Release 20th June 2025 - Free Kids Program Announced for National Indigenous Art Fair 2025
Hands-on cultural fun for the first weekend of the school holidays
Launching this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, the National Indigenous Art Fair has announced its free program of cultural activities for kids and families, set to take place across the first weekend of the July school holidays — Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July — at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Gadigal Land, Circular Quay.
Running alongside one of Sydney’s most vibrant and ethical marketplaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the two-day Little Mobs program invites young visitors to get hands-on with art, nature, movement and culture — all guided by First Nations artists and Elders.
From ochre painting and gumnut jewellery-making to shellwork, bushfoods and storytelling through possum skin art, the activities are designed to spark imagination and offer a deeper understanding of Country, culture and creative expression. Children can also take part in fun and inclusive dance workshops with the Budja Budja Butterfly Dance Group, Brolga Dance Academy, and more.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, connect, and create alongside Indigenous artists from across Australia,” said Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation. “It’s a program full of joy and meaning, perfect for families kicking off their school holidays.”
Little Mobs Kids drop in workshops highlights include:
Shellwork workshop with Tahlia Brown-Sait and Latarley Brown-Yeo
Bushfoods and native plant propagation with Indigigrow
Gumnut jewellery-making with Marlene and Sharona Cooley of Maruku Arts
Possum skin and ochre painting workshop with Aunty Amanda Jane Reynolds
Children’s dance workshops with Budja Budja Butterfly
Ochre face painting with Brolga Dancers
All activities are free with entry to the Fair ($3 per adult, free for children under 12). No bookings required, though parent/guardian supervision is essential during participation.
For the Art Fair and Little Mobs program details, visit niaf.com.au/event-schedule
Entry is $3 (free for children under 12), with all proceeds supporting the participation of remote artists. Pre-book online at trybooking.com/DBHGS to skip the queues and have the chance to win a $200 art voucher, or walk in on the day.
Indigenous artists from some of the most remote regions of Australia will gather on 5-6 July 2025 for the sixth National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) — a two-day ethical art market and festival held on Gadigal Land at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney.
Image supplied
This iconic annual event will be held on Sydney Harbour’s stunning foreshore and showcases the latest award-winning ideas and innovations from Indigenous artists, designers and makers from remote art centres around the country, with each community bringing their particular range of unique handcrafted and limited-edition items produced using locally sourced materials, natural fibres, dyes and the distinctive style of their region.
From stunning original artworks to design objects, fashion, jewellery, homewares, and native dyed and hand-printed textiles, these artisans work closely with the resources found in their own environment. In the spirit of 2025’s NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, NIAF will feature a vibrant program of live music and dance performances including an interactive weaving circle.
There will also be an Indigenous bush food plants and food offerings, with dishes featuring native Australian plants and edibles freshly prepared by a guest chef (or two) on the BBQ.
An exciting new addition this year will be an Indigenous fashion runway show as part of the Art Fair which will highlight new collection pieces that can be then purchased at the Art Fair.
Officially welcoming these remote practitioners to Sydney, local artists, designers, and makers from Australia’s premier authentic First Nations marketplace — the Blak Markets — will join them at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, alongside art collectives from remote and regional New South Wales.
Event Details:
Dates: Saturday 5 July – Sunday 6 July 2025
Duration: 10am - 5pm (4pm on Sunday)
Location: Overseas Passenger Terminal, 130 Argyle St, The Rocks, Sydney
Cost: Entry is $2.50 (12 years and over) to support the remote artists attending the event.