2021 NIFA Nominations Open

2021 NIFA Nominations Open

Charlee wears Yerrgi Fishnet textile design by 2020 NIFA Winner Kieran Karritpul, dress by Raw Cloth. Image credit: Georges Antoni for @marieclaireau

The 2021 National Indigenous Fashion Awards nomination period has been extended and will now close end of day Thursday 3 June, 2021.

Launched in 2020, the NIFA provides a vibrant and mainstream platform to celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Australia’s First Nations peoples in fashion and textiles, whilst advocating for the growth of the sector.

Recognising and showcasing excellence across six categories, the award ceremony is a unique opportunity for the Australian and international fashion community to connect to the world’s oldest living cultures.

The prestigious awards recognise excellence across several areas and include the:
Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award
Textile Design Award
Fashion Design Award
Social and Environmental Contribution Award
Community Collaboration Award
Special Recognition Award

Anyone can nominate, though there are several guidelines including that the nominee must be aware of the nomination, and must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. All nominations need to demonstrate a clear, cohesive aesthetic and quality production. Collections must also show strong evidence of Indigenous agency.

This year, the NIFA will make its debut as a physical event alongside the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and Country to Couture in the NT in August!

Read about past winners here.

We acknowledge the Larrakia and Wurundjeri peoples, both past, present and emerging, as the Traditional Owners of the land upon which the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation operates and will present its main events. We also acknowledge the diverse unceded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands right across Australia on which we work.

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