Deep Dive into First Nations Cultures and Storytelling at DAAF

above JESSICA MAUBOY AT MARRAWUDDI ARTS & CULTURE BY WAYNE QUILLIAM

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) will return to Larrakia Country this August to champion the incredible Indigenous talent we have in this country as it continues to support and encourage the growth of First Nations peoples within the industry.

Now in its seventeenth year, and set to feature the work of 70 art centres, DAAF will run from 11–13 August at the Darwin Convention Centre with a corresponding online program for those who can’t make it to the Northern Territory. Peppermint, once again, is proud to be the exclusive media partner of the public program and its vibrant lineup of cultural performances, artist workshops and demonstrations, Indigenous food experiences and industry talks. 

top DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR 2022 BY DYLAN BUCKEE left MARY DHAPALANY IN RAMINGINING COURTESY OF BULABULA ARTS right ‘LIRRUN’ BY TJAWINA PORTER (PHOTOGRAPHER ROSIE FRECHEVILLE), COURTESY OF TJARLIRLI ART

Alongside the art itself, visitors can immerse themselves in the public program with traditional dance, workshops, children’s activities and artist talks. The opening ceremony will also be open to the public for the first time, and ahead of the fair, the DAAF Foundation will present the Country to Couture fashion showcase (8 August) and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (9 August), celebrating First Nations fashion and textile design. 

“We are proud to offer the fair as a hybrid event online and in-person this year and encourage those looking to truly deep dive into First Nations cultures and storytelling to take part in in-person events and experience the magic of Larrakia Country,” DAAF Foundation Executive Director Claire Summers said. 

We encourage those looking to truly deep dive into First Nations cultures and storytelling to take part in in-person events and experience the magic of Larrakia Country

“If you can’t make it to Darwin, the online component provides an equally significant way to engage and experience the art. With more than 1500 Indigenous artists and designers from some of Australia’s most remote communities journeying to the fair, visitors can learn first-hand from participants through cultural workshops, discussions by industry leaders, and demonstrations, including this year’s new outdoor experience, the DAAF Meeting Place.”

above COUNTRY TO COUTURE 2022 BY DYLAN BUCKEE

2022 was a record-breaking year for DAAF – hosting 77 art centres, presenting 8350 artworks and attracting 33,353 visitors virtually and in-person, which generated $4.33 million in sales (with 100% of revenue going directly back to art centres and their communities), and injected $12.5 million into the Northern Territory economy.

“The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair was one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the country,” Northern Territory Government Minister for Major Events Paul Kirby said. “DAAF draws art lovers from around the globe to see the works of leading Indigenous creatives in the Top-End.”

Coming together over three days on Larrakia Country, artists are represented from Australia’s most remote desert and coastal regions to rural and urban communities. Check out the full public program below and for more information, visit daaf.com.au.

READ MORE: Weaving Together Community and Culture “Connects Us All”

PUBLIC PROGRAM

Artist Masterclasses (ticketed)

Learn from the masters in an Artist Masterclass! Be guided and inspired by DAAF’s incredible artists and makers as they share their stories and knowledge of both ancient and contemporary techniques.

WHERE: Darwin Convention Centre
ENTRY: Ticketed. All masterclasses are $95 per person. All materials are supplied.
WHEN: Daily, 11–13 August. Masterclass duration is three hours.

Friday, 11 August

11.00am – 2.00pm: Ghostnets with Jimmy Thaiday, Erub Arts

11.00am – 2.00pm: Jewellery Making with Ikuntji Artists

Saturday, 12 August

11.00am – 2.00pm: Watercolour Painting with Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands)

11.00am – 2.00pm: Weaving with Regina Wilson, Durrmu Arts

Sunday, 13 August

11.00am – 2.00pm: Pearl Shell Jewellery with James Ahmat Sr from Gab Titui (Badu)

above ABAI SAGULAU BUAI DANCE TEAM FROM BADU ISLAND TORRES STRAIT BY DYLAN BUCKEE

Cultural Performances (free)

Gather round the sandpit for daily cultural performances, as dance groups from across the country share their traditions. This year includes the Red Flag Dancers, Peppiminarti Dancers, and Melville Island / Tiwi Singers and Dancers from Munupi Arts and Culture and Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association!

WHERE: Darwin Convention Centre (Sandpit)
ENTRY: Free
WHEN: Daily, 11–13 August

left ‘UNTITLED’ BY SELENA BROWN, COURTESY OF SPINIFEX HILL STUDIO right GWENNETH BLITNER BY JORDAN HOLLIS, COURTESY OF NGUKURR ARTS ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

Artist Talks and Demonstrations (free)

Hear from artists as they delve into sharing their knowledge and expertise, with material demonstrations.

WHERE: Darwin Convention Centre
ENTRY: Free
WHEN: Daily, 11–13 August

Friday, 11 August

11.30am – 1.30pm: Printmaking techniques with Solomon Booth, Moa Arts

Saturday, 12 August

11.30am – 1.30pm; Carving techniques with James Ahmat Sr, Gab Titui (Badu)

Sunday, 13 August

11.30am – 1.30pm: Weaving techniques with Regina Wilson, Durrmu Arts, and Jimmy Thaiday, Erub Arts

above ABAI SAGULAU BUAI DANCE TEAM FROM BADU ISLAND TORRES STRAIT BY DYLAN BUCKEE

Children’s Activities (free)

Fun and learning for all ages. Dive into daily activities to learn about different styles of art practice from across the country, alongside dedicated workshops from Anindilyakwa Arts!

WHERE: Darwin Convention Centre
ENTRY: Free (daily registration required)
WHEN: Daily, 11-13 August

above DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR 2022 BY DYLAN BUCKEE

DAAF arts industry displays and broadcasts 

Meet the Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) team and learn about the exciting events and programs on offer including the Best Practice program and Learning Centre.

Art Collector will present the 17th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair mini magazine, the Art Collector Guide to Indigenous Art Centres, and the Art Collector (July–September 2023) edition – be sure to get your hands on a copy!

Indigenous Art Code, Arts Law and the Copyright Agency will provide information about their services and be welcoming new members