CIAF 2026 announces Torres Strait Islander participation in TSRA-supported program

The collaborative initiative provides a pathway to presentation platforms within the CIAF Art Fair Showcase and the Artisans Showcase, with all major costs covered, including booth fees, freight, flights, accommodation, and on-site support. By removing logistical barriers, the program enables artists to focus on creating and sharing their work.

CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn said the partnership with TSRA plays a vital role in ensuring strong representation of artists from Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait.

“Zenadth Kes cultural practice brings a distinct visual language and creative depth that is integral to CIAF,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

“Through this partnership, we are able to support artists to share their work on a national stage, strengthening cultural continuity and ensuring these voices remain central to the story of CIAF,” he said.

Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson (TSRA) Mr George Nona said the longstanding partnership with CIAF ensures representation and participation of the Torres Strait region at the nationally acclaimed event.

“Artists creating works in Torres Strait face a variety of challenges, the main being exposure due to the remote nature of the region,” Mr Nona said.

“TSRA is committed to reducing these barriers and offering more opportunities for our artists to make connections, showcase their works and build their experience and portfolio.

“With their unique styles, Jimi.K Thaiday and Vicki Newie are both inspiring artists and TSRA is proud to support them at CIAF this year.”

Jimi.K Thaiday – Art Fair Showcase

Jimi.K Thaiday is a proud Peiudu man from Erub (Darnley Island) in Zenadth Kes, with cultural ties to the Peiudu tribe. His totems are the Waumer (frigate bird) and the Dabor (mackerel), which reflect his deep connection to sea Country.

Working across ghost net weaving, ceramics and printmaking, Thaiday’s practice is shaped by his heritage, environment, and the cultural knowledge passed through generations. His work carries these influences forward, connecting past and present through evolving techniques and storytelling grounded in lived experience.

Thaiday’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is held in major collections including the British Museum, London; the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; and the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève (MEG), Switzerland.

Vicki Newie – Artisans Showcase & Masterclass

Vicki Marie Newie is a Torres Strait Islander artist from the Zagareb and Gebaralgal tribes, with totems Serar, Bidhu and Goeynaw. She is originally from St Paul’s Community on Moa Island.

A self-taught artist since 2004, Newie creates a diverse range of handcrafted works including shell jewellery, wind chimes, hair combs, textiles and painted pieces. Working with materials such as shells, kulaps (Bernie beans) and beads, she produces one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect her culture and personal story.

Her practice is driven by a passion for creating and sharing, with each work embodying both cultural expression and contemporary creativity.

MASTERCLASS TICKETS

A national platform that catapults First Nations artists into new markets, audiences and opportunities

CIAF and TSRA are also supporting additional artist placements for CIAF 2026, including Argun woman Matilda Nona (Badu Island), whose practice fuses printmaking with traditional ink-making using organic elements from her homeland, and Wagadagam man Thomas (Connie) Pedro (Wug Village, Moa Island), known for the intricate craftsmanship of traditional dhoeri headdresses and recipient of the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award.

The TSRA-supported placements reflect CIAF’s ongoing commitment to elevating Zenadth Kes artists within the national arts landscape, aligned with the 2026 theme Reclamation & Regeneration.

Spanning visual art, craftsmanship and cultural practice, the Art Fair and Artisans Showcases provide a platform for artists at all career stages to connect with collectors, curators and audiences from across Australia and beyond when CIAF returns to Gimuy/Cairns from 9–12 July 2026.

CIAF Ambassador Program announces TSRA Ambassador and artist Tari Sagigi

Tari Sagigi has joined the 2026 CIAF Ambassador Program as the recipient of a TSRA-supported bursary for emerging digital storytellers from Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait.

The program provides mentorship, skills development and content creation opportunities, with guidance from CIAF Lead Ambassador Talicia Minniecon (Mob Made Media & Communications).

With family connections to the Kulkalgal Nation, the Kaurareg Tribe, Naghilgal, and Samoa, Ms Sagigi is an artist, photographer, and small business owner based on Waiben (Thursday Island). A founding member of the Wei'num Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Crafts Corporation in Weipa, she is passionate about storytelling, community leadership and inspiring Torres Strait women through health, fitness and creative practice.

Through the CIAF Ambassador Program, Ms Sagigi will share stories and perspectives from Zenadth Kes with audiences across Queensland and beyond.