What we do
IFP supports Indigenous Australians working in textiles and fashion with a range of development programs, resources, mentoring opportunities and promotional events.
The purpose of Indigenous Fashion Projects is the organised support of the development of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textile and fashion practice and enterprise.
Our activities support artists, designers, models, photographers as well as those that are involved behind the scenes in textiles and fashion.
We support all, whether associated with an Art Centre or working independently.
Please explore some of our activities below.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards (The NIFA), launched in 2020 and supported by the Northern Territory Government, provide a vibrant and exciting platform to celebrate creativity, innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers, whilst contributing to the capacity building of the sector.
Country to Couture
The annual Country to Couture runway event, proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government and leading Australian lifestyle brand Country Road, showcases collections from artists and designers from communities and individuals from all over this land. The event celebrates the marriage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary fine art and high-end fashion.
Pathways Program
IFP have partnered with iconic Australian retailer David Jones for the ‘Pathways Program’ for Australian Indigenous fashion designers. Providing support across all stages of the development of a fashion label through a series of workshops and mentorship, the Pathways Program creates an opportunity to nurture the growth of Indigenous businesses.
BEST PRACTICE PROJECT
The purpose of this project is to gain a more detailed understanding of how Indigenous artists and designers work in and with the textile and fashion industry and to develop a toolkit of resources to promote and facilitate best practice for all.
IFP LEARNING CENTRE
Coming soon, the IFP Learning Centre is a place for finding useful information, making connections, yarning and sharing. Its purpose is to help you grow in your understanding of how to go about your textile and fashion practice and business.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair was established in 2007 to sell artists’ work direct to collectors, galleries and art lovers. It showcases the contemporary fine art of more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres from across this diverse and culturally rich country. The Fair is held on Larrakia Country in Darwin and online.
Image credits
IFP News
IFP Pathways Program in 2023
Whats new? The IFP Pathways Program, supported by David Jones, returns in 2023 with a new cohort of First Nations designers set for AAFW - AND - a newly launched 'Track to Pathways' program underway. Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) and David Jones have...
Be part of Country to Couture in 2023!
Backstage at Country to Couture 2022, photo by Mel Brautigam, Territory Savvy Expressions of interest have now closed. *Expressions of interest closed on Monday 5pm ACST, 27 Feb 2023* The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects...
IFP Safeguards First Nations Interests with Guide to Best Practice
Artist Mary Dhapalany bundling the pandanus, visit to Bula'Bula Arts, Ramingining in Central Arnhem Land, 2022A collaboration model to support commercial partnerships in the Australian fashion industry. As First Nations textile and fashion explodes in popularity, the...