Victorian First Peoples Art & Design Fair Showcase Artists and Program Announced

In 2025 MAF welcomes the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair Showcase Exhibition, a preview of the upcoming Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair, which will officially launch in 2027

An Opening Ceremony creatively produced by Jason Tamiru (Yorta Yorta) and Nathan Lovett-Murray (Wamba Wamba, Dhudhuroa, Baraparapa, Dja Dja Wurrung, Yupagalk, Wergaia, Yorta Yorta, and Wiradjeri) will officially mark the start of the VFPADF Showcase Exhibition and feature a historical narrative, smoking ceremony and cultural dance performances.

The exhibition showcases the rich cultural and creative diversity of Victorian First Peoples contemporary art and design, and features new and recent work by twenty independent Victorian First Peoples artists and designers: Moorina Bonini (Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri, Wiradjuri)l, Lorraine Brigdale (Yorta Yorta), Glennys Briggs (Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Wiradjuri), Janet Bromley (Yorta Yorta), Bradley Brown (Gunditjmara, Gunai Kurnai, Bidawal), Trina Dalton-Oogjes (Wadawurrung/Wathaurung, Gunditjmara), Talgium Edwards (Taungurong, Yorta Yorta, Muthi Muthi, Boonwerung and Palawa), Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung), ENOKi (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta), Gail Harradine (Wotjobaluk, Djubagalk, Jadawadjali), Kelly Koumalatsos (Wergaia, Wemba Wemba), Tarryn Love (Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong), Glenda Nicholls (Waddi Waddi, Ngarrindjeri, Yorta Yorta), Ray Thomas (Gunnai), Zeta Thomson (Wurundjeri, Yorta Yorta), Kim Wandin (Wurundjeri), Lewis Wandin-Bursill (Wurundjeri), Peter Waples-Crowe (Ngarigo), and Lisa Waup (Gunditjmara, Torres Strait).

In addition, seventeen artists and designers are represented by Victorian First Peoples art centres. Baluk Arts, from Mt Eliza will exhibit Adam Magennis (Bunurong) and Iluka Sax-Williams (Taungurung); Kaiela Arts, from Shepparton will exhibit Jack Anselmi (Yorta Yorta), Ally Knight (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kamilaroi),  Norm Stewart (Kwat Kwat, Wurundjeri, Yalaba Yalaba, Moira) along with a Ceramics presentation by Cynthia Hardie, Laurel Robinson, Amy Briggs, Rochelle Patten, Lyn Thorpe, and Melinda Solomon; Perridak Arts, from Ballarat will exhibit Donna Blackall (Yorta Yorta, Taungurung) and Adrian Rigney (Wotjobaluk, Ngarrindjeri); and The Torch, from Naarm will exhibit Alfred Carter (Gunaikurnai), Stacey Edwards (Taungurung, Boon Wurrung), Ash Thomas (Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri), and Robby Wirramanda (Wergaia, Wotjobaluk).

Co-curators Janina Harding and Dr Jessica Clark said, “The Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair Showcase Exhibition will be a first glimpse as we build up to a full-scale presentation of the event in 2027. We are working closely with twenty independent First Peoples artists and four arts centres whose artwork and culture are unique to the South East, and we’re so excited to share and profile their incredible talent with Melbourne Art Fair collectors, buyers and the sector more broadly.”

Additionally, the inaugural VFPADF Commission has been awarded to Mitch Mahoney (Boon Wurrung, Barkindji) and will premiere as part of the Melbourne Art Fair COMMISSION program. 

Alongside the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair Showcase Exhibition, the public program offers opportunities to connect with and hear directly from Victorian First Peoples artists through daily tours, artist talks, weaving workshops and panel discussions.

The VFAPDF exhibition celebrates the incredible breadth of creative and cultural practice by Victorian First Peoples artists and designers while providing a unique opportunity to meet, connect with, and hear directly from them. Collectively representing more than twenty Victorian First Peoples language groups from across all regions of the state, the artists attest to the strength, resilience and continuity of culture in Victoria.

Melbourne Art Fair takes place 20 – 23 February 2025. Click here to secure tickets.
Click here to explore the full Fair Program.

Image: Ray Thomas, Jerail Ceremony of the Gunnai, 2021, acrylic on canvas, Jirra skin and redgum, two panels 60cmx140cm each. Courtesy the artist.