We wish to advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers that this website may contain images and voices of people who are deceased. Care and discretion is advised when accessing the content within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
Open or close the naviagtion menu
Open or close the Search
Joel Sam, Wamaladi Mawa, 2023, Mixed Media Sculpture at CIAF Art Fair Showcase, 2024.

CIAF '25 OPENING NIGHT

4 pm – 10 pm THURSDAY 10 JULY 2025 | Tanks Arts Centre Precinct | Ticketed Event

The 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair – Pay Attention! will commence with a spectacular Opening Night celebration across the entire Tanks Arts Centre precinct, featuring the Welcome to Country, vibrant cultural dances, live music performances, thought-provoking art installations, digital projections, and a curated eat street offering delectable food.

Opening Night provides an exclusive preview of the CIAF Art Fair Showcase and Artisans Showcase before we open to the general public on 11-13 July 2025. Attendees will be the first to Pay Attention! to the works of over 30 exhibitors, art centres, commercial galleries, and independent artists in Tanks 3 and 4 and over 48 artisans across two pavilions along the Tanks promenade. Tank 3 and 4 will open at 4pm and Tank 5 will open at 5:30pm.

The official proceedings will run from 6pm - 7pm guided by Queensland icons Sean Choolburra, and Tania Major as co-masters of ceremony. 

This year’s Art Fair embraces the compelling theme Pay Attention! and presents an array of artworks inspired by this powerful call to action.

BUY TICKETS

Image: Joel Sam, Wamaladi Mawa, 2023, Mixed Media Sculpture at CIAF Art Fair Showcase, 2024. Photograph: Blueclick Photography.