DOUBLE DECADE OF DAAF
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) showcases and celebrates the incredible work created on Country, from Art Centres across Australia on Larrakia Country. This month, the annual culmination of thousands of years of arts practice and culture celebrates its 20th year.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE TREVOR VAN WEEREN, GAPUWIYAK CULTURE AND ARTS
IT’S A DELICIOUS time of year to be an arts lover in the Top End, with plenty of opportunities to check out original work across our tropical city. A true, true favourite is DAAF, always a highlight, reliably drawing thousands each year, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Flights booked and troopies packed, First Nations artists and arts workers make the trek from Australia’s corners to Darwin/Garramilla to share what they’ve been up to. Art enthusiasts, near and far, eagerly await the cracking of the doors for the three-day Fair or for the online shopping portal to go live – their purse strings loosened, credit cards at the ready, hoping to get in quick enough to purchase new treasures.
Presented by the DAAF Foundation, DAAF brings together around 75 Art Centres from across the country in one space to share their Dreamtime/ Jukurrpa stories and culture through their art.
DAAF Foundation Executive Director Claire Summers says the Fair continues to deliver on the important work the organisation set out to, all those years ago.
“DAAF started with a clear vision to create a platform for community owned Art Centres to showcase the vibrancy and rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous art and creativity, giving them the autonomy to showcase the work of their communities in their own way,” she says.
“20 years on, that vision remains at the heart of what we do – connecting Indigenous governed and community-led Art Centres directly with the world.”
There are two very important elements at the core of DAAF. The first, is that the works are authentic, genuine pieces, as artists share their ancestral stories across a range of mediums, techniques handed down through generations. The other, is that profits from all works go directly to the artists and their communities, rightfully giving them full agency over their art and culture, and the capacity to continue to create and share in the years to come.
“DAAF is unique in that the event is owned by the Art Centres themselves – they determine the evolution and growth of this remarkable event. Art fairs like DAAF play a critical role in ensuring artists are fairly represented and ethically supported,” Summers says
“By connecting artists with buyers, we help generate real economic returns for Indigenous communities, while strengthening the Northern Territory’s cultural and tourism landscape.”
The mind boggles when you think of the thousands and thousands of years of knowledge and storytelling coming together in one space at DAAF. For the artists, they get the chance to connect with mob from other parts of the country whilst sharing their own culture with the public. It’s truly a magical and moving experience.
The beloved event also includes a packed Public Program to further allow attendees to engage with culture in meaningful ways. Artistic Director Simon Carmichael, of the Ngugi people in South-East Queensland, says the program offers varied ways in which to connect.
“We recognise that audiences connect with culture in different ways, so the DAAF Public Program has been designed to offer a range of experiences – through conversation, hands-on learning, storytelling and performance, creating meaningful opportunities for people to engage with the fair and connect with culture,” he says.
“As part of this year’s 20th anniversary celebrations, we’re introducing a special installation that reflects on the journey of the Art Fair over the past two decades, while looking ahead to the future. We’re also excited to create more opportunities for Art Centres to present larger-scale works beyond the traditional booth format, giving artists new ways to share their works and connect with audiences.”
Also included in the 20th anniversary celebrations is an incredible line-up of cultural performances, including the Peppimenarti Dancers, Kerkar Kus Dance Team from Erub Island, the Tiwi Dancers from Munupi Arts & Crafts Association, and Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association, Manuel Pamkal, and an exciting performance from iconic First Nations band, Coloured Stone.
“These performances bring an extraordinary energy to the Art Fair, creating powerful moments of connection,” Carmichael says.
Darwin singer and actor Jessica Mauboy has teamed up with DAAF Foundation again as ambassador, and says it was an easy sell to be aligned with the Foundation, on her home turf.
“… it's something that's really close to my heart. Growing up in Darwin, I've always been surrounded by incredible First Nations art, culture and storytelling, so to see it celebrated on this scale means so much to me,” she says.
“DAAF is about bringing people together, celebrating who we are, and creating opportunities for our artists, designers and creatives to share their work with Australia and the world. I love that it all happens on Larrakia Country and that our communities are always at the centre of it.”
Mauboy says, when you walk into the space, there’s a strong sense something special hangs in the air.
“What I love most is the feeling you get when you're there. There's so much creativity, talent and pride all in one place. Every artwork, every design and every conversation tells a story. I always come away feeling inspired, and I love seeing the next generation of First Nations creatives stepping into their power and sharing their voices with confidence.”
This is a feeling we can all take away with us, made even more special in 2026 as we celebrate 20 years of celebrating thousands of years of our First Nations art and culture. And, if you’re lucky enough, you might also take away the most special of mementos. A sweet piece of art.
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Opening Ceremony
WHEN THU 6 AUG | 5-8.30PM
COST $85
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
WHEN FRI 7 – SUN 9 AUG
COST FREE | REGISTER ONLINE
AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE
INFO daaf.com.au
