Darwin Visual Arts Association (DVAA) is an artist-run space that is committed to the advancement of contemporary art that is relevant in the local, national and international context. DVAA provides a forum for the production and exhibition of Territory, Australian and International contemporary art and related practices. DVAA supports local artists at all stages of their careers by building capacity for creative practice and fostering critical dialogue through exhibitions, artist studios, artist talks, publications, resources, events and special projects. DVAA gives artists direct control over the means and conditions of presenting their work to the public. Whilst there are other galleries in Darwin and the surrounding region artists that actively choose to exhibit at DVAA do so because of the artistic freedom that this space offers and the artistic community involved in the organisation.