News

Providing a digital platform for deep community engagement, cultural sharing, and economic opportunity

In unveiling its 2020 program of events today that will utilise an innovative, online format, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair has invited the world to attend its annual showcase of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) unveiled its locally produced theme song and program dates today after announcing last month its 2020 event will go ahead using an innovative, digital platform.

CIAF 2020 – The Cultural Evolution will be officially rolled out through a series of live stream presentations, performances, webinars, workshops, community spotlights, virtual gallery exhibitions and conversations from Friday 14 August to Sunday 23 August 2020.  

Friday 17 April 2020. The annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will continue to support Queensland artists and communities by exploring a new and interactive, digital festival platform.

CIAF Chair Tom Mosby said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Queensland are recognised for outstanding works that respect cultural traditions while using imagination to counter contemporary contexts.

“Doing things in a different way is nothing new to our artists!

This week Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s longest serving staff member, Wanda Weatherall notched up a decade of service to the organisation now regarded Australia’s premier art fair and Queensland’s quintessential showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

CIAF’s Artistic Director Janina Harding praised Wanda for her commitment to CIAF and long service and said it was sad the team could not celebrate her dedication in person during this period of social distancing and working from home.

The Board of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has announced the appointment of Mr Darrell Harris to the position of General Manager. 

Mr Harris, an experienced and respected practitioner committed to lifting the profile of Queensland’s Indigenous arts and culture, will lead CIAF into a new decade when he commences with the organisation this week.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and Cairns Airport are seeking creative submissions from Queensland’s Indigenous artists to have their artworks featured prominently within the Airport’s newly redeveloped T2 Domestic Terminal.

Following this year’s watershed, 10th anniversary celebration, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will return in July 2020 with a contemporary focus that looks to the environment and its preservation from a First Peoples’ point of view.

While record art sales and visitor numbers are key yardsticks achieved by Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) in its 10 year, it is a series of qualitative outcomes that define success and sustainability for Queensland’s quintessential First Peoples’ cultural event.

Sunshine filled days and a diverse, predominantly free program abounding in highpoints, drew community and visitors together in their thousands to immerse themselves in an intergenerational, cultural exchange underpinned by this year’s themes of traditional language and storytelling.