The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation’s renowned suite of events returns to Larrakia Country and online from 2 – 9 August 2026, marking two-decades of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island art, design and culture.
Now in its 20th year, the internationally recognised Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair invites audiences to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse contemporary creations of the world’s oldest living cultures. The Fair returns alongside the Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Project’s (IFP) events, kicking off with the Country to Couture runways (2 & 3 August) and National Indigenous Fashion Awards (5 August).
One of the largest national events of its kind, DAAF is free to attend and gives art lovers, collectors and visitors the opportunity to ethically purchase artwork directly from over 75 Indigenous-owned Art Centres across Australia, with 100 per cent of sales generated returned to Art Centres and their communities.
Complementing the Fair’s electric atmosphere is an expanded public program, offering visitors the chance to connect deeply with artistic practice, cultural traditions and contemporary design. Over three days, the program features artist-led workshops, dance performances, artist talks, masterclasses, material demonstrations, children’s activities and much more.
For those unable to make the journey to Garamilla (Darwin), visitors can shop artwork directly from Art Centres via DAAF Online, which runs simultaneously alongside the in person event.
The Fair will also welcome back some of its very first Art Centres, who have proudly showcased their works on Larrakia Country since the events’ inception, to mark twenty years of shared history. Among them is Bula’bula Arts, who has been participating in the Fair since its earliest years.
Bula’bula Arts’ long term commitment to DAAF is a powerful reflection of what it means to celebrate the rich cultural history of First Nations art, and a testament to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island art, design and culture that has helped shape the Foundation into what it is today.
Bula’bula Art’s Manager Mel George commented on the lasting impact the Fair has had on the artists she represents, stating the milestone anniversary as a moment of great pride for the community.
“For Bula’bula Arts, twenty years of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair represents two decades of Yolŋu voices standing strong on a national stage. It reflects Ramingining artists growing in confidence, pride and opportunity,” she said.
“For our artists, being part of the rich and diverse landscape of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity across Australia is deeply affirming and empowering. They love that what they make and the stories they tell, sit within a powerful, collective movement of First Nations excellence,” said George.
Ahead of the Fair, the week spotlights First Nations fashion and textiles, with Country to Couture returning for its 11th presentation – now expanded across two evenings – alongside the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, celebrating contemporary expression in fashion and designs grounded in ancient cultures.
These events have become a highlight of the Australian fashion industry calendar, launching careers of First Nations designers, artists, models and creatives alike.
“This August, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair returns for its 20th year – marking two decades of celebrating and elevating the work of First Nations artists across the country,” said DAAF Foundation’s executive director Claire Summers.
“Since its inception, DAAF has proudly represented authentic artwork from thousands of artists and designers to bring authentic, ethically produced, contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to audiences in Australia and across the globe.”
“DAAF started with a clear vision to create a platform for community owned Art Centres to showcase the vibrancy and rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous art and creativity – giving them the autonomy to showcase the work of their communities in their own way. Twenty years on, that vision remains at the heart of what we do – connecting Indigenous governed and community-led Art Centres directly with the world.”
“DAAF is unique in that the event is owned by the Art Centres themselves – they determine the evolution and growth of this remarkable event. Art fairs like DAAF play a critical role in ensuring artists are fairly represented and ethically supported.”
“By connecting artists with buyers, we help generate real economic returns for Indigenous communities, while strengthening the Northern Territory’s cultural and tourism landscape. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new audiences to Darwin and online for what will be a truly unforgettable 20th anniversary,” said Summers..
2025 marked DAAF’s highest sales record and continues a five-year running streak from 2021-2025 of clearing the $5 million mark for its participating Art Centres. Over the past ten years (2016-2025), DAAF has generated over $34.2 million for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual art sector.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will run from 2 – 9 August 2026. The full program will be released in June. For more information, visit: www.daaf.com.au for details.
Images: Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (2025) – photo by Marley Morgan | Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (2025) – photo by Phoebe Bennett