CIAF 2026 delivers a double boost to the regional economy and cultural understanding

In its annual evaluation commissioned by Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ), event impact consultancy IER found that the four-day celebration of Queensland’s First Nations arts and cultures generated $11.06 million in gross expenditure stimulus, including spending by local residents, visitors and the event organiser, up 78.5 per cent from $6.20 million in 2025.

Held from 9–12 July at the Tanks Arts Centre precinct and satellite venues across the Cairns and Far North Queensland region, CIAF recorded 32,300 attendances by 23,533 individual attendees. Attendances increased 116.6 per cent, while individual attendees rose 184.4 per cent.

Direct and incremental expenditure attributable to the region increased from $4.46 million to $8.49 million. The corresponding Queensland contribution rose by 96 per cent, from $4.66 million to $9.14 million.

The fair generated 27,733 visitor nights, up 188.8 per cent on 9,604 in 2025. Overnight visitor expenditure increased by 146.5 per cent to $7.05 million. See the comparison table below for CIAF’s 2025 and 2026 economic and visitor results.

CIAF Chair Dr Bianca Beetson AM welcomed the substantial growth as an achievement for the First Nations-led event and the communities and businesses it supports.

“For a not-for-profit organisation with a small, hardworking team, this is an impressive result and a credit to the artists, art centres, volunteers, donors and partners who bring CIAF to life.

“The benefits extend well beyond the fair, reaching local businesses and deepening appreciation of Queensland First Nations arts and cultures,” said Dr Beetson.

The evaluation also highlights CIAF’s cultural and social value. Among survey respondents, 91 per cent agreed the event had deepened their appreciation of First Nations arts and cultures, and 93 per cent agreed it had encouraged them to engage with First Nations arts and cultural experiences.

“The economic contribution matters, but so does what people take away from meeting artists, hearing their stories and experiencing Queensland’s First Nations arts and cultures. It is encouraging to see that reflected so strongly in the audience feedback.”

Written feedback highlighted direct engagement with artists, cultural learning, reconnecting with family and community, and the atmosphere at Tanks Arts Centre. Visitors also commended CIAF’s Fashion Performances at The Mill on Yirrygandji Country in Stratford.

CIAF Chief Executive Officer Shavi Kanagaratnam said that returning to Tanks Arts Centre in 2025 reconnected the fair with its birthplace and with a setting that suited its creative, community spirit.

“CIAF began at Tanks in 2009, and its heritage spaces and open-air tropical surrounds are part of what makes the experience special. People can explore the art, meet artists and enjoy the program at their own pace, with room to relax and stay awhile.

“Returning to Tanks has helped strengthen the fair, and the positive outcomes we are seeing give us confidence to build on that foundation for 2027 and beyond,” Mr Kanagaratnam said.

The evaluation was conducted by IER. The consultancy specialises in measuring the impacts of major events and assessing the social and economic importance of the sport, cultural and entertainment sectors.

CIAF is strengthening its international industry connections, building on its engagement with galleries, collectors and curators at Art Central Hong Kong earlier this year and the participation of Queensland First Nations fashion designers Nicole Enoch-Chatfield and Delvene Cockatoo-Collins in Indigenous New York Fashion Week (INYFW) in September.

To help turn these and other international connections into further opportunities, CIAF has launched its Blue Highway campaign, which aims to raise $15,000 in 12 hours on Thursday, 22 October, during AusArt Day, Australia’s national day of giving to the arts.

Donations will support travel, freight and presentation costs for Queensland First Nations artists and their work, including opportunities being developed around Art Central Hong Kong in March 2027. To contribute, visit www.ciaf.com.au/donate.

CIAF 2027 will be held from 8–11 July at the Tanks Arts Centre precinct and satellite venues across the region.