15 May 2026

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR RETURNS FOR ITS SEVENTH YEAR WITH MOST AMBITIOUS EDITION TO DATE, PRESENTED AT THE CUTAWAY BARANGAROO FOR THE FIRST TIME

The National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) has unveiled the details for its most ambitious edition to date, including an expanded program of art, large-scale installations, live music, dance, talks, fashion, moving image artwork, weaving workshops and more. Supported by NSW Government, NIAF will be presented from 3 – 5 July 2026 at The Cutaway Barangaroo. The 2026 edition marks the inaugural cultural event to be hosted in the new space following a major transformation, and is the largest presentation of First Nations art and culture within the venue.

Now in its seventh year, and coinciding with NAIDOC Week, the program celebrates Blak excellence in one of Sydney's newest cultural spaces. Presenting more than 30 Indigenous Art Centres from across Australia, including Merrepen, Durrmu Arts, Jilamara Arts and Craft, and Artists of Ampilatwatja, NIAF connects artists from some of the country's most remote regions with wider Australian audiences.

In the lead-up to the Fair, over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will travel to Sydney, thanks to support from First Hand Solutions' Heart in Art program, which provides economic and professional development opportunities to Aboriginal artists working in remote communities.

The 2026 program is shaped by a team of First Nations curators comprising Miah Madden (Bundjalung) who has curated the Living Room exhibition, Rebecca Ray (Meriam) who has curated a range of large-scale installations, Kaleena Briggs (Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta) who has curated the music program, and Billie-Jean Hamlet (Walmajarri/Yamatji) who has curated the fashion parade.

In a first for the Fair, the 2026 edition is also supported by a group of leading First Nations Ambassadors: Rachel Perkins (Arrernte/Kalkadoon), Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay), Alison Page (Dharawal/Yuin), Jazz Money (Wiradjuri), Sebastian Goldspink (Burramattagal) and Daniel Browning (Bundjalung/Kullilli).
The Fair offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase artworks directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists at remote, community-owned art centres across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. A drawcard for new and seasoned collectors alike, price points range from $100 to $30,000. Guided by a mission to support economic development in remote Indigenous communities and preserve the world's oldest continuous living culture, NIAF charges no commission or stall fees, with 100% of profits going directly to the art centres.

This year’s markets will showcase the breadth of Indigenous artmaking, with highlights including works by Kieren Karritpul from Merrepen Arts, Culture and Language Aboriginal Corporation, Karen Rogers from Ngukurr Arts, Agnes Donnelly from Warnayaka Art & Cultural Aboriginal Corporation, Valerie Brumby from Walkatjara Art, Joseph Williams from Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, Mary Gibson from Tjarlirli & Kaltukarjara Art, Rachel Luckan from Durrmu Arts, Joey Nganjmirra from Injalak Arts and Culture Centre, Rekeshia Goodwin from Spinifex Hill Studio, and Stefan Smith from Ltyentye Apurte Traditional Craft Centre.
Building on the success of previous editions, this year marks the first time in the Fair's history that the weekend will open with an Opening Night event on Friday 3 July, offering guests exclusive early access. The program will feature performances by rising Darumbal and Tongan R&B vocalist Mi-Kaisha, intergenerational Yuin choir Djinama Yilaga, a Wiradjuri and Dharug dance work, Mawambul, choreographed and directed by collaborators Jo Clancy and Stuart McMinn, and a fashion parade curated by Billie-Jean Hamlet, celebrating the power of fashion as cultural expression.

Peter Cooley, CEO, First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, said: “The National Indigenous Art Fair feels privileged to host artists from some of Australia’s most isolated communities in Sydney and to provide a platform for them to promote and sell their artworks, and host workshops, talks and installations demonstrating their unique arts and cultural practices.”

“The Art Fair and festival program is designed to welcome, educate and engage visitors. It’s an occasion to meet remote community artists and hear their stories. It’s also a time to see incredible performances and immerse yourself in the world's oldest continuous living cultures. We make sure there’s something there for everyone to enjoy.”

“We are proud that the National Indigenous Art Fair is the inaugural cultural event at The Cutaway and is the largest presentation of First Nations art and culture within the venue.”

Susan Lee, Chief Executive, Placemaking NSW, said: “We are looking forward to partnering with the National Indigenous Art Fair to host the first Indigenous event at The Cutaway. This iconic Art Fair showcases the latest award-winning ideas and innovations from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, designers, and makers from around the country. It is the first of many major events to be held at The Cutaway including Sydney Festival and VIVID Sydney along with art exhibitions, festivals, performances and other community gatherings—securing Barangaroo as a cultural powerhouse.”

National Indigenous Art Fair is presented by Sydney-based First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, in proud partnership with Destination NSW, University of Technology Sydney, Placemaking NSW, City of Sydney, Macquarie Group Foundation, Gilbert + Tobin, International Convention Centre Sydney and the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program. Mercure Sydney is the official hotel partner of the National Art Fair, offering a 15% discount on accommodation for visitors.

Tickets to National Indigenous Art Fair 2026 are available here: https://www.niaf.com.au/buy-tickets

Ends

IMAGES AVAILABLE HERE

MEDIA CONTACTS
To request interviews, further information or imagery please contact:
Siân Davies, sian@articulateadvisory.com, 0402 728 462

DETAILS
National Indigenous Art Fair 2026
Saturday 4 July, 10am–5pm & Sunday 5 July, 10am–4pm
Opening Night: Friday 3 July, 5.30pm–8.30pm
The Cutaway Barangaroo
Tickets available here