NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATION 2026

Saturday 11 July, 10am–5pm
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square
Free entry

Celebrate 50 Years of Deadly and join us for a day of free festivities honouring the rich history, culture, and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Throughout the day, explore First Nations art and design in our free exhibitions, enjoy live music and performances by local First Nations creatives, meet artists and curators through engaging talks and guided tours, join in drop-by drawing activities and let the little ones have fun on our children’s activity trail. Everyone is welcome! Plan your day out and explore the full program below.

What’s OnPrograms & ResourcesShopPlan Your Visit

What's On

Music & Performance

NGV Australia
Performance By Indigenous Outreach Projects Enjoy lively dance performances by Indigenous Outreach Projects.

12.45–1pm, 11 Jul, free

(1 more time)
NGV Australia
Live Music by Bart Willoughby Hear a performance by iconic Pitantjantjara and Mirning singer/songwriter Bart Willoughby.

3–3.30pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Guided Meditation with Wala Connections Yorta Yorta educator and dancer Thara Brown will lead a guided meditation session inside FUTURE COUNTRY: Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions.

3.30–4pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
NAIDOC Playlist by Reko Rennie Enjoy a playlist curated by Reko Rennie, made especially for NAIDOC Week Celebrations at NGV.

10am–5pm, 11 Jul, free

Talks, Tours & Activities

NGV Australia
Welcome to Country Join us for a Welcome to Country by Daniel Ross from Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to officially start the day of festivities.

11.30–11.40am, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Wurrdha Marra Highlights Tour Join NGV Senior Curator of First Nations Art, Dr Jessica Clark for a tour of First Nations art and design currently on display in Wurrdha Marra.

11.40am–12.10pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Badge Making Create your own NAIDOC themed badge with family and friends.

11.45am–4pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Short Film Screening Watch short-films created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 and 10.

10am–5pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Artist Talk: Reko Rennie Join Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie and NGV Senior Curator of First Nations Art, Dr Jessica Clark for a short artist talk.

12.10–12.25pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Artist Talk: Kait James Hear Wadawurrung artist Kait James speak about her artworks inside exhibition Wurrdha Marra alongside NGV Senior Curator of First Nations Art, Dr Jessica Clark.

12.25–12.40pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Talk: Mentors, Makers, Mob with Boneta-Marie Mabo & Megan Cope Explore the collaboration of FUTURE COUNTRY: Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions artist and mentor duo Boneta-Marie Mabo and Megan Cope.

2.15–2.45pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
NGV X Koorie Heritage Trust Tour: Preserving Legacy This conservation themed tour will begin at NGV before going to neighbouring Koorie Heritage Trust.

1–2pm, 11 Jul, ticketed

Kids & Families

NGV Australia
Ku’ Camp Dogs Drawing Activity Visitors can take part in a drawing activity inspired by a playful display of Ku’ (camp dog) sculptures in Wurrdha Marra.

11.45am–4pm, 11 Jul, free
NGV Australia
Wurrdha Marra Children’s Tour with Dr Deanne Gilson Children and their families can join Wadawurrung artist and educator Dr Deanne Gilson for an interactive tour of exhibition Wurrdha Marra.

2–2.30pm, 11 Jul, free

Exhibitions

See all exhibitions
NGV Australia

Wurrdha Marra

First Nations art from the NGV Collection Ongoing, free entry
NGV Australia

Bark Salon

A dynamic large-scale display of NGV’s bark paintings Ongoing, free entry
NGV Australia

FUTURE COUNTRY

Country Road + NGV
First Nations Commissions 2026 20 Mar – 13 Sep 26, free entry
NGV Australia

MOTHER

Stories from the NGV Collection 27 Mar – 12 Jul 26, free entry

Programs & resources

Art has been an integral part of Indigenous culture for more than sixty-five thousand years. Explore a range of First Nations literature, videos and resources – available all year round.

TEACHER AND STUDENT FIRST NATIONS ART RESOURCES

Explore a range of inquiry-based First Nations art resources for students and teachers which provoke curiosity and inspire the imagination.

Explore resources

RESONANCE: TRUTH TELLING AT NGV

An initiative made possible with the generous support of the Ullmer Family Foundation, this project contextualises contemporary art, ideas and issues with a First Nations-first approach.

Find out more

First Nations Art: Under 5s Series

Spark the imagination, generate new ideas, and share thoughts in these free, online sessions about First Nations art for children aged 3–5 years and their parents and carers.

Book now

Read

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Sacred geometry: The art and life of Reko Rennie
The intricate designs of Lisa Waup
Lola Greeno’s Purmaner
Infinite woven symphony

Watch

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Boneta-Marie Mabo and Megan Cope | Future Country
Jahkarli Romanis and Brook Andrew | Future Country
Katie West and Clothilde Bullen | Future Country
The figure of William Barak

Listen

See all
Connecting the Dots: First Peoples Art from the NGV with Tony Armstrong Indigenous Art Collections | Contemporary Electronic & Hip Hop The Kimberley Amplifying Voices

Shop

NGV Design Store

Stop by the NGV design store for a curated selection of First Nations art and design wares.

Shop now

Plan Your Visit

Access

Plan your accessible visit to the 2026 NAIDOC Week Celebration.

Access guide

Facilities for Families

Pram accessibility and parking, food and drink options and areas to stretch young legs or relax.

Find out more