NIAF returns to Sydney foreshore in July 2022

The National Indigenous Art Fair returns after two year hiatus, offering opportunity for ethical collecting.

Words: Charlotte Middleton

After a two-year COVID-19-enforced hiatus, the National Indigenous Art Fair returns to Sydney Harbour’s foreshore for its third edition from Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 July 2022.

Offering an exciting opportunity for ethical collecting, the marketplace at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks will comprise more than 50 stallholders selling art, handmade jewellery, homewares and more, with all proceeds going directly back to the artist and First Nations communities.

Joining the Indigenous artists, designers, and makers from remote art centres around the country will be local practitioners from Australia’s leading authentic First Nations marketplace, the Blak Markets.

The not-to-be-missed event is presented by National Indigenous Art Fair founders, Sydney-based First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation.

“The National Indigenous Art Fair is a unique opportunity to meet artists from some of Australia’s most remote communities, browse a huge variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and hear the stories of this art directly from the makers,” said Peter Cooley, CEO, First Hands Solutions Aboriginal Corporation.

“We feel privileged to host these incredible artists in Sydney, and to provide a platform for them to promote and sell their artworks and host workshops demonstrating their unique arts and cultural practices.”

Coinciding with the beginning of NAIDOC Week 2022 – themed Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! – the Fair will also shine the light on issues impacting Indigenous people around Australia through a series of panel discussions.

With a full schedule of live experiences, including communal weaving, discussions, bush food cooking demonstrations, children’s storytelling, workshops and performances from 10am daily, NIAF 2022 promises to be a great weekend out for collectors and the entire family.

The National Indigenous Art Fair is supported through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, Indigenous Business Australia, Destination NSW, University of Technology Sydney, Port Authority of NSW and the City of Sydney.


Key event details:

The National Indigenous Art Fair, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney. 10am to 5pm, Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3, 2022.

Entry by is gold coin donation for First Hand Solutions’ cultural reconnection and economic development programs.

Visit niaf.com.au for all of the latest National Indigenous Art Fair news, including program, workshop and special guests announcements.

This article was posted 11 May 2022.

Image: National Indigenous Art Fair 2019. Photo courtesy: First Hand Solutions.

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