Record $4.4m in art sales recorded at 17th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Dozens of art centres, thousands of visitors and millions of dollars – here’s why this year’s Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair was the best one yet.

This year’s Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair was the most successful yet, with a record-breaking $4.4m in art and design sales recorded over six days in August.

In total, 78 art centres representing 1600 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives brought the event to life, with all revenue returned back to the centres and their communities.

Now in its 17th year, the fair drew 15,874 people from across Australia and overseas to Darwin, with another 13,157 visitors online – contributing an estimated additional $12m to the NT economy.

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy at the 2023 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Picture: Leicolhn McKellar.

A team from Bula’Bula Art Centre, located in the heart of the Ramingining community in Central Arnhem Land, travelled 400km by Troopie to attend the event.

“When you’re at DAAF, you suddenly see the big community and the movement that you’re a part of – is it uniquely Australian,” centre manager Mel George said.

“Each art centre is like a spark, and at DAAF when we’re all together, there are all these sparks of magic going off to create fireworks of colour, art, culture and more.

“One of the most important roles that art centres play is giving people who are strong in cultural education the tools to economically support themselves and communities, which is why events like DAAF are needed to assist them in working on Country and keeping culture alive.”

Andrew Wanamilil said he was proud to attend the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair for the first time. Picture: Supplied.

Ganalbingu man and Bula’Bula artist Andrew Wanamilil attended the fair for the first time and said it was an unforgettable experience.

“It made me feel so proud of myself and my community,” Mr Wanamilil said.

“I was so excited to share my art with people from all over Australia and to see my work on display among the industry’s best and brightest. I can’t wait to return next year and bring my family with me.”

This year was the first time Darwin-born pop star Jessica Mauboy visited since becoming the fair’s community ambassador.

“It’s an incredible experience having the opportunity to be surrounded by the vibrant artworks, stories and cultures of First Nations communities from some of the most remote parts of Australia at DAAF,” Mauboy said.

“It warmed my heart to be able to take part in this year’s fair and to meet and celebrate other First Nations creatives on beautiful Larrakia Country.”

Executive director Claire Summers said this year marked several records and firsts for the foundation and its Indigenous Fashion Projects events.

“We are proud to not only celebrate a record $4.4m in sales for DAAF but also to acknowledge the immeasurable opportunities the fair has provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives for the past 17 years,” Ms Summers said.

“Our Indigenous Fashion Projects events, Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, which are proudly hosted as a feature of the Fair’s program, also broke records this year with 22 collections gracing the prestigious runway and 66 nominations short-listed for the awards.”

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A record $4.4m in art and design sales was recorded at the 2023 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Picture: Dylan Buckee.

A record $4.4m in art and design sales was recorded at the 2023 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Picture: Leicolhn McKellar.

Opening ceremony of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2023. Picture: Dylan Buckee.

A record $4.4m in art and design sales was recorded at the 2023 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Picture: Leicolhn McKellar.

A record $4.4m in art and design sales was recorded at the 2023 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Picture: Leicolhn McKellar.