In 2025 the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair will present a showcase exhibition at the Melbourne Art Fair that will provide a glimpse into what to expect when the fair officially launches in 2027.
The 2025 showcase exhibition will feature the work of 20 unrepresented Victorian First Peoples artists, to be announced in the coming months, along with representation from First Peoples arts organisations: Kaiela Arts, Baluk Arts, Perridak Arts and The Torch. In addition to being an extraordinary collection, all works will be available for sale.
An initiative of the Victorian Government’s Creative State strategy and driven by the First Peoples Directions Circle, the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair aims to promote and build the market for the extraordinary work of Victoria’s First People creatives.
It will shine a light on the diverse and rich creative practices and culture of First Peoples throughout Victoria, while engaging the broader Victorian community. The fair will deliver economic benefits to First Peoples creatives, enabling the artists and designers to expand their business practices, platform new ideas and bold new works, and strengthen the First Peoples creative industries here in Victoria.
The 2025 Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair showcase exhibition will take place from 20-23 February 2025 at Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre as part of the 2025 Melbourne Art Fair.
The inaugural full-scale event will officially launch in 2027 and will again be timed to coincide with the Melbourne Art Fair.
Vicki Couzens, Chair of the First Peoples Directions Circle said, “The 2025 Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair showcase is going to celebrate First Peoples artists and designers from across the state – and it’s the first time we’ve had a showcase survey of artworks 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.”
Janina Harding, Senior Project Manager, Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair said, “Next year’s showcase exhibition will be a first glimpse as we build up to a full-scale presentation of the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair in 2027. We are working closely with First Peoples artists and organisations 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.”
Find out more about the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair