Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Returns for 20th Anniversary in August 2026
From 6 to 9 August 2026, Larrakia Country will host the 20th anniversary of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF). Established in 2007 with just 16 art centres, it has evolved into the largest Indigenous art fair in Australia, now showcasing 75 art centres and over 1,800 artists. Claire Summers, the Executive Director, emphasizes its importance both nationally and internationally. DAAF ensures that 100% of sales proceeds benefit the art centres, which can account for up to 25% of their yearly income. In 2025, the fair set a record with sales surpassing $5 million. The event will also feature Indigenous Fashion Projects on 2–3 August and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards on 5 August, with tickets available from 28 May 2026.
Key facts
- Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair runs 6–9 August 2026 on Larrakia Country.
- DAAF began in 2007 with 16 art centres; now 75 Indigenous-owned art centres participate.
- Over 1,800 artists from more than 100 language groups are represented.
- DAAF takes no commission on sales; 100% of proceeds go to art centres.
- In 2025, DAAF achieved record sales over $5 million; over $34 million in past decade.
- Country to Couture fashion events run 2–3 August; National Indigenous Fashion Awards on 5 August.
- Performances include Peppimenarti Dancers, Kerkar Kus Dance Team, Tiwi Dancers, Manuel Pamkal, and Coloured Stone.
- Tickets on sale from 28 May 2026; online art fair available.
Entities
Artists
- Hayley Coulthard
- Anita Ratara
- Dulcie Nanala
- Manuel Pamkal
- Claire Summers
- Simon Carmichael
- Kate Fell
- Rosie Dennis
- Dr Diana Carroll
- Brian Robinson
Institutions
- Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
- Hermannsburg Potters
- Warlayirti Artists
- Indigenous Fashion Projects
- National Indigenous Fashion Awards
- Arts Northern Rivers
- Newcastle Art Gallery
- V&A
- Darwin Festival
- ScreenHub
- ArtsHub
Locations
- Darwin
- Australia
- Larrakia Country
- Balgo Hills
- Erub Island
- Adelaide
- London
- Sydney