Blak Markets NAIDOC Art Fair
Paintings, sculptures and textiles from more than 20 remote communities.
In partnership with 
Overview
After attracting more than 10,000 visitors to its first edition at Barangaroo last year, Blak Markets' National Indigenous NAIDOC Art Fair is back. This time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from all over Australia will take over Circular Quay's Overseas Passenger Terminal for two days with a visual feast of paintings, sculptures, textiles and accessories. Expect to see artworks representing more than 20 remote centres — from the Tiwi Islands' Munupi Arts to Tjungu Palya Arts of South Australia's Nyapari Community.
Throughout the weekend, more than 30 stalls will be peddling artworks, jewellery, gifts, homewares and Indigenous food and drinks. In between wandering the stalls, try some authentic bush tucker from Indigenous food stalls including paperbark-smoked blackfish from Mirritya Mundya and kangaroo pie from Meat Brothers.
You can also immerse yourself in the creative process at one of many workshops and demos. There'll be bush tucker cooking with Aunty Beryl Van Oploo (Gardeners Lodge Cafe) and Jody Orcher (Shared Knowledge), mesmerising weaving collaborations with some of Australia's most skilled weavers and Albert Namatjira-style watercolour demos with the Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre. Plus, Warmun artist Marika Riley will share her skills in the medium of ochre, demonstrating how to grind and mix it into paints.
In keeping with the 2018 NAIDOC theme of 'because of her, we can', the fair will be soundtracked by an epic all-female lineup of live musicians. Listen out for The Stiff Gins, Mi-Kaisha, Maddison Lyn and Rebecca Hatch (2017 Triple J Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative Winner). Plus, there will be performances by Wagana Aboriginal Dancers and Redfern Dance Company, with a closing ceremony with Ngambaa Dhalaay.
The National Indigenous NAIDOC Art Fair will take place between 10am–5pm on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1. Free entry for all visitors. For more info, visit the website.
Image: Lyndsay Urquhart
