QIC has confirmed its ongoing support for the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAF Foundation) including the Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) through the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) in 2024, reaffirming its commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence within the First Nations fashion industry.

Marking its third consecutive year as a DAAF Foundation and IFP partner, QIC supports the not-for-profit organisations through various initiatives. The DAAF Foundation, governed by Indigenous remote community art centres and peak bodies, promotes the growth of Indigenous creative businesses, textile artists, designers, and art centres across Australia, fostering reconciliation within the fashion industry.

Since 2020, the DAAF Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) program has been empowering Indigenous Australians in textiles and fashion through development programs, resources, mentoring, and events including Country to Couture and NIFA.

In 2024, QIC will sponsor three NIFA awards: the Community Collaboration Award presented by Canberra Centre, the Wearable Art Award presented by Eastland, and, for the first time, the Business Achievement Award presented by QIC.

These awards celebrate the vibrant, diverse perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers, providing a unique platform for the Australian and international fashion community to connect with Indigenous excellence.

To elevate its sponsorship, QIC will host the 2024 NIFA Winners Showcase at Canberra Centre and Eastland, profiling the designs from this year’s NIFA award winners and finalists to the community.

QIC’s Local Talent Activation Program (LTAP) will offer emerging First Nations artists, designers, and models a fully funded DAAF experience, including behind-the-scenes involvement in the Country to Couture showcase and NIFA, along with networking opportunities with First Nations artists and industry representatives.

This year’s LTAP recipients include Canberra-based First Nations Australian model, Jahna Lugnan, award-winning First Nations visual artist and cultural leader, Cheryl Moggs together with former model and First Nations Fashion Director Sandra King (O.A.M).

QIC First Nations affairs lead, Justin Welfare commented on the partnership: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the DAAF Foundation including the Indigenous Fashion Projects and support the National Indigenous Fashion Awards for a third consecutive year. This collaboration is incredibly important to us as it aligns with the targets of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan to foster community partnerships with First Nations organisations, support employment, and increase procurement through First Nations-owned businesses.

“Our ongoing involvement with the DAAF Foundation and IFP is a crucial part of QIC’s First Nations Strategy, and we are excited to see this partnership continue to thrive through the Local Talent Activation Program and other initiatives.”

QIC will also support training programs aligned with the IFP’s Learning Centre, providing essential upskilling resources for those working in fashion and textiles.

Indigenous Fashion Projects manager, Michelle Maynard said, “Indigenous Fashion Projects is changing the landscape of Australian fashion, supporting a thriving and inclusive Indigenous fashion sector. We’re so excited at how our partnership with QIC is expanding and supporting us to empower First Nations people to pursue and sustain their aspirations in fashion and textiles practice and related roles.  

“QIC’s commitment is helping us build the foundations to support successful businesses, and careers now and for future generations. Together we are creating systems of support and empowerment that nurture the foundations for long, sustainable futures, prioritising the integrity of cultural practice and knowledge systems.”