12 Jun 2025
National Indigenous Art Fair Unveils 2025 Program: Performances, Conversations and Hands-On Cultural Experiences
The National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) today revealed the full public program for its 2025 edition — a rich offering of performances, talks and workshops for all ages that will run alongside the ethical art market on Gadigal Country at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks, Sydney.
Returning to Sydney Harbour’s iconic foreshore to welcome in NAIDOC Week, from 5-6 July, the sixth edition of NIAF will not only connect audiences with more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists - one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous artists in Sydney ever - but will also showcase a dynamic program of live music, fashion, weaving circles, talks and workshops led by First Nations creatives from across NSW and Australia. More than 30 remote art centres from across the country will be represented, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with artists and purchase ethical, hand-made works steeped in culture and Country.
Welcoming artists from across the continent, this two-day celebration of art and culture includes 25 Blak Markets stallholders from remote, regional and urban NSW, offering a diverse marketplace of art, craft, bushfoods and fashion. For many remote art centres, NIAF provides a rare opportunity to sell work directly to the public and share cultural knowledge face-to-face with visitors.
“This event is more than an art fair - it’s a living, breathing expression of culture,” said Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, which presents the event. “It’s a space where remote artists, many travelling thousands of kilometres to be here, are recognised on equal footing with urban-based practitioners. It’s where visitors can hear the stories, see the techniques, and connect directly with the people behind the work.”
Free Program of Events, Performances and Talks
Across the weekend, visitors can experience a dynamic schedule of free cultural programming that complements the market atmosphere. Expect powerful musical performances, traditional and contemporary dance, children’s workshops, live cooking demonstrations, and public talks - all led by First Nations artists and cultural leaders.
Highlights include music from acclaimed vocal trio Stiff Gins, as well as Cianna Walker and Olivia Coe Fox, two emerging NSW-based singer-songwriters blending language, harmony and contemporary expression. Dance performances will be presented by the Budja Budja Butterfly Dance Group and Brolga Dance Academy, while children can take part in movement workshops and interactive activities including shell and plant workshops, and gumnut painting with remote artists Marlene and Sharona Cooley from Maraku Arts, Yulara.
Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods, recently recognised with the 2025 Champions of Change Award by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, will host bush food cooking demonstrations and conversations exploring the future of Indigenous culinary practice. Acclaimed artist and language advocate Cheryl Davison will unveil a new art installation honouring the Burrawang seed.
On Sunday, the weekend program features Cultural Couture: Storytelling Through Indigenous Fashion - a panel and fashion presentation hosted by author and filmmaker Sasha Sarago, featuring designers Debra Beale and Kooncha Brown, whose works explore identity, healing and Country through wearable art. The event culminates in a dynamic flash mob-style runway by the Brolga dancers.
And the heart of the Art Fair since it started - the communal weaving circle - where remote and local weavers will be joined by visitors, who are invited to sit, weave, and contribute to the shared project. A full event schedule is available at niaf.com.au/event-schedule
Ticketed Workshops
The 2025 program also offers a suite of intimate, ticketed workshops where visitors can learn directly from master artists:
Weaving Circle with Rose and Lilian Wilfred: A relaxed group experience led by artists from Numbulwar Numburindi Arts (NT), introducing basket weaving techniques rooted in community tradition.
Painting Workshop with Warlukurlangu Artists: Learn about desert iconography and narrative from two Central Desert artists as they share their practice.
Weaving Masterclass with Regina Pilawuk Wilson: Renowned weaver from Durrmu Arts, Peppimenarti, NT, leading a hands-on session using traditional merrepen fibres.
Workshop tickets can be booked via niaf.com.au
As the opening event of NAIDOC Week, the National Indigenous Art Fair is a rare opportunity for Sydneysiders and visitors alike to encounter the vibrancy and depth of First Nations cultural practice in one place.
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.