News | CIAF

For our latest stories and updates, click the button below and sign up to our eNews!

NorthSite technician, artist Sam Tupou guides resident artist Rachel Bywaters through the printing process at NorthSite Studios this week in Gimuy/Cairns. Photo by Pandemonium Films.

Nine First Nations artists selected for BLAK Camp 2026 residency

Naygayiw Gigi Dance Troupe

CIAF 2026 launches Reclamation & Regeneration with all-star Opening Night and tickets now on sale

Torres Strait Island artist Toby Cedar’s crafted canoe has been suspended from a ceiling in Cairns Airport. Pictured: (standing) Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker, Diane Ambrym, artist Toby Cedar, Kathy Lakatos, Florince Williams, Alfred Gray, architect Angela Spillane; (front) Andre Duffin, Farron Duffin, Georgina Hobbler, Andrew Duffin, Richard Bing. Photo: Bang Media.

CIAF’s On Country Program underpins major public acquisitions as Children’s Health Queensland unveils new First Nations exhibition

Troy Casey & Amanda Hayman

CIAF secures $70,000 First Nations Commissioning Fund to deliver major artwork for 2026

Tarquin Singleton (Artist, Red Ochre Republic) & Teho Ropeyarn (Artistic Director, CIAF) at the launch of the 2026 Hero Artwork. Photograph: Catherine Curnow.

CIAF brings curatorial theme to life with hero artwork animation

Tanks Arts Centre. 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