2024 marks the fifth year of this iconic ethical marketplace,which showcases creations from remote and local First Nations artists, designers and makers from across Australia who will come together on 29-30 June for the National Indigenous Art Fair on Gadigal Land at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in the Rocks.
The National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) offers a unique opportunity to buy artworks, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and artefacts directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from remote community-owned art centres from the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Artists will travel to Sydney to participate in First Hand Solutions Heart in Art program which provides economic and professional development opportunities and exchange between urban and remote First Nations communities.
NIAF offers visitors the chance to browse this unique marketplace and experience Indigenous culture first-hand through a two-day festival program of dance, cultural displays, interactive Indigenous weaving circles and workshops, for adults and children. There will also be the opportunity to taste and learn about native bushfood.
First Hand Solutions CEO, Peter Cooley said, “The National Indigenous Art Fair is an opportunity to meet the artist and hear the stories of this art directly from the maker with the knowledge that whatever the visitor spends will go directly back to these artists and their communities.”
“It is a rare opportunity to meet artists from some of the most remote parts of Australia and provides them an opportunity to promote and sell their artworks and host workshops demonstrating their unique arts and cultural practice.
The event follows the successful 2023 Fair, which attracted 22,000 visitors over two days.
NIAF is presented by Sydney based First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation in proud partnership with the Port Authority of NSW, Destination NSW, University of Technology, Sydney, Gilbert + Tobin, Cages, the federal government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program and Artwatch.
The National Indigenous Art Fair will be held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks Saturday June 29 and Sunday June 30, 2024 .
Event details:
Date: Saturday 29 June – Sunday 30 June 2024
Time: 10am – 5pm Saturday, 10- 4pm Sunday
Location: Overseas Passenger Terminal, 130 Argyle St, The Rocks, Sydney
Entry: $2.50. Entry is a donation of $2.50 to support remote artists attending the event. Children under 5 years old are free.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is easily accessible by public transport and on foot from Circular Quay.