CIAF

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CIAF 2025.

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

CIAF acknowledges the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Peoples of the Gimuy/Cairns region and extend our respects to the surrounding Cairns nations of Djabugay, Yirrganydji and Gunnggandji Peoples. We pay our respects to your elders past and present, your leaders and your continuing connection to the lands.

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

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

Projection Art by Cathy Snow. CIAF 2025 After Dark Program. 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

Dylan Sarra, 2025. Photograph: Louis Lim.

Carved in cedar, scarred by fire: Dylan Sarra’s powerful homage to resistance and Country to debut at CIAF '25

Kelly Barclay, STAMPEDE.

From the Gulf Country cattle stations to CIAF '25: Kelly Barclay’s buffalo skulls carry stories of survival and strength

CIAF '25 Merchandise by Libby Harward. Models: Catherine Curnow & Wanda Weatherall. Photograph: Rikaela Rusch.

Artist Libby Harward revealed designer of official CIAF '25 merch

Thancoupie Tribute – A legacy of Cultural Power was a highlight of CIAF 2019 at Tanks Arts Centre

Thancoupie Bursary Fund returns for 14th year, celebrating legacy and launching 2025 CIAF with spirit and purpose

Uncle Ken Thaiday Snr and his son Paul Thaiday unearthed wonderful objects of art from past years at the artist’s storage space in Portsmith.

Legacy of Torres Strait artist Dr Ken Thaiday Snr lives on through father-son collaboration at CIAF '25