Artists from Across Australia to Gather in Sydney for National Indigenous Art Fair

By MiNDFOOD

Image credits: Paul McMillan
Image credits: Paul McMillan
Launching NAIDOC Week, the National Indigenous Art Fair returns to Sydney this July.

Indigenous artists from some of the most remote regions of Australia will gather on 5-6 July 2025 for the sixth National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) — a two-day ethical art market and festival held on Gadigal Land at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney.

This iconic annual event showcases work from Indigenous artists, designers and makers from remote art centres around the country, with each community bringing their particular range of handcrafted and limited-edition items produced using locally sourced materials, natural fibres, dyes and the distinctive style of their region.

From stunning original artworks to design objects, fashion, jewellery, homewares, and native dyed and hand-printed textiles, these artisans work closely with the resources found in their own environment.

An exciting new addition this year will be an Indigenous fashion runway and flash mob show as part of the Art Fair which will highlight new collection pieces that can be purchased at the Art Fair, directed by Australian actress and presenter Miah Madden.

An exciting new addition to this year’s Art fair is the Shop at the Runway fashion and Flash Mob show highlighting wearable art from NSW and remote designers from across Australia.

Returning in an expanded creative leadership role is Miah Madden, a proud Bundjalung woman, actor and curator. In 2025, Madden has overseen the development of the Heart in Art professional development program for visiting artists, curated a new textile and furniture collaboration for The Living Room and a panel discussion with NSW and remote fashion designers Cultural Couture: Storytelling Through Indigenous Fashion.

“The NIAF represents an incredible gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives travelling from the far corners of  Australia and all the different styles of art of those regions — from the Bathurst Island in the Tiwis to Yuendumu in the Northern Territory to Port Hedland in the West. It presents a rare and exciting opportunity for Sydneysiders to interact directly with these makers,” says Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, who organises the art fair.

In the spirit of 2025’s NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, NIAF will feature a vibrant program of live music and dance performances including an interactive weaving circle. There will also be an Indigenous bush food plants and food offerings, with dishes featuring native Australian plants and edibles freshly prepared by a guest chef (or two) on the BBQ.

With a full schedule of live experiences, including talks, demonstrations, tastings, children’s workshops and performances from 10am daily, it’s a great day out for the entire family. Everyone’s welcome to look, listen, learn, and join in.

The National Indigenous Art Fair
Saturday 5 July – Sunday 6 July 2025
10am – 5pm (4pm on Sunday)
Entry: $3pp donation (12 years and over)
Location: Gadigal Land, Overseas Passenger Terminal, 130 Argyle St, The Rocks, Sydney
niaf.com.au

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