About CIAF
Culture. Country. Contemporary. World-Class.
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is Australia’s premier First Nations-led art fair and cultural celebration, held annually on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country in Gimuy/Cairns, Queensland.
Since 2009, CIAF has grown into a world-class platform showcasing the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture, from rainforest to reef, desert to freshwater. More than an art fair, CIAF is a movement: a catalyst for truth-telling, cultural exchange, and contemporary expression across visual art, performance, music, fashion, and storytelling.
Distinctly Queensland yet globally significant, CIAF is renowned for its ethical art marketplace and immersive experiences that attract collectors, curators, and audiences from around the world. In 2024, CIAF contributed more than $9 million to Queensland’s economy while creating transformative opportunities for thousands of Indigenous artists.
Looking toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and beyond, CIAF is committed to strengthening Queensland’s First Nations arts sector, expanding global connections, and shaping the future of Australia’s cultural identity.
Distinctly Queensland, Globally Significant
CIAF is internationally recognised for its artistic calibre and unique positioning. It offers collectors, curators, and audiences an ethical marketplace and immersive cultural experience that cannot be found anywhere else. At the heart of CIAF’s success is its commitment to authenticity, Indigenous leadership, and cultural integrity.
Looking to the Future
As the world turns its attention toward Queensland in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, CIAF stands ready to shine as a beacon of First Nations excellence. With a future-focused strategy, CIAF is deepening its digital presence, expanding its reach into South-East Queensland, and forging new partnerships across tourism, education, health, and regional development.
CIAF is a world-class platform for cultural exchange and economic opportunity for Queensland Indigenous artists, ensuring their practices thrive locally, nationally, and internationally.
CIAF is where Queensland’s First Peoples converge to share culture, shape contemporary practice, and lead the global arts conversation.
VISION
To provide platforms for cultural exchange and economic opportunity for Queensland Indigenous artists.
VALUES
Authenticity – Create an ethical marketplace that will educate audiences through Indigenous knowledge and control and personal engagement with the artists.
Connection to Culture and Country – critical for Indigenous artists and communities for cultural maintenance and the development of artistic practices for expressing culture through art form.
Economic opportunity – acknowledged in the business model that enables financial return to artists and the viability of CIAF.
Vibrancy – CIAF offers a world-class marketplace and opportunities for cultural exchange that inspire locally, nationally and internationally.
Equity – CIAF is committed to the employment, training and professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
AWARDS
Indigenous Business Excellence Award Winner, Cairns Business Excellence Awards 2018, Cairns Chamber of Commerce
Partnership Category Winner 2017 (Cairns Indigneous Art Fair & Ports North) , Queensland Reconciliation Awards
Best Art Show or Exhibition Category Winner 2013, The Cairns Post 2013 Hit Awards
City of Melbourne, SME Award Winner 2012, AbaF (Australian Business Arts Foundation) Awards 2012 in Queensland
Image (top): Poormpuraaw Arts & Culture. CIAF 2025 Art Fair Showcase (Tank 4). Photograph: Studio Sol by Alicia Jade.