This year the National Indigenous Arts Fair will be back on Gadigal land showcasing the fine work created from First Nations artists from across land and sea country with some artists travelling for days to be welcomed at the Cutaway, a beautiful new arts hub at Barangaroo on Sydney Harbour.
Bidjigal CEO Peter Cooley manages First Hand Solutions and explains there is more to organising an arts fair when curating works from First Nations artists and creatives, cultural safety and agency is important.
Peter joins Koori Radio News to share more on the depth of the works exhibited at the National Indigenous Arts Fair and the importance of respecting protocols when it comes to working with artists and the facilitation of the exhibition. With a great team by his side Peter says he never stops learning from the artists themselves and an event like this highlights the deep cultural knowledge shared from communities and country and the people themselves. Barriers for First Nations artists can shift when more people have access to their skills and knowledge shared at the exhibition. You can also purchase artworks onsite and meet some of the artists from the communities.
The National Indigenous Arts Fair will be held July 3-5 July 2026 on Gadigal Country at The Cutaway, Barangaroo. Entry is free for First Nations community members on the Saturday and Sunday. Register on the website to access your ticket.
For more information and tickets https://www.niaf.com.au/
More on NAIDOC Week 2026 https://www.naidoc.org.au/
Image 1: Peter Cooley and Artists NIAF Image 2: Peter Cooley First Hand Solutions