CIAF 2026 Inaugural Textile & Design Awards

Luke is a descendant of the Kuku Yalanji and Djabugay peoples, the Mununjali Clan of South East QLD, the Butchulla clan of K’gari and the Meriam people of the Eastern Torres Straits Islands. He aspires to be a role model for young people both Indigenous and non-Indigenous to show them they can be and do all things. 

Luke began storytelling in 2000 learning and performing traditional dance with Gerib Sik Torres Strait Islander Dance Group with his family in Canberra. His first introduction to contemporary arts came as a member of the youth dance ensemble QL2 in their 2007 production Unspeakable. Today, he is a dancer, photographer, writer, performer and actor (among other things!). 

Elverina Johnson is a highly respected Gungganji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji artist from Yarrabah (Far North Queensland). With over 30 years of experience in the arts industry, Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, fashion as well as music and performing arts. Having worked with youth and Elders over the years to promote cultural respect and integrity, Elverina Johnson’s practice expresses a deep and innate understanding of Country that honours the traditions and stories belonging to her culture and ancestral homelands.