Article: Where to Buy Authentic Aboriginal Art: Australia’s Most Acclaimed First Nations Art Fairs
Where to Buy Authentic Aboriginal Art: Australia’s Most Acclaimed First Nations Art Fairs
Australia is home to a vibrant calendar of First Nations art fairs that bring community-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres together under one roof.
These events are the best places to meet artists, learn the stories behind the works and purchase ethical, provenance-assured art and artefacts directly from the source.
Below is a guide to the most celebrated fairs - what makes each one special, what you can expect and tips for buying respectfully and with confidence.
Why shop at an art fair run with community at its heart?
- Authenticity & provenance: Community art centres represent artists from their own Country. Works come with the story, artist attribution and documentation that protects artists’ rights.
- Fair pay for artists: Sales flow back to artists, their families and their communities.
- Cultural learning: Fairs are living classrooms - talks, demonstrations and dance and music performances deepen your understanding of the works you’re viewing.
- Ethical choice: These events align with the Indigenous Art Code principles of fair, transparent and respectful trade.
At Mainie, our own wearable artworks begin with the same commitment: authentic designs licensed from community art centres, with royalties returning to artists.
We encourage everyone to experience the energy, pride and cultural richness of these fairs in person.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, home to the shimmering Woven Fish sculptures by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) - Gimuy/Cairns, Yidinji Country, Queensland
Embodying remembrance, resistance and renewal, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has unveiled its 2026 theme Reclamation & Regeneration - signposting the event’s 17th anniversary season from 9 - 12 July and marking a celebrated return to Tanks Arts Centre as the festival hub.
Why it’s special: CIAF is Queensland’s flagship celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture. Expect curated exhibitions, a bustling art market featuring remote and regional art centres, fashion performances, live music and dance, artist talks and community workshops. The waterfront setting and tropical atmosphere make it a joyous winter escape.
What you’ll see: Painting, sculpture, fibre art, ceramics, jewellery, couture and wearable art showcases, plus family-friendly cultural programs.
Tip: CIAF draws collectors from across Australia - arrive early for the Collectors & Curators days if you’re seeking significant pieces.
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) - Garramilla/Darwin, Larrakia Country, Northern Territory
Experience the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and culture at the 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Save the date for a week of events from 6-9 August 2026.
Why it’s special: DAAF brings together dozens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres from every corner of the continent. It’s one of the broadest snapshots of First Nations art in one place, with everything from desert acrylics and bark painting to fibre sculpture and prints. DAAF week coincides with related events across Darwin, creating a city-wide celebration.
What you’ll see: Market booths run by art centre staff and artists themselves, fashion capsules, masterclasses and cultural performances.
Tip: If you’re new to collecting, ask booth staff about the artist’s Country and the story of the work - your certificate of authenticity will reflect those details.
National Indigenous Art Fair - Overseas Passenger Terminal, Warrane/Warrang (Sydney Cove),Gadigal Country, New South Wales
Usually held: Early July
Why it’s special: Held on Gadigal Country at Circular Quay, this fair turns the Sydney Harbour foreshore into a vibrant marketplace of community art centres, artists and Indigenous makers. It’s a perfect introduction for city-based visitors to purchase directly from remote communities without leaving town.
What you’ll see: Original artworks, carving and weaving demonstrations, bush food stalls, live performances and family workshops.
Tip: Many pieces are sized for travel - works on paper, small carvings and jewellery. Great for visitors planning to take art home or overseas.
Desert Mob - Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Arrernte Country, Northern Territory
Usually held: September
Why it’s special: Presented by Desart, Desert Mob is a powerful annual survey of Central and Western Desert art. It includes a major exhibition, a lively market day and a symposium featuring artists’ voices. If you want to understand the epic diversity of desert painting today, this is the place.
What you’ll see: Bold canvases, punu (wood carving), tjanpi (fibre works), prints and ceramics—works that speak to Country, kinship and Tjukurpa/Dreaming.
Tip: Market day is fast-paced. If a work speaks to you, don’t hesitate - pieces can sell quickly and are rarely repeated.
Tarnanthi Art Fair - Tarndanya/Adelaide, Kaurna Country, South Australia
Usually held: October (as part of the Tarnanthi Festival)
Why it’s special: Hosted by the Art Gallery of South Australia, Tarnanthi champions innovation and new voices. The art fair connects audiences directly with art centres, while the festival program spans major exhibitions, talks and community events.
What you’ll see: Contemporary artworks that push boundaries—experimental media, collaborative projects and exciting emerging artists alongside renowned names.
Tip: Pair your visit with the festival exhibitions to see museum-scale presentations and then meet art centre teams on the floor.
Revealed - Boorloo/Perth, Whadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia
In 2026, Revealed returns to Boorloo (Perth) for a one-day art market in mid-April and an expansive exhibition from April to June.
Why it’s special: Focused on emerging Aboriginal artists from across WA, Revealed includes a selling market, exhibition and professional development for artists. It’s an excellent way to discover the next generation of talent and support artists early in their careers.
What you’ll see: Works from Kimberley to the Great Southern - sculpture, textiles, painting and photography - with strong regional identities.
Tip: Look for artist statements - Revealed highlights emerging voices and the stories that are central to each piece.
Other regional fairs and markets to watch
Beyond the major headline events above, many communities and cultural organisations host seasonal markets and open days where art centres sell directly to the public - often timed with festivals, NAIDOC Week or gallery exhibitions.
Keep an eye on Indigenous art centre newsletters and reputable arts organisations for dates.
How to buy respectfully and confidently
Buy from community art centres or galleries that uphold the Indigenous Art Code. Ask how artists are paid and how royalties are managed.
- Request documentation. Certificates of authenticity and artist biographies protect artists and your investment.
- Learn the story. Every work carries cultural knowledge - understand its meaning, the artist’s Country and materials used.
- Value diversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is not one style. From desert dot painting to saltwater designs, bark painting to fibre sculpture - each region has distinct traditions.
- Budget for framing and care. Proper framing and handling materials (especially for works on paper or bark) preserve your piece for generations.
- Be patient and ask questions. Art centre staff are generous with knowledge. Respect cultural protocols and photography rules and always ask before taking images.
Planning your trip
- Book early. Popular fairs align with peak travel seasons; flights and accommodation fill quickly.
- Pack for the climate. From tropical Cairns and Darwin to desert nights in Alice Springs, weather varies widely.
- Consider freight. Large canvases can be professionally rolled and shipped. Art centres are experienced in secure international shipping for collectors.
- Make time for Country. Many fairs offer performances, talks and workshops—don’t rush. The deeper your engagement, the richer your connection to the work you bring home.
Mainie Australia and the art centre connection
Mainie’s wearable art pieces begin with original artworks licensed from Aboriginal-owned art centres, ensuring artists retain copyright and receive royalties from every Mainie made.
Visiting these fairs is a beautiful way to see the breadth of creativity flourishing across the continent - the very wellspring that inspires our silk, wool and modal collections.
If you’re planning to travel to one of these fairs and would like styling ideas for wearable art while you’re there - or help understanding provenance and the Indigenous Art Code - reach out. We’re always happy to share what we’ve learned from our community partners and from years of working respectfully with artists and art centres across Australia.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which these fairs take place and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
