Another year of record representation, record attendance, and record sales solidifies DAAF as one of the most important cultural events in the country.
Words by Camilla Wagstaff
_
Over almost two decades, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (affectionately known as DAAF) has secured a reputation as one of the country’s most significant and internationally recognised arts events.
DAAF works directly with Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and operated Art Centres, which hail from some of the most remote parts of the country.
In doing so, the Fair provides visitors with a genuine opportunity to meet, yarn with and buy incredible artworks straight from the artists who created them. Even more than this, buyers can be sure their money is going straight back to these artists, their families and their communities.
“The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair resides at the core of cultural richness, bringing together Art Centres from across the nation to share with the world First Nations’ diverse artistic brilliance. DAAF 2023, in keeping with its essence, unfolded as an extraordinary continuation of this cherished tradition.” – Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre
Images: 1) Artist Nunay Selma Coulthard and fellow artists from Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, stand by banner of her work ‘Urrampinyi’ (Tempe Downs). 2) Watercolour Painting with Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, 2023, Photos by Dylan Buckee
For the second year, DAAF 2023 presented a hybrid event. Art Centres were invited to present work at the in-person fair on Larrakia Country in Darwin, as well as through the fair’s online sales portal.
This made the fair even more accessible for both the Art Centres and the audience. Anyone, anywhere, could ethically purchase artwork directly from Indigenous-owned Art Centres across Australia, and learn more about the people and communities they are from.
“DAAF was fabulous, again, we always really look forward to it. Sales were more than double for us compared to any other DAAF! Both physical and online experiences were great.” – Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre
Images: Gapuwiyak Culture & Arts booth, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2023, Photos by 1) Marley Morgan, 2-3) Leicolhn McKellar
DAAF Foundation’s continued hybrid innovation and digital agility ensured promotional and sales growth across the board.
In 2023, the Fair represented more than 1,600 emerging and established artists from across Australia, working with a record 78 Art Centres. Excitingly, a whopping 140 artists attended the Fair in person.
Even more excitingly, the fair achieved a new record in sales, generating $4.4 million through the physical and online fairs! And since DAAF takes no commission, 100% of these sales went directly back to the Art Centres and their communities.
“Sales were very strong this year, by far our most successful year at DAAF in terms of direct income for artists here in Milikapiti.” – Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association
The hybrid event attracted 29,031 visitors with almost 16,000 people from community, Darwin, interstate and overseas visiting the fair in person.
“The 2023 art Fair was amazing! The crowds were great and so were the sales. We will be back in 2024 with lots and lots of new work.” – Merrepen Arts
Image: Kieren Karritpul with his dog TinTin at Merrepen Arts, Photographer Cathy Laudenbach, Image Courtesy of Merrepen Arts.
The event is also a huge boon for tourism in the Top End, with 92% of visitors surveyed saying that the event makes them want to revisit Darwin and recommend it to others. Overall, the event stimulated the Northern Territory economy by more than $12M, with $10M of this generated by in-scope visitor spending.
“It is always so great to reconnect with so many Art Centres at this annual art centre calendar highlight. It was also great to see so many Darwin and interstate visitors back in the Convention Centre.” – Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association
Image: Jilamara Arts and Crafts with Tiwi Singers & Dancers from Munupi Arts and Crafts, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, 2023, Photo by Tamati Smith.
Image: Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association booth, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, 2023, 1) Photo by Marley Morgan.
The 2023 hybrid DAAF was also accompanied by a vibrant public program and two major fashion events: Country to Couture showcased a record 22 unique collections from First Nations designers and artists, with ready to wear collections and community Art Centre collaborations. The two runway shows boasted more than 1000 attendees.
“Our inaugural participation in Country to Couture 2023 not only generated immense interest but also resulted in a remarkable surge in sales for our exquisite new line of hand-painted fashion items.” – Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), also featured record participation numbers, recognising a record 66 nominated designers and artists across six award categories.
“The Art Centre won two awards at the NIFA! Our Arts Worker Leonie Guyula was encouraged to dress up in one of our outfits and get her photo taken. This was so good for confidence building and photo opportunities.” – Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre
Images: ‘Tnuntha nurnakanha’ (Our Animals), by Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre, Country to Couture 2023, Photo by Marley Morgan
Image: Gapuwiyak Culture & Arts X Aly de Groot, Community Collaboration Award, supported by Canberra Centre, National Indigenous Fashion Awards, 2023, Photo by Dylan Buckee
Perhaps most importantly for the Art Centres, DAAF also presents an important annual opportunity for First Nations practitioners to come together and celebrate the incredible richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and design.
“DAAF is an annual highlight for Art Centres getting together and connecting, it’s also important interface for so many artists and arts workers to celebrate their culture and creativity with audiences in a nurturing environment.” – Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association
“DAAF is a great space to meet with Art Centres and other stakeholders. It is important to catch up and exchange experience.” – Maruku Arts
Images: 1) Cynthia Burke with Bluey Dog, Courtesy of Maruku Arts. 2) Maruku Arts Booth, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, 2023, Photo by Marley Morgan
