We’re thrilled to hear the news from the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF) that Covid-19 aside, the inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards will go on AND be broadcast via NITV this August 5th!
We’ve marked our calendars and will be spending some time looking through the incredible talent from over 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers that have been recognised across the NIFA’s 6 categories including; Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art, Textile Design, Fashion Design, Environmental and Social Contribution, Community Collaboration, and Special Recognition.
Part of DAAFF’s Indigenous Fashion Projects and building on the annual Country to Couture runway event, the NIFA mark an important initiative recognising and celebrating the work of Australia’s First Nations creatives in Fashion, creating opportunities and pathways into the Industry.
One of the nominees for the Textile Design Award; Ikuntji Artists
IMAGE | Ikuntji Artists, Tjilkamata Rockhole Fabric by Alice Nampitjinpa Dixon. Photo by Ikuntji Artists.
One of the nominees for the Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award; Peggy Griffiths from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
IMAGE | Peggy Griffiths in her Legacy Dress. Photo courtesy Grace-Lillian Lee and Chris Baker.
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“Showcasing vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions in new contemporary forms enables us to share the powerful stories which have connected Australia’s First Nations Peoples to this country since time immemorial. Fashion is a medium which transcends cultural boundaries, and can be the vehicle to bring people together to celebrate Australia’s rich heritage and vibrant cultures.”
One of the nominees for the Community Collaboration Award; Design Within Country by Marnin Studio, Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre
IMAGE | Design Within Country by Marnin Studio, Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, Lulu Hat. Photo courtesy of Design Within Country.
One of the nominees for the Special Recognition Award; Grace Lillian Lee
IMAGE | Enlightenment. Cotton webbing, timber cane, goose feathers, cotton and wool thread. Designed and made by Grace Lillian Lee, Cairns, Australia, 2017. Worn by Luke Currie-Richardson.
Winners for each category will be selected by a panel of expert judges from the field, including AFC’S CEO Leila Naja Hibri, and announced on the 5th August on the NITV Broadcast.
Head to the NIFA website below for all the details and updates along with the complete list of amazing Nominees!
Blog Feature Image | Munupi Association Arts and Crafts Association, Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association & Ngaruwanajirri Art textiles. Photo courtesy of North. Nominated for the Textile Design Award Category.
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