Celebrating First Nations culture
August is the month to celebrate and be immersed in First Nations culture with a swag of arts, music and fashion events taking place across Darwin.
People can purchase art, see musicians, artists and fashion designers over a jam-packed month of shows, performances and awards.
This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture on show at the popular Darwin Festival, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), the 2023 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Telstra NATSIAA) and the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs).
Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop said the Territory was the heart of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.
“With an incredible pool of talented artists, designers and musicians right here, it makes sense to showcase, celebrate and recognise these talents in the NT,” Mrs Bishop said.
“Supporting these events allows us to truly cement the Northern Territory as the place to experience, learn about, and immerse yourself in First Nations culture.”
DAAF, which will run from 11-13 August at the Darwin Convention Centre, will provide an opportunity for people to ethically buy stunning art, fashion and homewares from more than 70 art centres, representing some 1500 artists right across Australia.
The hybrid event will allow art lovers to purchase works both online at www.daaf.com.au and in person.
The Fair is complemented by DAAF Foundation’s two Indigenous Fashion Projects events, last night’s sold out Country to Couture fashion show featuring wearable art and textiles and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) today that will see some of the country’s best fashion designers recognised.
Telstra NATSIAA is the longest running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art award, presenting a world-class exhibition of the very best of Indigenous art from around the country. Artists will share in a prize pool of $190,000, with the winner of the major prize to take home $100,000.
Marking the 40th anniversary of NATSIAA on Friday 11 August a stellar line up of contemporary performers will pay homage to the 40 year legacy at the Awards Ceremony. Visit: www.magnt.net.au/natsiaa
You can catch the National Indigenous Music Awards at the Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, 12 August.
Billed as one of Australia’s most important music awards, the NIMAs showcase the rich diversity of the nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers. Visit www.nima.musicnt.com.au
Darwin Festival runs from 10-27 August. It includes a range of acts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers. For more information visit: www.darwinfestival.org.au