Adam Knight was born in Broadford, Victoria, and raised as an only child in a remote farming community, independent of the main electricity grid. His early life was shaped by a unique environment—his father cared for tigers, camels, donkeys, water buffalo, emus and Adam had pet Monkeys in his youth
From a young age, Knight frequently travelled to the Northern Territory with his father, who sourced wild camels and donkeys in the region. These formative experiences provided him with early and meaningful exposure to Aboriginal communities, fostering deep respect and lasting connections with Indigenous people that would later influence his lifelong career in the Aboriginal art industry.
Adam Knight's connection to Aboriginal culture began at an early age, having travelled extensively throughout remote regions of Australia during his childhood. His formative experiences included deep engagement with Indigenous communities, particularly during his time as National Sales Manager for the Cherbourg Aboriginal Community in Queensland. In this role, he was responsible for the sale of live emus, emu by-products (including oil and cosmetics), paintings, and traditional crafts to Australiana retailers across Australia and internationally.
With a unique understanding of and respect for diverse Indigenous communities, Adam has earned the trust and friendship of many of Australia's leading and emerging Aboriginal artists. One of his most significant relationships was with the legendary Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, a friendship that spanned many years. Today, Adam proudly represents Clifford Possum’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, continuing the artistic legacy of one of Australia's most iconic painters.
Adam is the Director of the Mitchelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art, Australia’s largest Aboriginal art gallery, located at Mitchelton Winery in Victoria. This marks the seventh Indigenous art gallery Adam has operated during a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. The gallery is renowned for housing some of the largest and most significant works produced by Australia’s most revered Indigenous artists.
As principal consultant to Dr Patrick Corrigan AM— one of Australia’s most active private collectors of Indigenous art—Adam has played a pivotal role in the acquisition and curation of significant collections. Over his career, he has curated and participated in more than 80 exhibitions across Australia and internationally, championing the work of Aboriginal artists and promoting ethical engagement with Indigenous culture.
Adam Knight curated and wrote the script for the Corrigan Walk at Bond University, which houses Australia’s largest private collection of Indigenous art on permanent public display. Named in honour of renowned art patron and collector Dr Patrick Corrigan AM, the collection reflects a shared commitment to the preservation and promotion of Aboriginal art. Both Dr Corrigan and Adam have generously donated significant works to Bond University and other leading Australian cultural institutions, further contributing to the national appreciation of Indigenous artistic heritage.
Adam has curated and participated in over 80 exhibitions nationally and internationally, including New York, London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Korea, and Singapore, elevating the global presence of Indigenous Australian art.
He is a former President of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia, an approved valuer under the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, a signatory to the Indigenous Art Code of Conduct, and a member of the Art Consultants Association of Australia.
