Blak Markets Program

Join Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artisans at the iconic Blak Markets at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern on Sunday11 March from 9:30am - 4:00pm.

First Hand Solutions CEO Peter Cooley, says it's very exciting to be holding the Blak Markets at NCIE for the first time."The Blak Markets are organised by First-Hand Solutions - an Aboriginal charity providing cultural reconnection programs for urban Aboriginal young people - and we are thrilled to be holding this market in the grounds of a leading national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation, National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern."

NCIE Acting CEO, Clare Mc Hugh said NCIE is honoured to partner with First Hand Solutions to bring Blak Markets to the NCIE's historic site in the heart of Redfern."NCIE wholeheartedly supports promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and the development of businesses and enterprises and we can't wait to have the artists, performers and chefs of Blak Markets on site. 'We welcome everyone to NCIE on Sunday 11 March to be part of this deadly event," she said.

The Blak Markets feature authentic,original and affordable Aboriginal artworks,  beauty products and one-of-a-kind homewares and jewellery as well as Indigenous inspired food and refreshments.

As part of Art Month, we will also host a special exhibition curated by Blak Market curator titled, 'At the heart of Sport' which will include a panel discussion.

Entertainment for the day includes performances by the Torres Strait Islander dance troupe, Urban Zenadth Kes Dance Group who uses song and dance to develop a strong cultural foundation to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams. The troupe is predominately children aged between 3 to 17 years and is partly funded from proceeds from sale by our stallholder Ilan Treasurez.

Joining us for our sinnging performance will  be Radical Son whose music and stories are always guided by his Indigenous heritage from the Kamilaroi nation of Australia and the south pacific nation of Tonga.

There will also be free all-day weaving workshops with Karleen Green involving creating a whale from recyclable materials; bushfood cooking demonstrations, and healing ceremonies.

Weaving Workshop - all day
09.30am Gates Open
10:30 Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
11:00 Traditional Dance Ceremony by Urban Zenadth Kes   

11:30 Singing Performance by Radical Son
12:00 Cooking Demo with Jody Orcher
1:00 Traditional dance by Urban Zenadth Kes   
1:30 Singing Performance by Radical Son
2:00 "At the heart of Sport" Art Opening and Panel Discussion  
2:00 Tucky Cooley -  Healing Ceremony
3:00 Open Mic Session
4:00  Gates close