NAIDOC Week at South Melbourne Market's SO:ME Space

Overview

NAIDOC Week is underway, and the 2026 celebrations carry the momentum of a milestone year. After last year's 50th edition, the national theme '50 Years of Deadly' continues to honour half a century of the special event. While no shortage of festivities are amplifying and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, South Melbourne Market has added to its SO:ME Space with a curated program of First Nations artists, authors and makers.

With this retail concept providing local creatives with a flexible incubator space to connect with their audiences, a diverse group of First Nations creatives will reimagine SO:ME Space with cultural, storytelling and contemporary practice during and after NAIDOC Week, which officially comes to a close on Sunday, July 12.

For instance, contemporary Aboriginal artist N'Dene Riley presents original artworks, cultural workshops and educational experiences that explore connection to Country, culture and community storytelling until July 12. Meanwhile, Naarm-based brand Key of Life showcases small-batch fragrances and body care inspired by Noongar and Egyptian heritage until Sunday, July 19.

For a sweet treat, there's also Loco for Cocoa, a 100 percent Indigenous-owned chocolate brand handcrafting premium products with a playful edge. Plus, Mary Martin Bookshop will present a NAIDOC Week pop-up, featuring leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, while Jodi Toering — co-author of Rain on the Rock, created in collaboration with Aṉangu artist Valerie Brumby — will attend a live book signing from 10–11am on Sunday, July 12.

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Images: Simon Shiff.