On Saturday 15 April, Blak Markets will run its inaugural event in Broken Hill/ Wilyakali at Sturt Park in partnership with the Aboriginal communities of the Far West, Blak Markets gives visitors the chance to shop local and support a good cause, with 100% of all profits going back into enriching Aboriginal communities.
Blak Markets will kick off with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 10am on Saturday 15 April, with multiple Indigenous dances, singing performances, and hand-ons weaving workshops throughout the day.
Blak Markets will feature 20 unique Indigenous Australian stalls selling a range of authentic and handmade artworks, bushfood, jewellery and homewares. It's the perfect opportunity to grab a meaningful gift for yourself and loved ones while celebrating Aboriginal makers, artists and small business owners.
On the Sunday 16 April following the Markets and ending Broken Hill Heritage week, there will be several tours and workshops on offer with tours to Mendindee with Wontanella tours and Mutawintji with Kulluwirru Dreaming tours and an artefact making workshop with local artist Clinton Kemp in Broken Hill.
Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation who runs the Blak Markets says "The Blak Markets is a wonderful way to connect with Blak businesses directly, build relationships with the local community and learn about Indigenous culture. You can do this with the peace of mind you are supporting 100% Indigenous-owned and operated enterprises, which in turn are helping our industries to increase economic opportunities and build generational wealth for future generations. The tours on the Sunday provide visitors the opportunity for a real weekend of celebration of Aboriginal culture happening in and around Broken Hill."
According to Clair Bates, one of the longest standing Aboriginal stallholders in NSW who has been part of the Blak Markets and National Indigenous Art Fair in Sydney, this is a first for the Far West.
"The Blak Markets coming to the Far West will create a platform for our indigenous artists to show how they can produce their products and get them to the wider community," Clair said. "This platform will help to share and connect people to our indigenous culture and language and the meaning of our work. It's a great opportunity to share the talent of our artists to greater Australia and hopefully it will be an encouragement to our upcoming generations of young artists."
The Blak Markets in Broken Hill is supported by the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program
