More Than an Art Fair; ACHAA’s First DAAF
22-08-2025
The fresh influence of NSW Aboriginal arts and culture made a distinct impression at this year’s Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair on Larrakia Country through the combined efforts of ACHAA and the Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance (ARAA). Art, artists and arts workers from across NSW made a big statement: NSW Aboriginal arts is here, and it has a richly diverse depth of talent and stories to share.
ACHAA supported the attendance of five of our core members; Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation, Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery, Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative. As with all our member centres, they have their own unique collective of Elders, artists and cultural workers, each with their own library of cultural knowledge and stories that deserve recognition. Representatives from these five centres: Bob Blair (Kamilaroi), Kristy Thomas (Yuin/Jerrinjah), Rachel Cross (Dunghutti), Alison Williams (Gumbaynggirr) and Rubyrose Bancroft (Bundjalung), and the artworks they presented from their community of artists, all spoke to the strength and diversity of their experience, as well as NSW Aboriginal art as a whole.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is renowned for enabling artists to directly engage with collectors, industry professionals, and the public within an ethically grounded marketplace, one in which 100% of sales return to the art centres and their communities. This year, there were 73 centres presenting in the Darwin International Convention Centre and 79 centres across the hybrid event (including online). Organisers estimate total sales exceed an estimated $4 million each year, including via the online platform reaching an international audience.
It is also a gathering for meaningful cultural exchange, allowing artists and community to connect, share their stories, and grow their network and community, including through 28 public programs covering workshops, cultural performances, demonstrations and talks.
Our deepest gratitude and respect to our Larrakia hosts as well as to the DAAF team for a wonderful experience and congratulations to all our NSW artists and participants in DAAF 2025. The fair provides an incredible opportunity for so many of these centres and artists to elevate their profiles, enlarge the reach of their artistic practice and contribute to forging a unique identity for NSW arts on a national stage.
