Applications for our 2026 Emerging First Nations Talent Program are now open. This program was developed to support the growth and development of an
emerging First Nations creative, nurturing their pathway toward becoming a future NIFA entrant, winner, model, or industry contributor.
Celebrating First Nations Fashion
QIC and the DAAF Foundation Continue Collaboration
We are proud to continue our partnership with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation and Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP), supporting the National
Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) for the fourth consecutive year.
Our Partnership
Since beginning our partnership with the DAAF Foundation in 2022, QIC has proudly supported this not-for-profit First Nations organisation, which is owned and governed by over 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres. The Foundation celebrates the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Australia’s First Nations communities while providing a platform for emerging talent, businesses and the wider industry.
In 2026, QIC is Presenting Partner of the NIFA, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with DAAF Foundation. QIC will also continue to sponsor three major NIFA categories - the Community Collaboration Award, the Wearable Art Award, and the Business Achievement Award. These awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers. Following the event, select pieces from the 2026 NIFA winners will be showcased at Canberra Centre in August 2026 and at Pacific Werribee in September 2026.
Beyond the NIFA, QIC’s support also contributes to the development of an e-commerce platform, helping emerging First Nations designers build sustainable businesses. The partnership includes the QIC First Nations Talent program, which offers valuable industry exposure to emerging artists, designers and models. Together, these initiatives create meaningful pathways for business growth, mentorship and broader market reach, contributing to the ongoing development of the First Nations fashion industry and businesses.
Our Commitment
Justin Welfare, QIC’s First Nations Affairs Lead, said of the partnership:
"We are proud to continue our partnership with the DAAF Foundation and IFP, supporting the NIFA initiative for the fourth consecutive year. Our collaboration builds on QIC’s proud history with the DAAF Foundation since 2022, supporting its mission to showcase and develop the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres."
Our Partnership
Since beginning our partnership with the DAAF Foundation in 2022, QIC has proudly supported this not-for-profit First Nations organisation, which is owned and governed by over 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres. The Foundation celebrates the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Australia’s First Nations communities while providing a platform for emerging talent, businesses and the wider industry.
In 2026, QIC is Presenting Partner of the NIFA, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with DAAF Foundation. QIC will also continue to sponsor three major NIFA categories - the Community Collaboration Award, the Wearable Art Award, and the Business Achievement Award. These awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers. Following the event, select pieces from the 2026 NIFA winners will be showcased at Canberra Centre in August 2026 and at Pacific Werribee in September 2026.
Beyond the NIFA, QIC’s support also contributes to the development of an e-commerce platform, helping emerging First Nations designers build sustainable businesses. The partnership includes the QIC First Nations Talent program, which offers valuable industry exposure to emerging artists, designers and models. Together, these initiatives create meaningful pathways for business growth, mentorship and broader market reach, contributing to the ongoing development of the First Nations fashion industry and businesses.
Our Commitment
Justin Welfare, QIC’s First Nations Affairs Lead, said of the partnership:
"We are proud to continue our partnership with the DAAF Foundation and IFP, supporting the NIFA initiative for the fourth consecutive year. Our collaboration builds on QIC’s proud history with the DAAF Foundation since 2022, supporting its mission to showcase and develop the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres."
QIC proudly congratulates the exceptional winners of this year’s prestigious National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). Discover more about these
talented designers and their inspiring contributions to the fashion industry.
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