The 2026 National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) generated more 1.2 million dollars for exhibitors, a record for the event and $450,000 more than the previous year.
The most ambitious NIAF edition to date moved to a new location this year, The Cutaway at Barangaroo, transforming it into a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and community from 3–5 July 2026.
More than 8500 visitors attended NIAF 2026, including 1000 attendees at its inaugural opening night event, which featured song, dance performance, Indigenous couture and exhibitor stalls.
The seventh annual NIAF presented more than 30 Indigenous art centres from across Australia and brought together over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, who travelled to Sydney to share their stories, culture and artistic practices.
The 2026 program was shaped by a team of First Nations curators including Miah Madden (Bundjalung) who curated The Living Room exhibition showcasing highlight works from the participating art centres; Matt Poll (South Sea and Torres Strait Island) who curated the talks program; Kaleena Briggs (Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta) who curated the music program; and Billie-Jean Hamlet (Walmajarri/Yamatji) who curated the fashion parade.
In another first for NIAF, the 2026 edition was supported by a distinguished group of 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).
All profits generated by NAIF went to exhibitors, with no commission on sales.
NIAF 2026 was proudly supported by Destination NSW.
