First Nation Art

Darwin's position at the top of Australia makes it a hub for many things but most importantly as a focal point for First Nation Art. 

There are many galleries located in Darwin that source contemporary and traditional works from remote locations across the Northern Territory. On display you'll find sculptures, weavings and beautiful oil paintings that celebrate an ancient culture and share stories of the Dreamtime.

For two days each year Art Centres from across the NT converge on Darwin for the Aboriginal Art Fair. The Fair brings together emerging and established artists from diverse and isolated regions of the Northern Territory. A broad range of styles, mediums and products are on display and include everything from bark paintings to textiles. The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is a rare opportunity to purchase these unique art works directly from community galleries

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is home to the annual National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. These Awards are Australia’s longest running and most prestigious art awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Each year the Awards showcase an inspiring diversity of artwork from emerging and established artists. The richness of art on display demonstrates the increasing diversity of expression from indigenous artists as they explore new styles of storytelling. 

Music is another art form embraced throughout First Nation communities with many talented musicans, singers and song writers becoming popular in mainstream entertainment. Baker Boy, Yothu Yindi and Gurrumul Yununpingu are just a few. Each year Darwin plays host to the National Indigenous Music Awards. These Awards bring together new and established performers together on one stage for a night of celebration and entertainment. Certainly a fun night for the whole family.

Traditional First Nation art meets contemporary art in Darwin streets where local and visiting artists showcase their work through street art. This colourful and expressive art form continues to transform drab walls and buildings into mesmerising displays. The Darwin Street Art Festival provides artists with an opportunity to showcase their work in this larger-than-life format. This project continues to beautiful the Darwin streetscape and attracts 1000s of visitors each year. 

Many Larrakia artists are showcased across Darwin. The latest creative addition is from Jason Lee. His work Gulumerrdjin has changed the appearance of Darwin's main shopping mall adding a new vibrance to the space - see the Darwin Mall.