The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will again be held at the Darwin Convention Centre for three days from tomorrow.

DAAF Foundation executive director Claire Summers said the fair, which is in its 18th year, showcased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, craft, and culture, with creations from more than 75 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres, and 1,500 Indigenous Australian artists and designers.

“The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will ignite the Top End… allowing visitors to view the art of over 1,500 Indigenous artists and designers, with a genuine opportunity to hear directly from artists about our First Nations’ cultures, storytelling and expression through art, fashion, and design,” Ms Summers told the National Indigenous Times.

“We feel privileged to provide this global stage. It’s inspiring to witness the market growth and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and fashion since the fair began 18 years ago.

“DAAF is unique in that it provides a space for artists to travel from their communities often for the first time, and meet buyers in a space that puts Indigenous agency and their culture at the forefront.”

Ms Summers said the event will feature a range of activities, with workshops on traditional painting techniques, weaving demonstrations, artist talks, cultural performances, children’s activities, fashion shows, and panel discussions.

Visitors can buy artwork directly from the art centres, some from Australia’s most remote desert and coastal regions.

Among the art centres that will be featured are the Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre, Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Moa Arts, Warlukurlangu Artists, Djilpin Arts, Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association, Yalanji Arts, Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, Yinjaa-Barni Art, and Tjala Arts.

The art fair begins at 10am Friday and also runs on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a free online component which offers a virtual tour of the event, live streaming of performances, and a digital gallery of the artworks, from 10am to 9.00pm from August 9 to 11.