First Nations artists have contributed almost $16m to the NT economy

First Nations’ artists rake in millions as their art goes viral. See how much they contributed to the Territory economy.

First Nations’ artists have contributed millions of dollars to the Territory economy after the return of Darwin’s Aboriginal Arts Fair (DAAF) in 2022.

The event drew in more than 33,000 visitors from across Australia and the globe, with 100 per cent of revenue going back to Indigenous Art Centres and their communities.

Art sales from the fair totalled $4.3m, an increase of almost 30 per cent on 2021.

The internationally-renowned event also contributed $12.5m to the Territory economy.

DAAF Foundation executive director Claire Summers said the huge sales were a result of hosting a hybrid event for the first time, which included a large-scale exhibition at the Darwin Convention Centre and the digital platform.

“Adapting the way we present and engage audiences at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair through a hybrid model has contributed significantly to this year’s record-breaking sales, which were a 28 per cent increase on the previous record,” Ms Summers said.

“Introducing a hybrid model also made it possible for us to present our largest line-up to date, with 77 participating art centres and over 1800 First Nations artists. DAAF accommodated more than 17,000 visitors at the in-person exhibition, and a further 16,279 unique online visitors, from around Australia and across the globe.”

National indigenous Fashion Awards finalists and winners showcase designs to close out the evening. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Ms Summers said the fair fell alongside two other events – Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) Country to Couture runway shows and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) – reaffirming the unique and continued social and economic value of coming together as a community.

Ngukurr Art Centre manager Jude Emmett said the DAAF Foundation’s hybrid model resulted in its best year yet, with sales doubling in value.

“By embracing the new digital and physical format, we had our best year in 10 years of attending DAAF,” Mr Emmett said.

“Showcasing our artists’ works online has enabled us to tap into a larger network of people and grow our audience and client base, which was a benefit we first realised when the Fair moved online during Covid-19.”

Mr Emmett also said the return of DAAF at the Darwin Convention Centre gave geographically isolated artists a chance to “reunite” with other First Nations artists and witness works from emerging talent.

“The foundation’s new hybrid model has given new life to the fair and we look forward to continuing to explore the new prospects it has created in future years.”

National indigenous Fashion Awards Northern Territory Arts and Culture Minister Chansey Paech opens the show. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

NT Arts minister Chansey Paech said the event played a vital role in promoting and celebrating indigenous artists.

“The success of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is fantastic news for the hundreds of artists who participate, and for the Territory in general,” he said.

“The fair is an opportunity to showcase works from across the Northern Territory and beyond, and connects established and emerging artists with art aficionados and buyers from across the country and the world.”