Celebrating First Nations artists at Melbourne Art Fair

A major new exhibition has opened in Melbourne showcasing Victorian First Nations artists from across the State.

The Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair Showcase Exhibition celebrates the rich cultural and creative diversity of First Nations artists.

“This exhibition is an incredible showcase of the work dozens of First nations artists and is an important event to value First Peoples culture and experiences,” Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said.

The chair of the First Peoples Directions Circle, Dr Vicki Couzens, said the Fair was the first time the art had been showcased in the one space.

“We’re excited to see this important initiative make its debut at Melbourne Art Fair, and for it to grow in years to come,” Dr Couzens said.

Co-curated by Creative Victoria’s Janina Harding (Meriam Mir) and Dr Jessica Clark (palawa/pallawah), the exhibition features work from 37 artists across more than 20 language groups – highlighting the breadth of the creative and cultural practice of our First Nations artists.

A public program of daily tours, artist talks, weaving workshops and panel discussions is being presented alongside the exhibition, giving art lovers the opportunity to hear directly from artists on a whole range of topics.

A key focus of the State Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy, the Fair is being driven by the First Peoples Directions Circle – a group of esteemed First Peoples creative leaders.

Access to the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair Showcase Exhibition and public program is included in tickets to the Melbourne Art Fair.

To learn more about the artists on show, visit melbourneartfair.com.au.