CIAF 2026 PROGRAM
DIGITAL PROGRAM
Welcome to the official CIAF 2026 Digital Program. From 9–12 July 2026, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) returns to Gimuy/Cairns, transforming venues and public spaces across the city into a vibrant celebration of First Nations art, fashion, performance, music and cultural exchange inspired by the 2026 theme, Reclamation & Regeneration.
The festival begins with the ticketed CIAF Opening Night on Thursday 9 July, a large-scale celebration marking the official launch of CIAF 2026. From Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July, the Free Public Program invites audiences to explore exhibitions, talks, masterclasses, live performances, fashion experiences and the renowned ethical art marketplace across the festival precincts.
Use this digital program to discover what's on, plan your visit and experience everything CIAF 2026 has to offer across Gimuy/Cairns.
Download the CIAF 2026 Program
Plan your CIAF experience with our official 2026 Program, your complete guide to four days of First Nations art, cultures and creativity. Discover the Free Public Program at the Tanks Arts Centre, featuring the Art Fair Showcase, Artisans Showcase, talks, masterclasses, live performances, cultural activations, children's experiences and more.
Part Two of the program showcases the CIAF Fashion Program at The Mill, including runway performances, designer profiles and the CIAF Fashion: Textile & Design Awards, celebrating the innovation and excellence of Queensland's First Nations fashion industry.
TICKETED EVENTS
Get tickets for CIAF Opening Night, Fashion Performances, Talks Program, Masterclasses and more below.
The Boy Who Found His Way Home (Theatre) - Tuesday 7 July - Tanks Arts Centre
CIAF 2026 FASHION PERFORMANCES - THURSDAY 9 & FRIDAY 10 JULY - THE MILL
CIAF 2026 OPENING NIGHT - THURSDAY 9 JULY - TANKS ARTS CENTRE
CIAF 2026 ON COUNTRY VIP PROGRAM WITH TONY ALBERT - FROM TUESDAY 7 JULY
CIAF Talks Program curated by Tania Major - Friday 10 - Sunday 12 July - Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre
CIAF Masterclass Series - Friday 10 - Sunday 12 July - Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre (BVGC)
FREE EVENTS
CIAF 2026 ART FAIR SHOWCASE EXHIBITORS - 9-12 JULY - Tank 3 & 4, TANKS ARTS CENTRE
CIAF 2026 ARTISANS SHOWCASE - 9-12 JULY - TANKS ARTS CENTRE Promenade
CIAF 2026 Art Awards Ceremony - 1pm – 2pm Friday 10 July | Tank 5, TANKS ARTS CENTRE
CIAF 2026 Fashion: Textile & Design Awards - 6.30pm Friday 10 July
CIAF 2026 Art Fair Showcase Guided Tours & Exhibitor Floortalks - Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July
FIRST NATIONS ELDERS LOUNGE - 10-12 JULY - Fig Tree (near Tank 4), TANKS ARTS CENTRE
CIAF KIDS x Púuna Playspace - 10-12 JULY - TANKS ARTS CENTRE PROMENADE
CIAF x QTouring: Gather Round - Friday 10 July 2026 - Tank 3 (VIP Area), Tanks Arts Centre
CIAF 2026 Closing Ceremony - Sunday 12 July - Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre
CITY-WIDE PROGRAM
Explore the City-Wide Program at participating galleries and activated spaces across Gimuy/Cairns.
Woven Together: Undivided We Rise - 18 May – 22 August 2026 - Courthouse Building
Brush: Women Painters - 27 June – 4 October 2026 - Public Curators Building
Spirits In The Ink - 6 June – 12 September 2026 - Mulgrave Building
Philomena Yeatman: Babim, Muudjum, Djanguul - 27 June – 22 August 2026 - Court House Building
Sam Harrison: Kin’O’Centrism - 27 June - 22 August 2026 - Court House Building |
navigator spirit ark: Arone Raymond Meeks - 2 May - 19 July 2026 - NorthSite Contemporary Arts
Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct wins inaugural Simone Arnol Textile Innovation Award
Napranum artist Marsha Hall awarded 2026 Thancoupie Bursary
Hope Vale artist Daisy Hamlot awarded CIAF Premier's Award for Excellence
Melbourne artist's Yarrabah residency leads to CIAF debut
Butterfly songline takes flight at CIAF 2026
CIAF 2026 invites audiences into an immersive First Nations gaming experience by acclaimed artist Ryan Presley
CIAF launches new digital truth-telling initiative for First Nations creatives
CIAF 2026 announces Torres Strait Islander participation in TSRA-supported program
From Taiwan to Tropical North Queensland: CIAF Fashion Curator explores Indigenous textile traditions and contemporary fashion ahead of international exchange at CIAF 2026
CIAF 2026 invites audiences beyond the exhibition floor with an immersive talks and masterclasses program
CIAF 2026 to present Torres Strait theatre work The Boy Who Found His Way Home
