Why Indigenous Art Centres Are Important
The National Indigenous Art Fair is designed to connect remote Indigenous art centres to Sydney and the arts and cultural institutions based in our urban environment.
Basket WeavingFirst Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation
Remote Indigenous Art Centres the beating heart of community
The National Indigenous Art Fair works with a national Indigenous Arts & Crafts network driven by the needs of community, to ensure increased economic development opportunities for First Nation communities and increased cultural leadership skills for Indigenous peoples.
Jilmara art centreFirst Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation
Contribution to Australia’s cultural and creative landscape
Art centres are one of the few long-term success stories in remote communities, generating self-employment, non-welfare income, cultural pride and making a profound contribution to Australia’s identity. They have been a feature of remote communities since the 1970s.
Why remote art centres are crucial
Income from art production is the only source of commercial income for people in many remote and very remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities which is why we provided a platform to connect them to Sydney, which also has international connections.
The role of women in remote art centres
70% of artists are women and they produce around 80% of all artworks. These women support families and communities.
The privilege of hosting these artists
“The Art Fair is a unique opportunity to meet artists from some of Australia’s most isolated communities and browse a huge variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and hear the stories of this art directly from the artists."
- First Hand Solutions CEO, Peter Cooley
Governance structure
The National Indigenous Art Fair is a First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation initiative, dedicated to working with Indigenous Corporation run Art Centres whose boards comprise of Indigenous people and whose profits go back to the communities they represent.
Marrawuddi Arts & Culture, Bark collection (2022) by Marrawuddi Arts & CultureFirst Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation
How to support
By interacting directly with these community-run Indigenous art centres and artists, you can ensure that your art is authentically Indigenous and proceeds go to community. Your support keeps remote Indigenous community run art centres independent, sustainable and flourishing.
Written by Sarah Martin, First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation.
