The annual Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is set to celebrate its 10th Anniversary from August 5 to 7 at the Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory.
After raising more than $8.5 million for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over the past nine years and showcasing the work of thousands of remote artists, DAAF will celebrate its 10th year by doubling in size to encompass fashion, film and a panel discussion.
DAAF was launched in 2007 by Apolline Kohen, the then Director of Maningrida Art and Culture as a platform to promote the incredible artwork of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres and communicate the important economic role they play in generating revenue into remote communities. Over the years the fair has grown steadily from including 16 to 60 art centres, presenting more than 2000 Indigenous artists and their work.
In 2015, DAAF raised $1.75 million with 100 per cent of the revenue returning to remote communities It is now regarded as the most prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art fair in the world.
In 2016, there will be an array of works on show and for sale including: paintings on canvas, bark paintings, works on paper, photography, carved wood sculpture, fibre weaving, textiles and more. Artist run demonstrations, workshops and spectacular traditional dance performances will also be a highlight and memorable Indigenous cultural experience throughout the three-day event.
To mark a decade of success, DAAF will launch the Fair’s first fashion show that combines Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary fine art with textile design. From Country to Couture will involve 12 Art Centres and 9 designers. DAAF has engaged Northern Territory fashion guru Mehali Tsangaris, Director of NT Fashion Week, to choreograph the event.
DAAF will also showcase the evolving new film scene in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with a special Indigenous film festival held in conjunction with Darwin’s iconic Deckchair Cinema. The event will include a special fundraising evening on August 11. The film festival will explore short films and emerging pieces of multi-media produced by Art Centres across the Territory and co- produced with the Darwin Film Society.
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF) chair Franchesca Cubillo said in 10 years the Fair had become a cultural beacon by which to experience Indigenous culture in a truly authentic and genuine manner, with hundreds of artists travelling to Darwin to interact personally with buyers.
“This year we’re giving visitors more exposure to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art through a range of traditional and new art forms, showcasing an impressive collection from over 60 Art Centres and ensuring their work is being seen across the nation.”
A panel discussion, held at the Darwin Convention Centre, will discuss modern ideas and issues surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Well known arts sector specialists will be joining the panel.
DAAFF Executive Director Claire Summers said this year’s event was expected set a record for attendance and sales, with the event becoming a fixture on the art calendar nationally and internationally.
“Our Art Centres are evolving with people’s needs, wants and desires to see more art across different mediums and styles, and we’ve progressed an incredible movement that will bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to more people across different industries of fashion and film,” she said.
“More than 9,500 people attended in 2015, with an increased presence of international visitors traveling to Darwin to snap up items created by the oldest living culture in the world.”
www.darwinaboriginalartfair.com.au
Darwin Convention Centre
5 to 7 August, 2016
Northern Territory
Molly Miller and Dallas Smyth from Warakuna WA with their Tjanpi works
Photograph: Rhett Hammerton
