One of the largest gatherings of First Nations artists from remote communities across Australia ever to congregate on Gadigal Country in Sydney will be at the National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) this weekend to celebrate the art, craft and performance of the oldest culture in the world.
The art fair presents a unique opportunity to bring remote community and regional art centres and artists to Sydney for the public to connect with artists, hear the stories behind their work and purchase art in an ethical marketplace. It is also a place to learn about the artists’ traditional artistic methods from their homelands, their cultural heritage and history through one-on-one talks, demonstrations and performances.
Now in its fourth year, the NIAF showcases Indigenous paintings, handmade jewellery, accessories, homewares, textiles, woodwork, weaving and ceramics. There is also a vibrant festival program which includes an Indigenous smoking ceremony, First Nations live music and dance performances, a massive and colourful communal weaving project, art workshops, panel discussions, bush tucker cooking experiences and talks, and children’s storytelling, craft and dance workshops.
WHERE: Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks. Entry: gold coin donation to support artists attending the event.
WHEN: Saturday 1 July and Sunday 2 July, 10.00am to 5.00pm
WHO: 60 stalls representing remote Indigenous art centres and Blak Markets stallholders from around Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, singers, storytellers, bushfood cooks and experts, and more.
Program schedule here: https://www.niaf.com.au/event-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS:
Radical Son, performing from his new album (11.15pm and 4.15pm Saturday)
Barayagal Choir, a 21-person intercultural choir (Saturday, 2.30pm)
Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam, performing dances from the Torres Strait Islands (Sunday 10.30am and 2.30pm)
Creation story by Ngurru Nyunggamu performers from WA (Sunday, 12 noon)