6 August 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proudly supporting the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair as it celebrates its 20th anniversary from 6-9 August 2026.
More than 75 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres, including around 40 from the Territory, will showcase works from more than 1,800 First Nations artists.
In 2025, DAAF attracted more than 15,000 attendees, generated almost 26,000 visitor nights and contributed $15 million to the Territory economy.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair opens today, marking 20 years of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and creativity.
Running from 6 to 9 August at the Darwin Convention Centre and online, the milestone event will bring together artists, Art Centres, collectors, curators and visitors from across Australia and around the world.
From humble beginnings in 2007, DAAF has grown to become Australia's largest national First Nations art fair.
This year, more than 75 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned Art Centres will showcase the work of emerging and established artists from across the country.
Visitors can purchase works directly from participating Art Centres, with all sales returned to the Art Centres and the artists and communities they represent.
Works available at the Fair include paintings on canvas and bark, works on paper, limited-edition prints, sculpture, fibre art, textiles, fashion and cultural regalia.
DAAF has also become the centrepiece of a nationally recognised week of First Nations art, fashion, design and music in Darwin.
Country to Couture, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and the National Indigenous Music Awards help position Darwin as Australia's home of First Nations arts and culture.
The Fair attracts thousands of visitors each year, supporting local accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and businesses throughout Darwin and beyond.
DAAF is supported by the Northern Territory Government through Tourism and Events NT, Arts NT and the Community Benefit Fund.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby said DAAF was one of the Territory's great cultural and tourism success stories.
"DAAF brings the very best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture together in Darwin and shares it with audiences across Australia and around the world," Minister Boothby said.
"People travel to the Territory because this event exists. They stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, visit our attractions and support local businesses throughout Darwin and beyond.
"DAAF makes an important contribution to the Territory economy and demonstrates the role major cultural events play in growing our visitor economy.
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to continue supporting DAAF because events like this strengthen communities, support Aboriginal artists and Art Centres and showcase the Territory's identity to the world.
"As DAAF celebrates its 20th anniversary, I congratulate the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation and thank the artists, Art Centres, staff, volunteers and partners whose passion and commitment have built this event into the internationally recognised success it is today.
"We look forward to welcoming artists, collectors and visitors back to Darwin for many years to come."
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Executive Director Claire Summers said the anniversary represented an important milestone for the organisation and its participating Art Centres.
"As we celebrate 20 years of DAAF, we are incredibly proud to continue creating a platform where Indigenous-owned Art Centres can share the stories, creativity and cultures of their communities with audiences in Australia and around the world," Ms Summers said.
"DAAF is unique because it is owned and led by the Art Centres themselves.
"By connecting artists directly with buyers, we are creating meaningful cultural exchange while ensuring artists and their communities receive the full benefit of every artwork sold.
"We are excited to welcome returning and first-time visitors to Darwin and online to celebrate this milestone, experience the incredible breadth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture and support Indigenous artists and communities for generations to come."
The DAAF Opening Ceremony will be held on Thursday, 6 August, with free public entry to the Fair from Friday, 7 August to Sunday, 9 August.
