At the heart of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) lies an incredible opportunity to connect with First Nations culture through wearable art. This vibrant event showcases not just paintings and sculptures, but also stunning fashion and textiles created directly by talented Indigenous designers and Art Centres.

By choosing a piece from these creators, you’re not just acquiring a beautiful item; you’re supporting First Nations businesses, empowering artists, and taking home a tangible piece of cultural heritage. Discover the stories woven into every thread and wear them with pride!

Entry to DAAF, 8-10 August is FREE! You just need to register HERE.

 

When you explore the stalls, be sure to seek out the captivating works from:

Mowanjum Arts & Milpali

The Mowanjum artists behind this collection are cultural custodians and storytellers from the Worrorra, Ngarinyin, and Wunambal peoples. Barbara, Kirsty, Philinka, Sarah, and Sherika each bring a unique style, blending traditional stories with contemporary expression.

Magpie Goose

Magpie Goose is a celebrated Aboriginal-owned social enterprise creating vibrant, contemporary clothing and textiles. They collaborate directly with First Nations artists from remote communities across the Top End, translating original artworks into stunning, ethically produced garments. Magpie Goose is dedicated to showcasing Indigenous art, culture, and storytelling, while creating economic opportunities and celebrating the rich creative traditions of Aboriginal communities.

Gammin Threads

Gammin threads is a love letter to Tahnee’s culture and to blackfellas everywhere. It’s a staunch aunty label that likes good design and being cheeky. Gammin Threads is a vibrant, Aboriginal-owned and led fashion label creating contemporary streetwear and accessories. Known for its bold graphics, witty slogans, and strong cultural messaging, Gammin Threads celebrates Indigenous identity and resilience with style.

Atyene

Atyene (pronounced Ah-chen, meaning ‘precious’ in the Arrernte language of Central Australia) is a 100% First Nations-owned fashion label. Founded by acclaimed filmmaker Rachel Perkins, the brand extends her life’s work of sharing First Nations culture and stories through wearable art.

 

Delvene Cockatoo Collins

Delvene is a renowned Quandamooka woman and multidisciplinary artist who lives and works on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), her ancestral Country. Her vibrant art, including textiles, ceramics, and prints, is deeply inspired by her family’s lived experiences on the island and the natural environment. Delvene meticulously translates these stories and her connection to Country into contemporary expressions, often using natural materials and traditional techniques passed down through generations. 

Ikuntji Artist

Ikuntji Artists is an art centre located in Haasts Bluff (Ikuntji), a remote community 230 km west of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory. Established in 1992, it was one of the first art centres initiated by women in the Western Desert Art Movement. kuntji Artists has also gained significant recognition for its textiles and fashion, bringing wearable art to national and international stages, including Australian Fashion Week. 

Jaru Girl

Jaru Girl is the vibrant fashion label founded by Bianca Long, a proud Djaru woman from Halls Creek in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Bianca’s journey from a career in mining to an accomplished Aboriginal artist deeply informs her work. Based in Wyndham, Bianca’s dedication to her culture is evident in every creation. Through Jaru Girl, she honors her elders and celebrates the rich cultural history of her people, making it accessible to a wider audience through stunning, meaningful designs.

 

Salt Water Murris

Salt Water Murris Quandamooka is an Aboriginal contemporary visual arts and craft centre located on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Queensland. Representing the Traditional Custodians of Quandamooka Country (the Noonuccal, Ngugi, and Gorenpul clans), they are dedicated to promoting and maintaining their rich cultural heritage.

Through their art, craft, textiles, and fashion, Salt Water Murris designers, such as Shara Delaney and Dr. Sandra Delaney, translate their deep connection to Country, family stories, and ancestral knowledge into stunning, contemporary expressions. Their work celebrates the unique beauty of the Quandamooka region’s land, sea, and sky, sharing profound visual stories that bridge ancient traditions with modern design.

Entry to DAAF, 8-10 August is FREE! You just need to register HERE.

Image credit: Leicolhn Mckeller, Michael Torres, Marley Morgan, Dylan Buckee

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