The annual Indigenous art market hosted by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is to be held this weekend, attracting a record number of selling stalls.
Chief Executive of AIATSIS, Craig Ritchie said that this year several local artists will have their art on display, as well as art centres from remote Northern Territory and Western Australia.
“All proceeds from sales return directly to the art centres, artists and their communities,” Mr Ritchie said.
“After five years, the AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market is now a popular annual event that allows the local Canberra community to celebrate the diverse stories and culture of Indigenous Australians.”
He said the market had grown each year and was a wonderful way of helping the local community engage directly with Indigenous artists from all around the country.
“Visitors to the art market can discover the richness of the histories, cultures, and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, as expressed through art,” Mr Ritchie said.
“The markets are also a practical way we can support ethical sales of Indigenous art, for the benefit of the artists as well as consumers.”
In addition to the eight stalls selling art, there would be jewellery-making workshops, didgeridoo performances and food and drink for sale.
In a related development, the ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith announced that ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body members and staff from the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs would be at the markets to gather feedback on the renewal of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement.
“The 2019-2028 Agreement is being developed based on community conversations, led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, which began in March this year,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
