CIAF

CIAF 2025.

CIAF WILL RETURN TO THE TANKS ARTS CENTRE FROM 9-12 JULY 2026

CIAF acknowledges all Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters, and seas on which our team work and live, upon which our events are held and from where the artworks we showcase originate, paying respect to their Elders, past and present.

Projection Art by Cathy Snow. CIAF 2025 After Dark Program. Photograph: Blueclick Photography.

CIAF 2026 OPENING NIGHT - TICKETS NOW ON SALE

This project was created in collaboration with Red Ochre Republic by Indigenous designers Tarquin Singleton and Sheree Jacobs. Narrated by CIAF Artistic Director, Teho Ropeyarn and commissioned by CIAF.

CIAF 2026 THEME: Reclamation & Regeneration

Gab Titui, CIAF 2025 Artisans Showcase. Photograph: Studio Sol by Alicia Jade.

CIAF 2026 ARTISANS SHOWCASE

CIAF 2025 Art Fair Showcase Roomview. Photograph: Blueclick Photography.

CIAF 2026 ART FAIR SHOWCASE

Art Centre Award (sponsored by Cairns Regional Council) awarded to artworks by Wanda Gibson, Pearl Deemal, Doreen Hart, Esmae Bowen, Tanielle Nuggins, Melanie Gibson, & Gertie Deeral in the Hopevale Arts and Culture Centre booth at CIAF 2025 Art Fair Showcase 1 (Tank 4). Photograph: Blueclick Photography.

Opportunities and EOIs - NOW OPEN

Tanks Arts Centre. Photograph: Leah Light Photography.

CIAF VENUE: TANKS ARTS CENTRE

Latest CIAF News

NorthSite technician, artist Sam Tupou guides resident artist Rachel Bywaters through the printing process at NorthSite Studios this week in Gimuy/Cairns. Photo by Pandemonium Films.

Nine First Nations artists selected for BLAK Camp 2026 residency

Naygayiw Gigi Dance Troupe

CIAF 2026 launches Reclamation & Regeneration with all-star Opening Night and tickets now on sale

Torres Strait Island artist Toby Cedar’s crafted canoe has been suspended from a ceiling in Cairns Airport. Pictured: (standing) Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker, Diane Ambrym, artist Toby Cedar, Kathy Lakatos, Florince Williams, Alfred Gray, architect Angela Spillane; (front) Andre Duffin, Farron Duffin, Georgina Hobbler, Andrew Duffin, Richard Bing. Photo: Bang Media.

CIAF’s On Country Program underpins major public acquisitions as Children’s Health Queensland unveils new First Nations exhibition

Troy Casey & Amanda Hayman

CIAF secures $70,000 First Nations Commissioning Fund to deliver major artwork for 2026

Tarquin Singleton (Artist, Red Ochre Republic) & Teho Ropeyarn (Artistic Director, CIAF) at the launch of the 2026 Hero Artwork. Photograph: Catherine Curnow.

CIAF brings curatorial theme to life with hero artwork animation

Tanks Arts Centre. Photograph: Blueclick Photography.

Record-breaking Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2025 sets stage for 2026

CIAF 2025.

Reclamation & Regeneration to headline CIAF’s 17th anniversary and return to Tanks Arts Centre, 9-12 July 2026

CIAF Fashion Performance Audiences. Photograph: Romy Photography.

Thousands converge at Tanks Arts Centre for record-breaking Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2025

Premier’s Award for Excellence (Queensland Government, $25,000) Awarded to Bernard Singleton (Yakal Creatives), Offering (2025)

Queensland’s leading First Nations artists celebrated at CIAF 2025 Art Awards

Alick Tipoti, CIAF '25 Art Fair Showcase Booth. Photograph: Lewis James Media.

Torres Strait Islander artist Alick Tipoti to headline Cultural Art Demonstrations

KU’ AAK PAAMP 2024 (bigger sculpture); and KU’ PAAMP MANY 2024 (smaller sculpture) Milkwood (Alstonia achtinophylla w/w/ochre pigment & PVA fixative by Lex Namponan. Photo by Michael Marzik.

CIAF 2025 opens powerful new season of truth, talent, and transformation

Tania Major and Noleen Cecil, New Ghost, 2024, Acrylic on Canvas.

Final program unveiled ahead of 16th edition