Celebrating 20 years, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is the largest Indigenous art fair in Australia. Locally run and internationally recognised, DAAF brings together the work of over 1500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in a celebration of culture, design and art.

An art fair with real impact

The only national event of its kind, DAAF has established a reputation as one of Australia’s most significant, internationally recognised annual art events. Taking place both on Larrakia Country and online, the fair is more than just a marketplace for original art; it’s a an event that has a real impact.

DAAF is a not-for-profit Indigenous organisation owned and governed by the art centres it represents. In 2025 alone, 7000 artworks were sold in-person and online, generating over $5.1 million in sales going directly to Art Centres and their communities. The event also contributed almost $15 million to the Northern Territory economy, which makes it a significant event in the territory’s cultural calendar.

Art centres play a crucial economic and cultural role in remote communities, with art sales often being the only externally generated source of income. Economic independence helps ensure agency for people living and working on their homelands, and safeguards the preservation of traditional practices, ceremonies, language, art and spirituality. Art centres also provide a safe and supportive environment for artists and their families. They contribute to the social and physical health of the community, which often includes many social benefits from assistance with health and medical requirements through to aged care services, family business, education, legal, transport and financial management issues.

The only art fair of its kind

DAAF offers a unique opportunity for arts industry buyers, and art and design lovers, to purchase works directly from Indigenous-owned and incorporated art centres. It provides a creative space for connection, where visitors can meet artists in person, learn about the country’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultural groups and be immersed in the evolving contemporary Indigenous art scene. Artworks include paintings on canvas, bark paintings, works on paper, limited edition prints, sculpture, didgeridoos, fibre art, cultural regalia and more.

Part of the DAAF Foundation’s week of events on Larrakia Country, the Aboriginal Art Fair is complemented by the popular Indigenous Fashion Projects’ ‘Country to Couture’ fashion shows and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards on 2-3 August.

The fair is free to attend at the Darwin Convention Centre from 7-9 August, and 100 percent of sales go directly to DAAF’s 90 partner art centres across the country.

Find more information and register to attend here.

Top image: Tjarlirli and Kaltukatjara Art, Country to Couture, 2025. Photo: Dylan Buckee.