Now in its 7th year, the National Indigenous Art Fair runs 3-5 July, showcasing the best of the best in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork in a breathtaking venue: the revamped Cutaway cultural centre in Barangaroo in the heart of Sydney.
The soaring arches of the event hall make you feel like you’re under trees – until you look over and see an enormous sandstone wall stretching several stories high, and realise you’re underground. It’s an absolutely jaw-dropping venue – which you can tell was designed in conjunction with Indigenous architects and artists. The NIAF is, quite fittingly, the very first cultural event to be held there.
On hand for the VIP opening (hosted by the fantastic MC, and proud Indigenous man, Matty Mills), including the Welcome to Country and speeches by politicians and First Nations curator Miah Madden, my +1 and I learned that NIAF is the second-largest Indigenous Art Fair in the entire country – coming in second to the one in Darwin by a hair’s breadth. It’s not hard to see why: there is an incredible amount of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art on display.
The second you walk into the event hall, you’re blown away by the diversity and sheer bounty. There are paintings – on the walls! on the floors! – there are weavings, there are carvings. The colours range from the ochre of the Red Centre to the brightest of pinks found on a galah. A sand pit and stage fill the centre, which plays host to everything from a fashion show to children’s dance classes throughout the weekend.
Almost 30 Indigenous art centres from across Australia are taking part, with over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists – many of them travelling thousands of kilometres from remote areas. My friend and I spoke to an artist who’d come down from the Top End; staff members working for a famous collective, Utopia, 250kms from Alice Springs; and a young artist from a few hours outside Darwin. (English is his third language!)
I was particularly heartened to see a map showcasing all the artist centres who were represented, with a large number from the East Coast. I find that oftentimes Central Desert artists get more of a spotlight in art exhibitions, so it was lovely to realise that the artists closest to Sydney are showcased.One of my favourite parts of the night: finding out that NIAF charges no commission or stall fees. This means that 100% of profits go directly to the art centres. I already knew I wasn’t going to walk out empty-handed, and this made it all the better. (What did I end up buying, you ask? A tote bag from Wadeye Women’s Centre by artist Bridge Bunduck, represented by the Darrikardu Art Collective, with an adorable echidna design.)
Being able to experience the Indigenous Art Fair alongside a Wiradjuri friend made it all the more special. We are so lucky to have the longest living culture in the world right here in Australia, and as a fairly new Australian citizen who moved here in my late 20s, it’s a privilege to be able to engage with and learn more about the people who have been custodians of all the Countries on this beautiful continent. To be able to learn more about my friend’s heritage – as she engaged further with her own culture – was truly special.
The opening night’s energy was electric, and I can’t wait to make this into an annual visit. I’ll have to save some space on my walls!
-Theresa
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa is proud to be able to call Sydney home.
The National Indigenous Art Fair runs Saturday 4 July, 10am–5pm & Sunday 5 July, 10am–4pm 2026 and The Cutaway Barangaroo. The venue is accessible.
Buy tickets.
