These are the ones to watch. The winners of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards are here.
This event saw a talented group of 33 First Nations designers from all corners of the country, nominated across the NIFA six categories. And now, the winners have been announced.
Without further ado, here they are - congratulations to these talents, and to all the nominees too.
Peggy Griffiths
for the Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award – co-presented with DAAFF
Kieren Karritpul
for the Textile Design Award – co-presented with RMIT University and Ross Bonthorne
Maara Collective X Bula’bula Arts
for the Community Collaboration Award – co-presented with Northern Territory Government
Ninti One
for the Environmental and Social Contribution Award – co-presented with Northern Land Council
Bede Tungutaalum
for the Special Recognition Award – co-presented with Northern Territory Government
Julie Shaw
for the Fashion Design Award – co-presented with Country Road
The NIFAs are an event created to offer vibrant platform that highlight the talent, innovation and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander creatives. Conceived by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, this year's event was the very first in what will be a very exciting annual event - one which will introduce us to the future of fashion and the fashion designers to watch.
The NIFAs were broadcast on the NITV social channels on the evening of August 5. Hosted by Rachael Hocking, the presentation gave us a window into the world of the six winners. Viewers were able to hear directly from the winners who shared the stories of their lives and what inspires their creative process.
NIFAs awarded a combined prize value of $60,000 to the winners which includes promotion, support and development opportunities, travel, and cash.
The current moment is a troubled time for our creative sectors, ones which have been hit hardest by the shockwaves of the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts. For the creative industries to survive, we need to rethink how we value these important parts of our culture and identity. Events like the NIFAs are crucial to elevating and supporting the creatives in our community - and for giving emerging First Nations designers a platform for their inspirational work.
You can watch the full broadcast of the NIFA's below or head to the NITV Facebook page to watch it there.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2020
Join us for the Inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) proudly brought to you by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. The NIFAs recognise and celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers, and provide a platform to showcase this to the world!⠀
Posted by NITV on Wednesday, August 5, 2020