Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation has named singer, songwriter and proud Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman woman, Jessica Mauboy as its new ambassador.
As part of her ambassadorship, Mauboy will help DAAFF promote and connect Indigenous artists, performers and Art Centres with domestic and international audiences.
Mauboy's appointment comes as First Nations fashion continues its rapid growth - in part thanks to DAAFF's Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) including Country to Couture, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) and the Pathways Program.
This year's IFP Runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week will feature designs from the Pathway Program participants for a second consecutive year.
Speaking on her appointment, Mauboy said she was both humbled and excited to join DAAFF as an ambassador.
"Growing up on Larrakia Country, I always dreamed of becoming a singer and I still pinch myself knowing that I was lucky enough to stumble across the opportunities that led me to a career that allows me to express myself creatively.
"There are many talented First Nations creatives that 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 said.
DAAFF was established in 2007 to build the capability and capacity in the Indigenous arts and design sector.
The organisation works with over 70 Art Centres that collectively represent thousands of Indigenous artists, covering a variety of creative mediums spanning visual arts, textiles, fashion, dance, music and storytelling.
Last year, DAAFF's online art fair generated $3.12 million in sales, with 100% of the profits going back to the Art Centres, the artists and their communities.
DAAFF chair and Larrakia, Bardi, Wardaman and Yanuwa woman Franchesca Cubillo said that Mauboy's ambassadorship will help the organisation continue to grow.
"Jessica’s new ambassadorship represents a further milestone for us in terms of widening our reach and further helping to celebrate and recognise the innovation, creativity, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, designers and creatives.
"Jessica’s generosity and commitment to our Foundation will ensure that we will reach new audiences, engaging locally, nationally and internationally.
"We are fortunate to have such a remarkable Australian icon work with us and we look forward to this being the start of an important and mutually beneficial relationship.
"We hope to collectively continue to make positive and significant cultural changes within the sector and foster the advancement and protection of cultural expression for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers," she said.
The IFP Runway at AAFW will take place on Gadigal Country on May 10 2022.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will take place from August 5-7 2022.