Where to buy Aboriginal art from makers in Sydney and NSW
Blak Markets in La Perouse, Sydney
Buy paintings, sculptures and textile art from Aboriginal owned galleries where profits go to the artists. Learn about the culture, stories and practices of the Dabee Wiradjuri people in the Central West through to the Yuin nation on the South Coast.
- 6 min read
Blak Markets, Sydney
The Blak Markets, run by First Hand Solutions, is a popular event where attendees can directly connect with Aboriginal artists and makers from across the state. It's held regularly in The Rocks, as well at various other locations throughout the year including at Bare Island which is a significant place for the Bidjigal People. In addition to the market, the event also incorporates a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, weaving and spear making workshops, didgeridoo ceremonies, and cultural dance performances. Many of the businesses integrate their stories into their products and artworks, and it's a great way to connect to artists directly.
Blak Markets on Bare Island, La Perouse
Wupa@Wanaruah, Hunter Valley
Representing those who reside on the land of the Wanaruah People, or the Hunter Valley area, Wupa@Wanaruah consists of an online gallery and self-guided trail. The trail includes the Mercure Resort, Hunter Resort 4 Pines, Audrey Wilkinson and Drayton’s Family Wines, where you can enjoy a wine tasting after viewing the art.
Wupa@Wanaruah Aboriginal Art Exhibition and Trail, Pokolbin - Credit: Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation
Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery, Kempsey
Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery is housed in the Val Melville Centre in Kempsey, a building designed by renowned architect Glenn Murcutt. It offers a wonderful introduction to the work of artists living and working on the Dunghutti lands of the Macleay Valley region. The gallery is open seven days a week, with an ever-changing, eclectic selection of artworks and merchandise available for viewing and sale. Through a Purchase and Lend Scheme, the gallery has commissioned local artists to create artworks that will remain in the gallery’s permanent collection as well as being lent out to not-for-profit organisations in the community.
Giriwa Garuwanga Art Gallery, Ulladulla
The Giriwa Garuwanga Art Gallery opens on weekdays and is run by the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council and represents artists living and working on the Yuin Nation. Rather than holding exhibitions, artists drop off work as they make them, and you can often find them in the gallery for a chat. Find small canvases, local books by Traditional Custodians of the land, woodworks, and clothing by artists such as Uncle Tom Butler, Lea Brook, Taylor Carriage and Uncle Barry Carriage.
Giriwa Garuwanga Art Gallery, Ulladulla
Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery, Coffs Harbour
The Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery represents Gumbaynggirr artists on the mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers region. You’ll be able to get to know the local artistic community with a roster of exhibitions. Throughout the year, workshops are held at the gallery – in the past they’ve held weaving workshops and the ‘Elders yarn and lingo’ on language.
Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery, Coffs Harbour
Gawura Gallery, Glen Innes
The home of internationally acclaimed Aboriginal artist Lloyd Gawura Hornsby, the Gawura Gallery also hosts exhibitions of emerging and established Indigenous artists. Hornsby’s work covers Yuin dreaming stories, Aboriginal history and his personal journey, where the natural and supernatural world become one as they are in traditional stories. A recent installation by Lloyd Hornsby and artist Sarah Fletcher reflects stories important to Ngoorabul Country and Glen Innes, depicting Aboriginal figures and symbols, as well as a farmer with his dog and sheep and the Town Hall, promoting harmony between cultures. Exhibitions change regularly and there is an on-site cafe.
Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place
The Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place showcases Aboriginal art and crafts which are for sale. Visitors can join guided gallery tours, participate in cultural workshops like weaving and jewellery-making, and fuel up at the Echidna Cafe.
Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, Armidale - Credit: David Doyle
National Indigenous Art Fair, Sydney
Showcasing the work of over 50 artists and art centres from across the nation, discover a diverse range of contemporary and traditional paintings, sculptures, and textile art at the National Indigenous Art Fair. Held in The Rocks during NAIDOC Week each year, the fair provides a unique opportunity to connect with artists directly, purchase authentic works and support Indigenous communities.
The National Indigenous Art Fair at Blak Markets, Sydney
Boomalli Gallery, Sydney
Boomalli Gallery in Leichhardt is the longest-running Aboriginal-owned gallery in the state dedicated to showcasing Aboriginal artists and stories. A welcoming space, this gallery in Sydney regularly changes exhibitions and hosts community events.
Boomalli Gallery, Leichhardt - Credit: Boomalli Gallery
