Unfortunately, the National Indigenous Art Fair poised to open in Sydney in early July, has been cancelled in the interest of public safety as advised by the organisers and First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation. They are urging the public to engage with the art-works from contemporary remote art centres, galleries and artists, and consider a purchase online instead!
The Fair’s GM, Sarah Martin, notes “Art sales are often the primary or only source of non-government income for remote Indigenous communities. The Art Centres also play an important role in preserving language and culture and in providing meaningful employment for Indigenous women, who make up around 70% of artists … Buying online is a way to continue to support these centres and the important work that they perform.”
First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Peter Cooley added, “This is a very disappointing outcome but we know we have made the right decision, with the health of both artists and visitors top of mind…” he continues;
Many of these art centres continue to face significant challenges rebuilding from COVID. You can make a difference by visiting their websites and purchasing direct.
View a list of the contemporary artists and makers from across Australia on the website here, with links to their online shops to buy direct (happily, even if you did have the chance to buy in person 100% of proceeds go back to communities since the Fair’s origin in 2018.)
Save the date for next year – the National Indigenous Art Fair will be back Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 July 2022.