS: Ikuntji Artists by Dylan Buckee, Weaving Masterclass with Numbulwar Numburindi Arts, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Magpie Goose, Kafta, Atyene – DAAF 2024 by Kelley Sheenan.

DAAF Public Program

Peppermint is once again proud to partner with DAAF as the exclusive media partner of the public program and its vibrant lineup of cultural performances, children’s activities, artist workshops and demonstrations, Indigenous food experiences and industry talks. Start off with the Opening Ceremony celebration on Thursday night, with a cultural performance from Munupi and Jilamara Arts and Crafts Associations. You might want to immerse yourself in a jewellery masterclass with Ikuntji Artists, learn all about creating with Ghost Net from Erub Arts, take the kids to paint alongside the talented Warlukurlangu Artists, or just wander around and immerse yourself in the colours, sights and sounds. Bring your reusable tote bags for a spot of shopping with the IFP Fashion Booths, where you can snap up stunning First Nations fashion and meet the designers and artists themselves. Check out the DAAF Public Program line-up here – this is your opportunity to connect with the artists, discover community and the power of storytelling, and immerse yourself in culture.

PHOTO: Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Country to Couture 2024, by Dylan Buckee

Country to Couture

There’s nothing quite like the emotion and excitement sitting in a front row seat (or any seat!) at the Indigenous Fashion Projects Country to Couture show gives you. So much talent, creativity and story-telling showcased on the C2C runway. On August 5, Country to Couture will celebrate its 10th anniversary with two incredible shows – themed ‘Threads of Country’ and ‘Rising Colours: the BLAK Party’, both celebrating the innovative creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander textiles and fashion design. Expect show-stopping collections from Indigenous designers and artists like Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, KingKing Creative, Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists, Nagula Jarndu Designs, Simone Arnol, Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture and many more. Tickets to the shows sell out like lightning, though: if you’ve missed out, take a gander at the full list of Country to Couture artists and designers here, and support their work from afar!

National Indigenous Fashion Awards

On August 6, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), presented by the Indigenous Fashion Projects, will recognise and showcase the fashion and textile design excellence and innovation of First Nations Peoples across seven award categories, including Textile Design, Community Collaboration, Traditional Adornment, Business Achievement, Wearable Art, Fashion Designer, and the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award. NIFA provides a platform for designers to gain national and international recognition, and the shortlist is a who’s who of incredible talent: Gammin Threads, Miimi & Jiinda, Cindy Rostron, Ikuntji Artists, Marley Morgan and so many more. The event itself is always a beautiful sunset-filled evening on Larrakia Country at the iconic Deckchair Cinema – grab your ticket and we’ll see you there!