The National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) has unveiled details for its most ambitious edition to date, including an expanded program of art, large-scale installations, live music, dance, talks, fashion, moving image artwork, weaving workshops and more.

NIAF, supported by NSW Government, will be presented from 3-5 July at The Cutaway Barangaroo.

This year's edition marks the first cultural event to be hosted in the new space following a major transformation, and is the largest presentation of First Nations art and culture within the venue.

Now in its seventh year and coinciding with NAIDOC Week, the program celebrates Blak excellence in one of Sydney's newest cultural spaces.

Presenting more than 30 Indigenous Art Centres from across Australia, including Merrepen, Durrmu Arts, Jilamara Arts and Craft, and Artists of Ampilatwatja, NIAF connects artists from some of the country's most remote regions with wider Australian audiences.

In the lead-up to the Fair, more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will travel to Sydney with the support from First Hand Solutions' Heart in Art program, which provides economic and professional development opportunities to Aboriginal artists working in remote communities.

The 2026 program is shaped by a team of First Nations curators comprising Miah Madden (Bundjalung) who has curated the Living Room exhibition, Rebecca Ray (Meriam Mer) who has curated a range of large-scale installations, Kaleena Briggs (Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta) who has curated the music program, and Billie-Jean Hamlet (Walmajarri/Yamatji) who has curated the fashion parade.

In a first for the Fair, the 2026 edition is also supported by a group of leading First Nations Ambassadors: Rachel Perkins (Arrernte/Kalkadoon), Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay), Alison Page (Dharawal/Yuin), Jazz Money (Wiradjuri), Sebastian Goldspink (Burramattagal) and Daniel Browning (Bundjalung/Kullilli).

The Fair offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase artworks directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from remote, community-owned art centres across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.

Price points range from $100 to $30,000, with the event being a drawcard for new and seasoned collectors alike. Guided by a mission to support economic development in remote Indigenous communities, NIAF charges no commission or stall fees, with 100 per cent of profits going directly to the art centres.

This year's markets will showcase a range of Indigenous art making, with highlights including works by Kieren Karritpul from Merrepen Arts, Culture and Language Aboriginal Corporation, Karen Rogers from Ngukurr Arts, Agnes Donnelly from Warnayaka Art & Cultural Aboriginal Corporation, Valerie Brumby from Walkatjara Art, Joseph Williams from Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, Mary Gibson from Tjarlirli & Kaltukarjara Art, Rachel Luckan from Durrmu Arts, Joey Nganjmirra from Injalak Arts and Culture Centre, Rekeshia Goodwin from Spinifex Hill Studio, and Stefan Smith from Ltyentye Apurte Traditional Craft Centre.

In a new first, this year the Fair will commence with an Opening Night event on Friday 3 July, offering guests exclusive early access.

The program will feature performances by rising Darumbal and Tongan R&B vocalist Mi-Kaisha, intergenerational Yuin choir Djinama Yilaga, a Wiradjuri and Dharug dance work, Mawambul, choreographed and directed by collaborators Jo Clancy and Stuart McMinn, and a fashion parade curated by Billie-Jean Hamlet, celebrating the power of fashion as cultural expression.

"The National Indigenous Art Fair feels privileged to host artists from some of Australia's most isolated communities in Sydney and to provide a platform for them to promote and sell their artworks, and host workshops, talks and installations demonstrating their unique arts and cultural practices," First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer, Peter Cooley said.

"The Art Fair and festival program is designed to welcome, educate and engage visitors. It's an occasion to meet remote community artists and hear their stories.

"It's also a time to see incredible performances and immerse yourself in the world's oldest continuous living cultures.

"We make sure there's something there for everyone to enjoy.

"We are proud that the National Indigenous Art Fair is the inaugural cultural event at The Cutaway and is the largest presentation of First Nations art and culture within the venue."

Placemaking NSW chief executive, Susan Lee, said the business is looking forward to partnering with NIAF.

"We are looking forward to partnering with the National Indigenous Art Fair to host the first Indigenous event at The Cutaway," she said.

"This iconic Art Fair showcases the latest award-winning ideas and innovations from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, designers, and makers from around the country.

"It is the first of many major events to be held atThe Cutaway including Sydney Festival and VIVID Sydney along with art exhibitions, festivals, performances and other community gatherings—securing Barangaroo as a cultural powerhouse."

National Indigenous Art Fair is presented by Sydney-based First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation in proud partnership with Destination NSW, University of Technology Sydney, Placemaking NSW, City of Sydney, Macquarie Group Foundation, Gilbert + Tobin, International Convention Centre Sydney and the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program.

Mercure Sydney is the official hotel partner of the National Art Fair, offering a 15 per cent discount on accommodation for visitors.

The 2026 National Indigenous Art Fair will take place on Saturday 3 July, 10am-5pm and Sunday 5 July, 10am-4pm. Opening night will take place on Friday 3 July, 5.30pm-8.30pm.

Tickets to the NAIF 2026 are now available online.

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