More than $50,000 has been raised through the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation's urgent travel appeal, nearly triple their original goal. The funding will help more than 75 remote and regional First Nations Art Centres make the long journey to this year's DAAF, ensuring their culture, stories, and art can be shared on a national platform.

Held every August in Darwin, on Larrakia Country, the DAAF is a significant cultural celebration of First Nations art, design, fashion, performance, and music. It is a vital opportunity for both established and emerging Indigenous artists to showcase their talent and generate income from direct sales.

But rising travel costs and limited financial support have become a major hurdle for participating regional and remote Art Centres, threatening their participation at this year's DAAF. In response to the growing need, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation launched an urgent appeal, hoping to raise $20,000 to help cover costs.

Instead, the generous donations of supporters have nearly tripled that goal, raising a combined $51,132.

With essential travel assistance made possible through the fundraiser, Art Centres can now focus on the journey ahead. Several shared what participating in DAAF means to them:

"Ngarrany ga miridhirr nha marrngama'dhirr rraku djama mala ga mël'gurrupan ngapaki'wal mala dhuwal wanga Australia ga yolngu wal mala," said Margaret Djarrbalabal Malibirr, a renowned fibre artist and one of Bula'bula Art Centre's most established weavers.

"I'm happy to see any of my work across Australia. It makes me happy for non-Indigenous people to see our culture, what we do with the pandanus. I'm showing them traditional, Yolngu culture."

Similarly, Warmun Art Centre echoed the importance of the DAAF in promoting cultural pride and community connection:

"[DAAF] strengthens our community, fosters pride, and creates meaningful connections with art lovers who respect and value Gija heritage," said a Warmun Art Centre spokesperson.

"Witnessing visitors deeply engage with the spirit of our art serves as a powerful reminder of why Gija and other First Nations cultures must endure and thrive."

Beth Mbitjana Inkamala, established ceramist and current Chairperson of Hermannsburg Potters, also reflected on her experience with the DAAF.

"My favourite memory of DAAF is it's that big building, Darwin Convention Centre. When you go into the convention centre, you see a lotta things happening, a lotta people, a lotta arts, and it's really good memories to bring back home," she said.

These stories show the deep cultural significance of the event for remote artists and art centres, and the Foundation has responded with gratitude to the extraordinary show of support from the community.

"We're absolutely shocked. The outpouring of support from people like you has made even our wildest dreams come true," the Foundation said in an official statement.

Holly Deans, Head of Strategic Partnerships at the Foundation, added: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the DAAF Foundation Travel Appeal."

"For us, this shows that our community recognises the deep importance of First Nations culture, art and design. It shows that they are committed to protecting what makes DAAF so special - the opportunity to meet face to face with First Nations artists from some of the most remote communities in Australia."

"This support will help ensure that remote First Nations artists can travel to DAAF in person to share their stories with their own voices, receive important recognition for their work, be proud of their incredible contributions to the Indigenous art sector and access integral sales and networking opportunities to support their careers."

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will take place from August 7 to 10, 2025. More information is available online.