Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has issued a Queensland-wide call to First Nations artists and craftspeople to showcase their wares to thousands of visitors at this year’s Tanks Arts Centre-based Artisans Showcase between 10 and 13 July 2025.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has issued a Queensland-wide call to First Nations artists and craftspeople to showcase their culture and wares to thousands of visitors at this year’s Tanks Arts Centre-based Artisans Showcase between 10 and 13 July 2025.
Set within the botanic surrounds of the event’s new Tanks Arts Centre hub, the Artisans Showcase, one of CIAF’s much-loved program highlights, will provide a welcoming and inspiring marketplace featuring a new and diverse range of authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts at various price points, from meaningful gifts to artefacts and collectibles.
CIAF’s Artistic Director, Teho Ropeyarn, said that while the art market is traditionally one of the most popular and visited attractions of the annual event, it has been rebranded Artisans Showcase to better reflect the organisation’s commitment to showcasing authentic, high-quality artwork and craftsmanship.
“Importantly, the Artisans Showcase will provide an inclusive, ethical platform to present and sell a diverse and culturally rich range of arts and crafts celebrating the heritage, traditional techniques, and creative expressions of Queensland’s First Nations communities,” said Mr Ropeyarn.
CIAF will span four days between Thursday, 10, and Sunday, 13, 2025 and will feature the work of approximately 300 visual artists and 100 performers across a multifaceted program of mostly free and family-friendly events.
Highlights include this year’s Pay Attention! themed art fair, Look & Listen fashion performances, The Artisans Showcase, Eat Street, music, cultural dance and demonstrations, Masterclasses, CIAF Talks (with keynote speakers and panel discussions) and more.
CIAF is a platform for independent artists, galleries, art centres, and market stallholders. It is one of Queensland’s most significant cultural events, with a far-reaching social and economic impact.
Queensland’s First Nations artisans are invited to apply between now and 30 April 2025.
Click below to submit an EOI.
Images: 1. Lisa Michl (Ko-manggen). 2. Teho Ropeyarn, CIAF Artistic Director.