Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Australia's largest First Nations art fair on Larrakia Country (Darwin) & Online. Explore art from over 70+ Art Centres.
6-9 August 2026

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is an annual event that showcases the contemporary fine art of more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres. The Fair is held in Darwin, on Larrakia Country. DAAF provides a unique opportunity for arts industry buyers, and art and design lovers, to purchase art directly from Indigenous owned and incorporated Art Centres. The Fair showcases th

e work of emerging and established artists, featuring stunning art inspired by Australia’s most varied locations – from remote desert and coastal regions, to rural and urban communities. A wide range of styles, mediums and products are presented and available for purchase: paintings on canvas, bark paintings, works on paper including limited edition prints, sculpture, didgeridoos, fibre art and cultural regalia. DAAF also provides a creative space for visitors to meet artists in person, to learn about Australia’s rich diverse cultural groups and to be immersed in our country’s evolving contemporary Indigenous art scene. The Fair was originally conceived to complement the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). It also celebrates the National Indigenous Music Awards and Garma Festival and proudly sits under the umbrella of the Darwin Festival. These prestigious events are held in the same period and together, mark the most significant national festival of national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts in the world. DAAF boasts a vibrant program of artist workshops, spectacular traditional dance performances, children’s activity stations, film, fashion and more… guaranteeing a memorable experience for all who attend. Come and engage with the contemporary creations of the oldest continuous living culture in the world!

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Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair’s Social Media Terms and Conditions:

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair’s social media channels are a hub for people to support and celebrate the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres. On our channels you’ll find announcements and visual content (images and videos) that showcases our annual programs, activities, platforms and events as well as general information about Art Centres, partners, sponsors and Indigenous visual arts peak bodies. A gentle reminder that posts in the comment sections on any Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair social media platforms are not representative of the opinions of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. We encourage the expression of opinions and open discussion, but we do ask our followers or visitors to our profile to understand our social media values:

- Acknowledges and values the Traditional Owners of the land;

- Values and respects Indigenous-owned Art Centres in their support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and cultural expressions;

- Values the diversity, integrity and expression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers and will support this through ethical best practice, education and promotional activity;

- Values the inclusion of diverse opinions and respectful communications;

- Values the history and significant achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and design industry. Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will not tolerate posts that contain the following:

- Violent, obscene, profane, hateful, derogatory, illegal or racist comments, content, links or images or incite such comments or behaviour;

- Comments that threaten or defame any person or organisation;

- Repetitive posts copied and pasted or duplicated by single or multiple users;

- Offensive, inaccurate, false, misleading or deceptive comments or content;

- Material which infringes third party intellectual property rights;

- Any inappropriate content that Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair deems to be harmful to individuals or its community. Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will hide, delete or report such user posts, and in extreme circumstances of misconduct, report the user to Facebook. Users who do not comply with this policy may also be blocked from following Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair’s social media profiles.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation acknowledges the value, diversity and integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design, music and performance as an integral expression of Australian culture and we respect the work of Art Centres in their support of the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural aspirations and expressions. We acknowledge the many Traditional Owners of the lands from which our Art Centres, artists and designers work and reside on. We acknowledge the Larrakia people, both past and present, as the Traditional Owners of the land upon which the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation will present events. We appreciate the opportunity to share this Country and are committed to working together and appropriately consulting with the Larrakia people, and other relevant Traditional Owners in presenting the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s activities, events and programs.

Featured Artist | Walter BrooksWalter Brooks is a rising Tiwi artist, artsworker and the current Vice-President of Jilam...
16/06/2026

Featured Artist | Walter Brooks

Walter Brooks is a rising Tiwi artist, artsworker and the current Vice-President of Jilamara Arts. His practice spans painting, carving and collaborative projects, and his work has been featured in major exhibitions including the 2025 Melbourne Art Fair and the NGV Rigg Design Prize.

In 2019, Walter participated in Paralika Tutini Jilamara at the Art Gallery of South Australia as part of Tarnanthi. He also collaborated on Jilamara Arts' artist-led film project YOYI (dance) (2020), which premiered internationally at Gropius Bau in Berlin and was later presented in The National 4: Australian Art Now at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney.

Artwork: Image courtesy of the artist, Jilamara Arts 2026

Portrait: Walter Brooks, The Rigg Design Prize, 2025, National Gallery of Victoria. Image courtesy of the artist, Jilamara Arts and the National Gallery of Victoria. Photo: Tim Carrafa.

Fashion with Impact 🖤 Choosing to buy from First Nations designers and artists is more than a purchase — it's a meaningf...
12/06/2026

Fashion with Impact 🖤

Choosing to buy from First Nations designers and artists is more than a purchase — it's a meaningful way to celebrate strong cultures, and empower self-determined businesses.

Every piece carries a story. These are contemporary designs, grounded in culture, community, connection to Country, and the unique perspectives of First Nations peoples.

Get ready for the IFP Fashion Booths at DAAF this year - back and bigger than ever, with an incredible lineup of fashion from across the continent:
➖️ Atyene
➖️ DandiArt
➖️ Deadly Denim
➖️ Delvene Cockatoo Collins
➖️ Gammin Threads
➖️ Haus of Dizzy
➖️ Ikuntji Artists
➖️ Juluwarlu
➖️ KAFTA
➖️ KingKing Creative
➖️ Ku Arts Textiles Project
➖️ Kuku Bulkaway Arts
➖️ LIANDRA
➖️ LULUJARU
➖️ Magpie Goose
➖️ Marayn Menswear
➖️ Marnin Studio
➖️ Milky Water Western and Jaru Girl
➖️ Mumred
➖️ Waringarri Aboriginal Arts

🔜 Shop & meet the designers at DAAF, 6-9 August 2026
📍Garramilla / Darwin, Larrakia Country & online
🎟️ Free entry Friday-Sunday - Register at daaf.com.au/daaf-2026

Narelle has made the 800km journey from Kalkaringi to Garramilla/Darwin many times before as one of Karungkarni Art & Cu...
12/06/2026

Narelle has made the 800km journey from Kalkaringi to Garramilla/Darwin many times before as one of Karungkarni Art & Culture’s most seasoned DAAF participants.

But what she brought home from DAAF wasn’t something she could pack in the troopy.

Last year, Narelle became fascinated by DAAF’s Online Portal, learning how artwork sales are processed and connecting with customers who wanted to learn more about the stories behind the artwork.

For Karungkarni, it was their first experience selling artwork online. For Narelle, it was a chance to build practical skills, confidence and knowledge she could take home and share with community.

“At the end of the day it's just human connection. Sharing stories and knowledge.” – Nicole, Karungkarni Art Centre Manager

That’s what makes DAAF so special.
It’s a place where artists and Arts Workers can build connections, gain valuable skills and return home with opportunities that continue to grow long after the journey ends.

This EOFY, help make the next journey possible.
Your donation to the DAAF Travel Appeal helps artists and Arts Workers from remote First Nations communities travel to DAAF, share culture, generate income and bring knowledge home to strengthen their Art Centres and communities.

Donate before 30 June via daaf-travel-appeal-2026.raiselysite.com (link in bio).



📷 Images courtesy of & Culture

New  DAAF blogSpirits, Country & Ancestral Knowledge explores the enduring connections between First Nations artists, Co...
07/06/2026

New DAAF blog

Spirits, Country & Ancestral Knowledge explores the enduring connections between First Nations artists, Country, culture and ancestral traditions. Featuring artists from Arnhem Land, Cape York and the Torres Strait, the exhibition highlights how stories, language and cultural knowledge continue to be shared through contemporary artistic practice.

Written by Mae Ganambarr.

Read the full blog via the link in bio. https://buff.ly/2cvzX8E

1. Buku Larrŋgay Mulka
2. Elcho Island Arts
3. Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Art Centre (Moa Arts)

"The Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre, established in 2009, serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the Hopevale community...
04/06/2026

"The Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre, established in 2009, serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the Hopevale community, dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich traditions of the Guugu-Yimithirr people. This inclusive space encourages community members to explore their artistic interests while maintaining cultural heritage through storytelling, art, and traditional practices.

The Centre is a versatile venue for community events, meetings, and private functions, operating Monday through Friday during peak tourism seasons, it offers a variety of workshops and public talks, often held in the Centre's garden. Visitors can also browse and purchase locally made arts and crafts at the Nganthanun Bamawi-Bayan Gallery."

Artwork by Hope Vale Artist / Daisy Hamlot, Guuda, Cockatoos, Mangoes and Bullocks, Acrylic on Linen, 76.2cm x 152.4cm, 2026, Image courtesy of Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre

Anna Ramatha Malibirr is the daughter of renowned fibre artist Lucy Malirrimurruwuy Wanapuyngu and is a 2026 featured ar...
04/06/2026

Anna Ramatha Malibirr is the daughter of renowned fibre artist Lucy Malirrimurruwuy Wanapuyngu and is a 2026 featured artist at Gapuwiyak Arts Centre.

Following her mother’s example, Anna creates dilly bags, baskets, mats and string bags, continuing the strong weaving traditions of her family and community. Her practice combines an innovative approach to colour within a traditional cultural context, bringing a vibrant contemporary expression to customary fibre work.

Images courtesty of Gapuwiyak Arts Centre and Artist

“This is one of our biggest events that we drive quite a long way to participate in.” 🚗💨Every year, artists from Karungk...
03/06/2026

“This is one of our biggest events that we drive quite a long way to participate in.” 🚗💨

Every year, artists from Karungkarni Art & Culture make the 9-hour journey from Kalkaringi to Garramilla/Darwin for DAAF. From flat tyres and corrugated roads to buffalo and kangaroos crossing the highway, every trip comes with its own challenges and surprises.

Last year, one of Karungkarni’s youngest artists, Kyliah Herbert, made a last-minute decision to jump in the troopy and join the journey.

What started as a spontaneous choice became a life-changing experience.

Kyliah embraced every moment — sharing her culture and artwork, meeting hundreds of new people, building confidence, learning new skills, and discovering what DAAF can be for young artists.

These are the moments that often go unseen, but they are what make DAAF so special.

DAAF is about more than selling and buying art. It’s about creating opportunities for artists to grow their pride, confidence and connection.

Support our Travel Appeal and help artists like Kyliah make the journey to DAAF this August. ❤️

🔗 Donate today: https://daaf-travel-appeal-2026.raiselysite.com



📷 Image courtesy of Karungkarni Art and Culture

On this day in 1992, the High Court recognised what First Nations peoples have always known: their connection to Country...
02/06/2026

On this day in 1992, the High Court recognised what First Nations peoples have always known: their connection to Country and Culture is enduring.

The Mabo decision overturned the lie of Terra Nullius and paved the way for native title in Australia. Today we honour the legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo — a man whose strength and determination changed the course of history.

Judy Gurruwiwi Manany  is an accomplished artist working from Elcho Island Arts whose creative practice includes paintin...
01/06/2026

Judy Gurruwiwi Manany is an accomplished artist working from Elcho Island Arts whose creative practice includes painting, carving and weaving. She is the daughter of Mithinarri Gurruwiwi, a well-known bark painter to whom she was very close. Manany learnt by watching her father paint during visits to Country, where he shared his knowledge, stories and artistic practice with her.

Images courtesy of Elcho Island Arts and Artist

Born in 1996, Nickolette grew up in the small outstation of Nemerluk, her mother’s Country.In 2001, she moved to Peppime...
30/05/2026

Born in 1996, Nickolette grew up in the small outstation of Nemerluk, her mother’s Country.

In 2001, she moved to Peppimenarti to attend school and has remained there ever since. Now married to Regina Wilson’s grandson, she is the proud mother of two sons and works full-time at the Peppimenarti Safe House.

Nickolette is a new and emerging artist working with Durrmu Arts, and this marks her first time working with the art centre.

Address

Darwin Convention Centre, Waterfront Precinct
Darwin, NT

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61889810576

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