Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is the premier showcase event for contemporary fine art, design and culture of Australia's First Nation Peoples, hosting 75+ Art Centres from across Australia!
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, is delighted to announce the return of the Cultural Keepers Program in 2024!
After consulting with many Cultural Keepers alumni over the past two years, we have gained a deeper understanding about what our program needs to deliver. At its core, it provides a national meeting place to network, build relationships, and share your experience and knowledge with other First Nations visual art professionals.
The program has two components:
- A Symposium to share stories, challenges, and projects with your peers. This is a First Nations only space.
- Art Centre networking and support. We will pair you with 2-3 Art Centres who you connect with prior to the Fair. Days 2 and 3 will be about working with them and supporting them in their exhibition booth.
The key details of the 2024 program are as follows:
Where: Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory
When: 7-9 August 2024
Time: 8.30am – 5.00pm ACST daily
Prior to DAAF
Curators will be paired with 2-3 Art Centres, to maximise mutual support, networking, and peer learning opportunities. Introductions between curators and Arts Centres will take place via Zoom, in the lead up to DAAF.
Curators will be provided with an induction pack, and will be encouraged to research the Art Centres they are paired with (eg. key contacts, artist profiles and background)
Day 1 (Wednesday, 7 August): Symposium
An opportunity for Arts Workers and curators to share stories, challenges, and projects with their peers. This is a First Nations only space.
Day 2 (Thursday, 8 August): Bump In and DAAF Opening Ceremony
Curators will assist Art Centres, and ensure their artist's works are presented to the highest possible standard at DAAF. DAAF Foundation will also provide you with a complementary ticket to attend the opening ceremony ($75 value).
Day 3 (Friday, 9 August): The Fair!
Provide hands on support for Art Centres in their exhibition booths during the opening day of the Fair.
You are able to apply to deliver a presentation at the symposium (a speakers fee is offered), or you can simply register to attend.
In 2024, the DAAF Foundation would also like to offer paid opportunities for curators to help facilitate elements of the DAAF Public Program, during the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Roles may include assisting with artist workshops, demonstrations and talks.
We now warmly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curators (both independent and from public institutions) and senior Art Centre staff - or as we like to say, "Cultural Keepers", to apply.
Applications will close on 19 April 2024, 5pm ACST
Past and new participants are encouraged to apply.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions at shilo@daaf.com.au.
Warm Regards,
Shilo McNamee
DAAF Foundation Artistic Director
The Cultural Keepers Program is proudly supported by the DAAF Foundation's new partner: the Place for Indigenous Art & Culture, University of Melbourne.