Outback Arts were beyond thrilled to deliver a stall at the National Indigenous Art Fair - held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks Sydney on the 2nd - 3rd of July this year. The Outback Arts organisation based out of Coonamble covers seven regional shires and all small towns in between.

Over 15 rural and regional artists had their artworks featured, including ceramics, paintings, photography, artifacts, weaving, and digital artwork.

“Once Outback Arts learned of the opportunity, we approached all Aboriginal artists we are in contact with to ascertain who could take part," said Outback Arts Communications & Touring Co-ordinator Maddi Ward.

“There was a particularly fast turn over in producing artwork for the market, which unfortunately meant that several artists in the Outback Arts region were not able to produce work in time for this year's event, but those who could were excited to be a part of this wonderful initiative.”

The National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) is an ethical marketplace, offering a unique opportunity to buy artworks directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and provides an explosion of colour, sound and immersive artworks that display First Nations artists, designers, and makers for its third annual market.

More than 50 stallholders were included in the event with performances, bushfood, homemade jewellery, homewares, workshops, dancing, live music and a communal weaving circle, the event was a vivid display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

“It was excellent to have regional NSW artists represented to such an audience and raise awareness of the rich culture that exists in our region,” said Ms. Ward.

“The stall had a huge range of artworks available that had a great impact on the market audience, along with very substantial sales making it a great success for the artists who ranged in in ages from 16 years to over 60,” she said.

Maddi Ward and Jamie-Lea Trindall (Outback Arts) with artists Sooty Welsh and Rainy King at the National Indigenous Art Fair. PHOTO Outback Arts.

Regional Artists Sooty Welsh and Rainy King, who attended the Fair, participated in a 2-day professional development program that involved discussions with First Nations Curators, a workshop learning how to protect their rights, and a behind-the-scenes tour at the Art Gallery of NSW and their conservations labs.

The following artists from western plains communities displayed at the event:

• Barbara Stanley, Warren
• Minnie Riley, Warren
• Priscilla Lord, Nyngan
•  Frank Wright, Walgett
•  Rainy King, Coonamble
• Sooty Welsh, Coonamble
• Jamie-Lea Trindall, Coonamble
• Maddi Ward, Coonamble
• Franny Peters-Little, Lightning Ridge
• George Williams, Walgett
• Shanae Jones, Coonamble
• Jamie Hamilton, Coonamble
•  Maddy Hoggets, Nyngan
• Tammy Baker, Coonamble

“It was so exciting to see our artists from Regional NSW be part of a national market and showcase the unique style from the southeast side of the country,” said Ms. Ward.