Nominations Closing Soon for the 2023 National Indigenous Fashion Awards
The NIFA, presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects, and supported by the Northern Territory Government, was launched in 2020 to provide a vibrant platform to recognise and celebrate the immense talent and innovations of Australia’s First Nations Peoples in fashion and textiles. Past winners include Ngali by Denni Francisco, MAARA Collective by Julie Shaw, Paul McCann, Ngarru Miimi by Lillardia Briggs-Houston and Clothing The Gaps by Laura Thompson, many of whom have gone on to grace the covers of leading fashion magazines and international runways. The NIFA has also put a spotlight on emerging and established First Nations designers, artists and Art Centres from some of Australia’s most remote communities.
Indigenous Fashion Projects Manager, Michelle Maynard, said the NIFA is such an important event to recognise, celebrate and expose the vibrant talent and innovation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples working in the fashion and textiles industry.
“The awards are a chance for the Australian and international fashion communities to come together to share in the celebration of our emerging and established First Nations designers, artists and Art Centres. We create a beautiful gathering in Darwin on Larrakia Country, some of our talent travel in from the most remote communities for the event. It’s intimate, heartfelt, and inspiring to share in shining the spotlight on our fashion and textile creatives, and to witness the impact it has on them,” said Ms Maynard.
“Winners across the NIFA’s six categories are also awarded partnerships with esteemed organisations such as Country Road, Canberra Centre, RMIT, Robina Town Centre and the Northern Territory Government to assist them in their professional journey.
“If you’re a First Nations designer wanting to take the next step in your career, or you know a First Nations creative who should be recognised for their work, be sure to nominate as soon as possible.”
Nominations opened on 7 March 2023, and will close at 5pm (ACST) on 6 April 2023.
The award ceremony will return to Darwin on August 9 this year alongside the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and Country to Couture events. It recognises talent across six categories:
Traditional Adornment Award, supported by the Northern Territory Government
Community Collaboration Award, supported by Canberra Centre
Business Achievement Award, supported by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation
Textile Design Award, supported by RMIT
Wearable Art Award, supported by Robina Town Centre
Fashion Designer Award, supported by Country Road
People can help support and celebrate First Nations talent, by making a nomination. To learn more about the NIFA 2023, and to nominate, visit: https://nifa.com.au/nifa-2023-nominations/