Leading institutional investment manager QIC has reaffirmed its support for the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation and International Fashion Projects by sponsoring three categories in the upcoming National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). QIC Strengthens Support for Indigenous Fashion with National Indigenous Fashion Awards Sponsorship
This sponsorship includes 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 diverse perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers, offering a unique platform for connecting with Indigenous excellence on both Australian and international stages.
Marking the third consecutive year of QIC’s support, this partnership highlights the company’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating First Nations fashion. QIC actively supports various initiatives to promote Indigenous creative businesses, textile artists, designers, and Art Centres across Australia, fostering reconciliation within the fashion industry.
Since its inception in 2020, the DAAF Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) program has empowered Indigenous Australians in textiles and fashion through development programs, resources, mentoring, and events such as Country to Couture and NIFA.
Showcasing Indigenous Talent
QIC will host the 2024 NIFA winners showcase at Canberra Centre and Eastland, profiling designs from this year’s award winners and finalists. Additionally, 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. This program provides networking opportunities with First Nations artists and industry representatives.
This year’s LTAP recipients include Canberra-based model Jahna Lugnan, award-winning visual artist and cultural leader Cheryl Moggs, and former model and First Nations Fashion Director Sandra King.
Commitment to Reconciliation and Empowerment
QIC’s First Nations Affairs lead, Justin Welfare, expressed excitement about the ongoing partnership with DAAF.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the DAAF Foundation and support the National Indigenous Fashion Awards for a third consecutive year,” Mr. Welfare said. “This collaboration aligns with our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan targets to foster community partnerships, support employment, and increase procurement through First Nations-owned businesses.”
In addition to sponsoring NIFA, QIC will support training programs aligned with the IFP’s Learning Centre, providing essential upskilling resources for those working in fashion and textiles.
Transforming the Fashion Landscape
Michelle Maynard, Indigenous Fashion Projects manager, emphasized the transformative impact of QIC’s support.
“Indigenous Fashion Projects is changing the landscape of Australian fashion, supporting a thriving and inclusive Indigenous fashion sector,” Ms. Maynard said. “QIC’s commitment is helping us build the foundations to support successful businesses and careers now and for future generations.”
The continued partnership between QIC and DAAF Foundation is set to foster even greater opportunities for First Nations talent, benefiting both organizations and the broader fashion industry.
QIC’s support of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards and ongoing collaboration with the DAAF Foundation and Indigenous Fashion Projects underscores its dedication to empowering Indigenous communities and promoting cultural heritage through fashion. This partnership promises to create lasting, sustainable opportunities for Indigenous artists and designers, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive fashion industry.
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