Gather & Trade 2023

Gather & Trade 2023: Celebrating First Nations Artisans and Culture

Gather & Trade, a series of Aboriginal Artisan Micro Markets, has been a cornerstone event for Arts North West, providing First Nations artists across the New England North West with opportunities to share their culture, creativity, and craftsmanship. These markets have offered a unique platform for local Aboriginal creatives to showcase their art, connect with wider audiences, and promote their goods and practices while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

In 2023, Gather & Trade brought its vibrant energy to multiple locations:

• Glen Innes (6 May) at the Coomarah Cultural Centre.
• Wallabadah (28 May) at the Art Shack @ Wilgabah.
• Narrabri (3 June) at the Shine Rotary Markets.
• Armidale (2 September) at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP).

Each event featured a rich mix of market stalls, live performances, artist talks, and demonstrations. The Armidale edition also celebrated the newly refurbished ACCKP foyer and the opening of the For Our Elders exhibition, with highlights including murals and performances by Bob Blair. These markets were made possible through partnerships with local organizations such as the ACCKP, Settlement Services International’s Ignite Small Business Start-ups program, and funding from Create NSW and the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support Program.

Gather & Trade has become a symbol of cultural celebration, providing First Nations artisans with meaningful opportunities to share their traditions, stories, and art with the wider community, enriching the cultural fabric of the New England North West.