19 Jun 2025
Free Kids Program Announced for National Indigenous Art Fair 2025
Launching this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, the National Indigenous Art Fair has announced its free program of cultural activities for kids and families, set to take place across the first weekend of the July school holidays — Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July — at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Gadigal Land, Circular Quay.
Running alongside one of Sydney’s most vibrant and ethical marketplaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the two-day Little Mobs program invites young visitors to get hands-on with art, nature, movement and culture — all guided by First Nations artists and Elders.
From ochre painting and gumnut jewellery-making to shellwork, bushfoods and storytelling through possum skin art, the activities are designed to spark imagination and offer a deeper understanding of Country, culture and creative expression. Children can also take part in fun and inclusive dance workshops with the Budja Budja Butterfly Dance Group, Brolga Dance Academy, and more.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, connect, and create alongside Indigenous artists from across Australia,” said Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation. “It’s a program full of joy and meaning, perfect for families kicking off their school holidays.”
Little Mobs Kids drop in workshops highlights include:
- Shellwork workshop with Tahlia Brown-Sait and Latarley Brown-Yeo
- Bushfoods and native plant propagation with Indigigrow
- Gumnut jewellery-making with Marlene and Sharona Cooley of Maruku Arts
- Possum skin and ochre painting workshop with Aunty Amanda Jane Reynolds
- Children’s dance workshops with Budja Budja Butterfly
- Ochre face painting with Brolga Dancers
All activities are free with entry to the Fair ($3 per adult, free for children under 12). No bookings required, though parent/guardian supervision is essential during participation.
For the Art Fair and Little Mobs program details, visit niaf.com.au/event-schedule
Entry is $3 (free for children under 12), with all proceeds supporting the participation of remote artists. Pre-book online at trybooking.com/DBHGS to skip the queues and have the chance to win a $200 art voucher, or walk in on the day.
The National Indigenous Art Fair is proudly presented by First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with the Port Authority of NSW, Destination NSW, University of Technology Sydney, Placemaking NSW, the City of Sydney, Nelson Meers Foundation, Macquarie Foundation, Create NSW, Gilbert + Tobin, the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program, and Mercure Sydney.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is easily accessible by public transport and on foot from Circular Quay.
Event: The National Indigenous Art Fair
Date: Saturday 5 July – Sunday 6 July 2025
Time: 10am - 5pm (4pm on Sunday)
Entry is $3 (12+ years) to support the remote artists attending the event
Location: Overseas Passenger Terminal, 130 Argyle St, The Rocks, Sydney
Website: niaf.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NIAF2025
A selection of high-resolution images is available for download here.
Watch our art fair video here.