Welcome to Ngunnawal Country, by Lynnice Church
Artists will travel over 20,000km this week to bring their works to Canberra for the 2018 AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market, open Friday 7 and Saturday 8 December. A record number of stalls will sell artworks encompassing traditional and contemporary paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewellery, textiles and home décor.
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.
The CEO of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Craig 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.
“The Market has grown each year and is a wonderful way that we can help the local community engage directly with Indigenous artists from all around the country,” Mr Ritchie said.
“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. 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 will be jewellery-making workshops, didgeridoo performances and food and drink for sale.
What: AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market 2018
Where: Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
51 Lawson Crescent, Acton, ACT (Next to the National Museum of Australia)
When: Friday 7 December (10am – 6:30pm)
Saturday 8 December (10am – 4pm)
More information: www.aiatsis.gov.au/iam2018
Media enquiries
Commsmedia@aiatsis.gov.au or P: 02 6246 1605