Barangaroo House is marking NAIDOC Week with Rising Tides – a two-week art exhibition showcasing the work of First Nations artists from across Australia.

The 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week is being celebrated from 6-13 July. It honours the enduring strength, vision, and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme – The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy – highlights the pivotal role of young leaders in shaping a future grounded in cultural pride and self-determination.

From 6-20 July, House Bar will transform into a pop-up gallery, presenting a curated collection of ethically sourced paintings in partnership with ART ARK, which is committed to reshaping the way Aboriginal art is bought and sold —championing fairness, authenticity, and cultural respect.

Guests are invited to sip and stroll through the venue while exploring striking works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Each artwork includes artist details and a QR code for bidding via the Lawsons Auctioneers platform. The same QR codes also allow guests to make direct donations to support the project, even without placing a bid.

All proceeds from the Lawsons auction will be donated to the Awesome Black Foundation, an organisation dedicated to championing First Nations creativity. Funds raised through Rising Tides will directly support the Voices Rising Fund.

Founded to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators, the Awesome Black Foundation provides vital financial support, mentorship, and resources to both emerging and established artists. Their mission is to amplify First Nations voices, preserve cultural knowledge, and inspire contemporary interpretations of Indigenous traditions through storytelling, innovation, and art.

Awesome Black Founder and Executive Director Travis De Vries said: “We’re incredibly excited to be collaborating with Solotel and Barangaroo House for this project, it’s a special project that speaks to the ongoing work of good people giving back to the First Nations community and building long term creative and financial sustainability for First Nations artists.

“The proceeds from this auction of stunning artwork will be going towards The Awesome Black Foundation’s Voices Rising Fund – a fund that partners with publishers and music labels to commission new publishable works of scale from First Nations artists, building a legacy of culture that exists far into the future.”

Entry is free. Walk-ins welcome or book a table via Barangaroo House website. Access the Lawsons online auction here.