3 minute read
Jess Mauboy Shines As Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Ambassador
It cannot be mistaken that singer, songwriter and proud Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman woman, Jessica Mauboy, takes pride in her heritage. Wrapping up a stint as one of the coaches of the most recent season of The Voice, Jessica has now partnered with Indigenous notfor-profit arts and fashion organisation, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF). This partnership aims to shine a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity and design in Australia.
DAAFF celebrates the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is responsible for key projects throughout the year. including the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), an annual event showcasing the contemporary fine art of more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres held in Darwin each year.
As part of her community ambassador role, Jessica will help DAAFF promote and connect Indigenous artists, performers and art centres from some of Australia’s most remote regions with home-grown and international audiences.
Jessica is honoured to lend her support to such a worthwhile cause, a cause that helps to elevate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives from the far corners of Australia.
“I am extremely excited and also humbled to be able to collaborate with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation,” Jessica said.
“Growing up on Larrakia Country, I always dreamed of becoming a singer and I still pinch myself knowing I was lucky enough to stumble across the opportunities that led me to a career that allows me to express myself creatively,” she said.
“There are many talented First Nations creatives who aren’t afforded these same chances, which is why it is so important to provide pathways for emerging designers, artists and producers; through partnering with DAAFF I hope to do just that and in doing so help to ensure the Indigenous art and fashion industry remains sustainable and ethical,” she added.
The Foundation pays homage to the world’s oldest living culture, by providing Indigenous artists with vibrant platforms to showcase their art and design. Last year, DAAFF’s online art fair generated a record-breaking $3.12 million in sales, with 100 per cent of the profits going back to the art centres, the artists and their communities.
Jessica invites you to follow her on this journey, as she celebrates some of the best art and design Australia has to offer.
For information please visit : www.daaf.com.au
Written by JACK BAILEY
