Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Returns for 19th Year

Australia’s largest Indigenous art event celebrates contemporary and traditional works from over 75 community Art Centres.

Words: Robert Buratti

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) returns to Larrakia Country and online from 5-10 August 2025, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island art, design and culture in its 19th year.

Celebrated as the largest national event of its kind, DAAF is a free event that brings together contemporary and traditional works from over 75 Indigenous-owned community Art Centres across remote Australia, going beyond a typical gallery experience.

Visitors gain direct access to artists, their stories, and the cultural context behind each piece, creating an invaluable experience for serious collectors and design enthusiasts to ethically purchase artwork directly from Indigenous artists across the country.

“The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is returning for its 19th year in Darwin this August, with visitors being able to view and immerse themselves in authentic and diverse artwork,” said Claire Summers, DAAF’s Executive Director. “The beauty of our Fair is seeing all our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives express who they are, and their cultural heritage, through many different art forms. It is unlike any other experience in the world.”

In 2024, DAAF achieved remarkable results, raising $4.378 million in sales with 100% of profits returning directly to the Art Centres and their communities. The event hosted a record-breaking 80 Art Centres, collectively representing 1,800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives and showcasing over 14,700 artworks.

The DAAF Foundation’s renowned suite of events also includes the milestone 10th Country to Couture runway (5 August) and the 6th National Indigenous Fashion Awards (6 August), making it a comprehensive celebration of Indigenous creativity across multiple disciplines.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair runs from 7-10 August 2025, with additional online purchasing available through DAAF Online for those unable to attend in person.

Art Collector is a principal media partner of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.

For more information, visit www.daaf.com.au

This article was posted 18 July 2025.

READ MORE

Kate Gorringe-Smith Wins 2025 WAMA Art Prize

Major award announced as finalist exhibition opens at WAMA’s new National Centre for Environmental Art.

Olsen Gallery Announces Representation of Rachelle Lawler

Sydney-based painter known for immersive, colour-driven abstraction joins the gallery’s roster

Mitch Cairns Named Inaugural Neil Balnaves Fellow

Mosman Art Gallery and The Balnaves Foundation have announced artist Mitch Cairns as the first recipient of the Neil Balnaves Fellowship, an $80,000 initiative supporting significant artistic research and creative development over two years.

MARS Gallery Announces Representation of Takatāpui Artist J Davies

Melbourne’s MARS Gallery has announced the representation of Takatāpui artist J Davies, whose photographic practice centres on queer community, identity and self-determined storytelling.