Presented by First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, the 2025 event features more than 30 remote art centres and almost 100 artists from across the country. Visitors can purchase original artworks, textiles, fashion, ceramics, homewares, jewellery and more — all created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists using techniques and materials grounded in culture and Country.
Among the standout names in this year’s line-up is Regina Pilawuk Wilson, the internationally recognised Ngan’gikurrungurr artist and cultural leader behind Durrmu Arts in the Northern Territory. Known for her intricate, hypnotic paintings based on weaving traditions, Regina’s work is held in major collections including the Art Gallery of NSW, NGV, GOMA and the British Museum.
Regina will also host a hands-on weaving masterclass at the Art Fair, using merrepen (sandpalm) fibres from her community in Peppimenarti. Tickets can be purchased HERE. More workshops will be held throughout the event to give visitors a hands-on experience, details HERE.
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 as well as presenting a companion exhibition at the Australian Design Centre.
A diverse group of extraordinary artists will also feature at this year’s Fair, offering unique perspectives from across the continent.
Alison and Lucinta Puruntatameri, a mother and daughter duo from Munupi Arts on Melville Island, use natural ochres and the traditional pwoja comb technique to create rhythmic, patterned paintings inspired by ancestral stories. Alison, a finalist in the Telstra NATSIAA and Ramsay Art Prize, draws inspiration from her grandfather’s sea life and tidal movement stories. Lucinta, a 2025 NATSIAA finalist, brings a bold, contemporary visual style shaped by strong cultural ties.
From Walkatjara Art at Mutitjulu near Uluru, Priscilla Herbert and Valerie Brumby share stories through dot painting that connect deeply to sacred Country and the night sky. Priscilla’s Seven Sisters canvases are known for their ethereal, star-filled quality. Valerie, a cultural guide and storyteller, paints powerful narratives such as the Kuniya and Liru story of Uluru. She also recently illustrated Rain on the Rock, a new children’s book published in early 2025.
Alice Durilla from Anindilyakwa Arts brings finely woven pandanus baskets and rare dash painting techniques, drawing on deep cultural knowledge. She is one of the last artists in her community to continue this tradition. Chantelle Mulladad, an Arrernte artist from Keringke Arts, is known for her bold, geometric style. Her work Crossroads, recently featured on the Ghan train during the Parrtjima Festival. Vanetta Nampijinpa Hudson, a young artist from Warlukurlangu Artists, paints her father’s Fire Dreaming stories using vivid colour and pattern. Her designs now appear on Grove Juice bottles sold nationally, amplifying the voices of emerging Central Desert artists.
“What makes the Art Fair so special is the chance for people in Sydney to meet artists from some of the most remote parts of the country, have a yarn, and hear the stories behind the work,” said Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, who organises the event. “It’s not just about buying art — it’s about connection, culture, and creating real opportunities for our mob. Every artist here is carrying knowledge and sharing that with the next generation as well as visitors to the Art Fair. That’s what this Fair is all about.”
Held during the opening weekend of NAIDOC Week, the 2025 Fair celebrates this year’s theme — The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy — with a dynamic public program featuring live music, traditional dance, weaving circles, bush food tastings, and a new Shop at the Runway fashion and Flash Mob show highlighting wearable art from NSW and remote designers from across Australia.
Entry is $3 (free for children under 12), with all proceeds supporting the participation of remote artists. Pre-book online at trybooking.com/DBHGS or at the door.
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, Place Management NSW, the City of Sydney, Nelson Meers Foundation, Macquarie Foundation, Gilbert + Tobin, the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program, and Mercure Sydney.
Mercure Sydney is the official hotel partner of the Art Fair, offering discounted accommodation for visitors. More details can be found here and booking link here.
The National Indigenous Art Fair attracts over 10,000 visitors and will be held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 5 July and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 6 July 2025. Entry is $3.00 (12 years and over) to support the remote artists attending the event.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is easily accessible by public transport and on foot from Circular Quay.
For more information click here
