The 18th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) has achieved over $4.378 million in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sales, it was announced this month, while also injecting a further $11.3 million into the Northern Territory economy.
Presented by the DAAF Foundation, this year's event returned as a hybrid model in-person and online in August - hosting a record-breaking total of 80 Art Centres who collectively represented 1,800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, presenting over 14,700 unique artworks.
DAAF ensures 100 per cent of revenue is returned back to Art Centres and their communities.
The Fair has earned a global reputation for providing attendees with the opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic First Nations art, design and culture, and to ethically purchase artworks from Art Centres, with this year's event drawing 15,222 visitors in person, and 13,208 online.
DAAF Foundation executive director Claire Summers shared her excitement surrounding the event's success.
"The Fair provides visitors with a genuine opportunity to connect directly with artists and learn about our First Nations' cultures, storytelling and expression through art, fashion and design," she said.
"2024 marked another monumental year for Indigenous Fashion Projects, with 36 shortlisted finalists recognised at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), and 20 unique collections showcased to record audience numbers at Country to Couture. Alongside the Fair's incredible artworks, returned an immersive Public Program, inviting attendees to engage with artists, and immerse in their diverse cultures from across Australia.
"Behind the scenes, over 270 Indigenous artists & Arts Workers participated in managing their Art Centre's booths at DAAF. The Cultural Keepers program also returned, providing a space for networking and shared learnings between 16 First Nations Curators and Arts Workers, and 34 Art Centres.
"We are proud to not only celebrate $4.3 million in sales for DAAF's Art Centres, but also to acknowledge the immeasurable opportunities the Fair has provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives for the past 18 years."
Jilamara Arts and Crafts, located in Ratuati Irara (Tiwi Islands), was one of the Fair's 80 participating Art Centres, who launched a fashion showcase reinstating historical designs from the organisation's origins and sold textile designs at the Fair.
Artist Raylene Miller shared her excitement surrounding having had the opportunity to participate at the art fair.
"It was amazing to have the opportunity to reinstate old screen designs and witness them come to life at our very own fashion showcase at the Fair," she said.
"We were thrilled to work with old colourways and see these translate on to our fabric. It was inspiring to be a part of the Fair this year and be immersed in the magic of DAAF."
DAAF Community Ambassador Jessica Mauboy attended the fair for the second time this year and described the experience as nothing short of incredible.
"It is truly inspiring to return to Larrakia Country and attend Country to Couture and DAAF this year. The Fair shines a light on some of the most remote parts of Australia and provides the opportunity to be surrounded by vibrant artworks, stories and cultures of incredible First Nations communities," said Mauboy.
Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting chief executive officer, Trevor Cox, said the Fair has grown from strength to strength for art and culture enthusiasts, gallerists, adventurers and both local and international guests seeking a truly unique experience.
"It is exciting to see events like DAAF showcase the uniqueness of the Territory and the world's oldest living culture through art," he said.
"By funding events like these through the Event Funding Program, we create valuable opportunities for Indigenous Art Centres to receive the recognition and support they truly deserve."
Overall, the Fair stimulated the Northern Territory economy by $11.34M, with $10.2M of this generated by in-scope visitors. 2024 continues DAAF's three-year streak of clearing the $4 million sales mark for Art Centres across the Fair's 18-year history. Over the past ten years alone, (2015-2024), DAAF has generated more than $30.48 million for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation is also excited to officially announce that the 19th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is returning to Darwin and online from the 7th - 10th of August 2025.
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