The AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market is once again taking over Acton this December

Posted on 29 October, 2024

Canberra’s largest Indigenous art market is back for another year to support the ethical purchase of authentic Australian Indigenous art.

Returning as an in-person and online shopping experience, the AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market is once again celebrating Indigenous art and artists from across Australia, sparking important conversations about the power and importance of Australian Indigenous art.

Taking place on the lawns outside the Maraga building (AKA the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) in Acton from Friday 6 until Sunday 8 December, over 30 artists and art centres from across Australia will be coming together to showcase their works.

Coming from everywhere from the far East Gippsland Victoria/NSW coastal border to Alice Springs, lovers of painting, textiles, sculptures, fibre works, jewellery, and miscellaneous merchandise will be in for a treat as they explore the beautiful wares on offer.

Among the stallholders is visual artist Amanda Hayman, who will be returning to the market with her social enterprise fashion label, Magpie Goose.

With cultural connections to Wakka Wakka and Kalkadoon Country in Queensland, Amanda has always had a passion for collaborating with Aboriginal communities across Australia to create fashion designs.

Also the co-founder and managing director of Aboriginal Art Co, she says that the AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market is a rare opportunity for the wider community to hear the stories behind creations.

“It’s important for us to participate in events that bring people together from all over Australia, artists and artisans, people representing Indigenous art centres, galleries, museums, and so on,”  she explains.

“It’s a great way to connect, see what everyone’s been working on, and celebrate Aboriginal arts and culture collectively.”

For Newcastle-based Wonnarua artist Saretta Feilding, the market offers an opportunity to share stories and culture through art. She says it’s an important way to contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

“Aboriginal people have the opportunity to share their stories and their culture through their art, and it really does contribute in a big way to reconciliation and connects people across cultures,” she says.

“Respecting and understanding that Aboriginal people have a connection to Country and being able to bring that into the marketplace…it doesn’t only affect the artist as an individual, it passes down and brings economic inclusion for whole communities.”

A significant aspect of the AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market is that 100 per cent of the sales go back to Indigenous art centres, the artists, and their communities.

As someone who works closely with many First Nations creatives, Amanda says that the ethical purchase of Australian Indigenous art is essential for preserving cultural heritage, empowering artists economically, and protecting against exploitation.

“It ensures that Indigenous artists receive fair compensation, respects their intellectual property, and fosters the sustainability of art communities,” she says.

“Ethical purchasing promotes genuine cultural appreciation, safeguarding the deep meanings and traditions behind the artwork while preventing cultural appropriation. This helps create a future where Indigenous art and culture are valued and respected.”

Saretta also notes the power and importance of markets like AIATSIS.

“We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a way to go within reconciliation. The opportunities that are opening up, and the appreciation of Aboriginal art and artists is important,” she says.

“It’s important that these events happen and they create opportunities.”

Following last year’s successful market (the first time it had been held since the COVID pandemic), both artists are excited to return to Canberra to connect not only with the local community but the wider community of First Nations creatives.

Also taking place online from Friday 6 until Sunday 15 December, the AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market is once again working with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation to ensure the delivery of an integrated online experience to support this important cause.

With Magpie Goose garments and designs and pieces from Saretta Art and Design (which include cushions, canvas, and caftans) available – along with other amazing creations – it’s a rare opportunity to support the nation’s rich tapestry of artists and producers.

Why wouldn’t you want to shop for a good cause?

Images supplied.