The Northern Territory will become the epicentre ofAboriginal fashion following the Territory Labor Governments announcementthat the inaugural National Aboriginal Fashion Awards will belaunched in Darwin next year.
Ministerfor Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss made the announcement last night atthe Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair opening ceremony.
Alongwith the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and theNational Indigenous Music Awards, they will cement the Territorys reputationas an Aboriginal arts and culture hub.
Thesuccess of the textile design movement in remote Aboriginalcommunities has led to exciting collaborations with well-known Australiandesigners and it is anticipated the Awards will form part of the national eventcalendar celebrating fashion excellence.
TheAwards will receive funding from the Territory Labor Government and be run bythe Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.
The Awards will become part of DAAFs Country to Couture event.
As noted by Minister for Tourism,Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
TheNational Aboriginal Fashion Awards will offer new opportunities for remote Aboriginaldesigners and a platform to promote their unique couture creations bothnationally and to the world.
TerritoryLabor is committed to supporting Indigenous art which includes the burgeoningAboriginal textile and design industry which continues to make its markglobally.
As noted by David Giles-Kaye, CEO,Australian Fashion Council
The From Country to Couture Runway is sounique and critical for the Australian fashion industry and our indigenousdesigners. The event generates excitement amongst industry members, consumers,and people in remote indigenous communities.
The eventprovides a key platform for pathways into the fashion industry, empoweringthose involved to build sustainable businesses, generate income and supporttheir communities, all the while enriching the Australian fashion landscape. Anational Aboriginal fashion award is an amazing next step to celebrate thisthriving industry.
As noted by Franchesca Cubillo,Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Chair
The DarwinAboriginal Art Fair Foundation is so proud to provide vibrant platforms tosupport Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander artists and Art Centres. Our fashionprograms are having an incredible impact on the Indigenous art sector and thisis an exciting time for the industry.
DAAFF hasbeen working to develop the concept of the National Aboriginal Fashion Awards,and we are now so excited to present it in 2020. This award will showcasetalented Indigenous Australian artists, and share their amazing fashion andtextile designs to the world.
