In partnership with the University of Melbourne, this month The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation has announced the return of the Cultural Keepers Program in 2025.

Proudly presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation, the program creates a national meeting place – an annual platform – to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curators with remote community artists, Arts Workers, and their Art Centres which further assists in building industry relationships.

DAAF Foundation acknowledges the growing number of Australian Indigenous curators (emerging and established) who visit the event each year, and the crucial role they play in supporting, mentoring and encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers.

DAAF provides a place to come together to discuss the business of the broader sector. A place where conversations go on to initiate and develop various projects, exhibitions, public programming and works of art being acquired.

In 2025, the program will consist of two components. The first component of the program is a Symposium to share stories, challenges, and projects with peers, whilst the second component will focus on art centre networking and support.

Participants can apply to deliver a presentation at the symposium (a speaker's fee is offered), or can simply register to attend.

In 2025, the DAAF Foundation is also offering paid opportunities for curators to help facilitate elements of the DAAF public program during the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.

Roles may include assisting with artist workshops, demonstrations and talks.

DAAF Foundation executive director and public officer Claire Summers shared her excitement surrounding the program's return and its ability to connect remote art centres with First Nations curators from across Australia.

"We were so delighted to see our Cultural Keepers Program return in 2024 thanks to an amazing partnership we formed with the University of Melbourne's Place for Indigenous Art and Culture (The Place)," she said.

"Against the backdrop of our incredible Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, the Cultural Keepers Program connects our remote Art Centres with First Nations curators from across Australia. The program is designed to help forge close relationships and understandings about the role of centres, and how art is acquired and celebrated by public institutions. It also provides a critical space for sharing and discussions about our sector and its future. There is no other national meeting place like it for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual art creatives."

"In 2025 we are excited to present the program again, and without giving too much away, we'll be looking forward to introducing an international focus."

Applications will close on the 24th of February 2025, 5pm ACST. Past and new participants are also encouraged to apply.

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