2026 DAAF Public Program Expression of Interest
  • DAAF Public Program Expression of Interest

    The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) will be held on Larrakia Country at the Darwin Convention Centre this 6 - 9 August 2026 – marking DAAF's 20th Anniversary! With this milestone year comes a vibrant Public Program featuring Artist Talks and Demonstrations, Masterclasses, Children’s Activities, Cultural Performances, and more.

    Once again, we’re calling out for Expressions of Interest to take part in our annual Public Program that runs alongside the Fair, AND to be part of our new suite of Digital Programs that will take place throughout the year!

    Please NOTE: Art Centre registration is a seperate process, opening on 1 February 2026 and closing on COB (ACST) 2 March 2026.  Please be sure to complete the Art Centre registration if you wish to participate in DAAF as an Art Centre. 

    Your Details


  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Add your Social Media Links

    • Can include Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, linkedIn etc
    • Please include full URL for your social media page:
      eg. https://www.facebook.com/DarwinAboriginalArtFair
    • You can copy and paste this from the url address bar when viewing your page. Please list any additional hashtags etc.
    • Use the + for each social account
  • Please place your Expressions of Interest here

  • Physical and Digital Programming for 2026

    In 2026, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation will be offering Art Centres the chance to deliver experiences at both the DAAF (physical Art Fair event in Darwin), and online as a part of our growing digital program! Exact launch dates for the full digital program are to be confirmed.
  • 1. Dance/Cultural Performance

  • Dance/Cultural Performance Information:

    The daily Cultural Performances are a huge feature of the DAAF Public Program. Audiences flock to the centre sand pit area, at the Darwin Convention Centre to be immersed in rich performances by dancers from across Australia.

    Important information to note is: 

    • The 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) will officially run from 6-9 August 2026 at the Darwin Convention Centre.
    • The performance fee payable is $3500 per performance (+ GST if applicable) on submission of invoice to DAAF Foundation for payment, post event.
    • Assistance with travel costs is not provided.
    • The performance must run for a minumum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 50 minutes.
    • Dancers will need to be able to perform in a circular sandpit (9 metre diameter) with 2 inches of sand.
    • Dancers need to arrive on site 30 minutes prior to commencement, to meet with DAAF Foundation staff and be adequately prepared for the activity, bringing all of their own cultural regalia, props and equipment (clapsticks, staging, adornment etc.).
    • Dancers need to set up for the activity during the prescribed time, and will perform for the agreed time in a professional manner.
    • The performance will be filmed (live to screen at the Fair and for DAAF Foundation's future promotional material) and photographed.
    • The images provided in this registration form may appear on the DAAF Foundation's website, and in promotional material such as advertisements, catalogues, invitations, magazines, social media, television media, and press for non commercial purposes. DAAF Foundation will cease to use the image if formally advised in writing.
    • DAAF Foundation may use any images provided in perpetuity, unless DAAF Foundation is advised otherwise.
    • Dancers need to inform DAAF Foundation of any pre-existing illness or injury which may affect a dancer’s ability to deliver the activity.
    • Dancers agree to use the designated back-of-house area for painting up and to ensure the space is left clean and tidy for the next Dancers.
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  • 2. Artist Masterclass

  • Artist Masterclass Information:

    Artist Masterclasses provide audiences with the opportunity to meet our amazing artists and learn about their artistic practice, culture and community. A range of technique-based workshops for adults such as watercolour painting, carving sculpture and boab nuts, weaving, painting, lino and screen printing and jewellery making, are offered to the public throughout the three days of the Fair. 

    The DAAF Public Program will support up to six Artist Masterclasses. We recognise that artists are providing the public with an incredible opportunity to learn first hand about Indigenous art practices, therefore visitors pay a fee to participate and class groups are limited to 20 people. Please find below some key things to note before applying:

    Important information to note is: 

    • The 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) will officially run from 6-9 August 2026 at the Darwin Convention Centre.
    • The fee payable to each participating Art Centre is $1500 (+ GST if applicable) on submission of invoice to DAAF Foundation for payment, post event.
    • The Artist Masterclass must run for 3 hrs (includes a 15 minute tea break)
    • Assistance with travel costs is not provided.
    • All required equipment must be listed in this application as this document will be referred back to for event planning.
    • Artists are required to arrive at the workshop site thirty minutes prior to commencement, to meet with DAAF Foundation staff and be adequately prepared for the activity, bringing any of our own cultural materials, props and equipment.
    • DAAF can arrange a support team to assist with the workshop, working under the guidance of the artist.
    • Artists will also be supported with a DAAF volunteer, who will:
      • Welcome and mark off guests and assist with ticketing
      • Assist with good flow of communication between artists and guests
      • Assist with smooth flow of the workshop (everything is set up and organised and participants know what they need to be doing at any given time)
      • General support of artists
    • The images provided in this registration form may appear on the DAAF Foundation website, and in promotional material such as advertisements, catalogues, invitations, magazines, social media, television media, and press for non commercial purposes. DAAF Foundation will cease to use the image if formally advised in writing.
    • DAAF Foundation may use any images provided in perpetuity, unless advised otherwise.
    • The Artist Masterclasses will be held in outside area at the Darwin Convention Centre. 
    • DAAF Foundation will be informed of any pre-existing illness or injury which may affect an artist’s ability to deliver the activity 

     

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  • 3. Children’s Activity Station

  • Children’s Activity Station Information:

    The Children’s Activity Station features hands-on learning opportunities for school aged children 7 years and up. The workshops are designed to be an immersive and educative introduction to Indigenous art and culture. Children have the opportunity to meet artists and learn about different artistic techniques.

    There is a different workshop per day, over the three day event. There will be a booking system to allow for up to 15/20 participants per session (children must be accompanied by an adult guardian). Daily workshops will be presented to the public as 2 x 1.5 hr bookable sessions. 

    Important information to note is: 

    • The 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) will officially run from 6-9 August 2026 at the Darwin Convention Centre.
    • The fee payable to each participating Art Centre is $1500 (+ GST if applicable) on submission of invoice to DAAF Foundation for payment, post event.
    • Assistance with travel costs is not provided.
    • The Children’s Activity Station will be managed and facilitated by a DAAF Foundation appointed staff member, who will:
      • Oversee participants booking in for each workshop session
      • Welcome and mark off guests
      • Assist with good flow of communication between artists and guests
      • Assist with smooth flow of workshop (everything is set up and organised and participants know what they need to be doing at any given time)
      • General support of artists
    • The recommended schedule will be to offer x 2, 1.5hr sessions to the public (there will be opportunity for a 30 minute lunch break between sessions)
    • Group size will be limited to 15/20 participants and all children must be accompanied by an adult and book in for their session.
    • Artists must arrive on site 30 minutes prior to commencement, to meet with DAAF Foundation staff and be adequately prepared for the activity.
    • All required equipment must be listed in this application as this document will be referred back to for event planning.
    • The images provided in this registration form may appear on the DAAF Foundation website, and in promotional material such as advertisements, catalogues, invitations, magazines, social media, television media, and press for non commercial purposes. DAAF Foundation will cease to use the image if formally advised in writing.
    • DAAF Foundation may use any images provided in perpetuity, unless advised otherwise.
    • DAAF Foundation will be informed of any pre-existing illness or injury which may affect and artist’s ability to deliver the activity
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  • 4. Artist Talks and Demonstrations

  • At DAAF in 2026, these sessions offer an in-depth look at artists’ practices and the stories behind their work, providing art collectors with the opportunity to engage directly with the artists. Participants are invited to watch, listen, and explore the ideas and processes behind the artists’ work. 

    Demonstrations will be presented with an Indigenous curator available to facilitate discussion and questions.  

    Important information to note is: 

    • The 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) will officially run from 6-9 August 2026 at the Darwin Convention Centre.
    • Fees are $1000 for a 2 hour demonstration. 
    • The demonstration must run for 2 hrs with a clear emphasis on the process.
    • Arrival on site is expected thirty minutes prior to commencement of the demonstration, to meet with DAAF Foundation staff and be adequately prepared for the activity, bringing your own materials, props and equipment as required.
    • All equipment must be listed in this application as this document will be referred to for event planning.
    • The images provided in this application form may appear on the DAAF Foundation website, and in promotional material such as advertisements, catalogues, invitations, magazines, social media, television media, and press for non commercial purposes. DAAF Foundatoin will cease to use the image if formally advised in writing.
    • DAAF Foundation may use any images provided in perpetuity, advised otherwise.
    • DAAF Foundation will be notified of any pre-existing illness or injury which may affect a facilitator’s ability to deliver the activity. 
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  • 5. Video Content for Screens at DAAF

  • At DAAF in 2026, opportunities are available for sharing video content on screens at the Art Fair. The screens are intended to provide a platform for artists, Art Centres and communities to share their work and the stories behind it.

    Important information to note is: 

    • The 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair runs from 6–9 August 2026 at the Darwin Convention Centre.
    • We welcome existing video contributions; however, DAAF is not in a position to cover production costs or provide licensing fees.
    • The DAAF Foundation assumes any video content provided has the appropriate cultural permissions in place for sharing on the screens.
    • Video content for screens at DAAF should be approximately 2–5 minutes in length to allow time for a range of videos to be featured across the program.
  • Submit your EOI!

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