National Indigenous Art Fair 2019

Overview

After attracting more than 15,000 visitors last year, Blak Markets' National Indigenous Art Fair is back for a third run. 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 a huge number of remote centres — from Amata's (South Australia) Tjanpi Desert Weavers to Babbarra Women Centre of Arnhem Land's community of Maningrida women.

Throughout the weekend, 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.

You can also immerse yourself in the creative process at one of many workshops and demos. There'll be cooking with Australia's first hatted Indigenous chef Clayton Donovan and Melbourne's catering wiz Mark 'Black' Olive, mesmerising weaving collaborations with some of Australia's most skilled weavers as well as some shellwork workshops.

The 2019 NAIDOC theme is 'Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together for a shared future' and the art fair's many hands-on workshops and demonstrations highlight this. The market will be soundtracked by live musicians, too. Listen out for Maddie Lyn, pop-folk duo Microwave Jenny and Rebecca Hatch (2017 Triple J Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative Winner). Plus, there will be performances by Wagana Dancers and Jannawi dance clan.

The National Indigenous NAIDOC Art Fair will take place between 10am–6pm on Saturday, June 29 and between 10am–4pm on Sunday, June 30. Free entry for all visitors. For more info, visit the website. 

Images: Destination NSW and Warlukurlangu Artist.