CIAF 2026 invites audiences beyond the exhibition floor with an immersive talks and masterclasses program

Presented from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July at the Tanks Arts Centre on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country, the program forms part of CIAF’s 2026 theme, Reclamation & Regeneration, which explores the renewal of cultural practice, storytelling, identity, and artistic expression through contemporary First Nations perspectives.

From traditional weaving and shell adornment to contemporary jewellery-making, and from Paiwan needlework to keynote conversations and panel discussions with leading Indigenous creatives, the curated program offers audiences rare opportunities to learn directly from artists while engaging with the ideas shaping contemporary First Nations art and culture.

According to CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn, the 2026 program reflects CIAF’s commitment to creating spaces for deeper cultural exchange, truth-telling, and creative dialogue.

“CIAF’s Talks and Masterclasses Program allows audiences to immerse themselves in the stories and participatory cultural practices shared by artists,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

“These experiences go beyond demonstration, exploring identity, celebrating innovation and creating opportunities for genuine cultural connection and art making.”

CIAF 2026 Talks and Masterclasses Highlights include:

Archibald Prize-winning artist Blak Douglas is making his Cairns debut with the keynote Blak Portraits and the Archibald Prize, offering insight into his celebrated practice and journey as one of Australia’s most influential contemporary First Nations artists.

• A keynote presentation by multidisciplinary artist Luke Currie-Richardson exploring identity, storytelling and navigating artistic practice between cultures and communities.
• Gungganji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji artist Elverina Johnson will present the keynote Reclaiming our Narratives through Regeneration of our Storytelling, reflecting on storytelling, cultural survival and creative self-determination across music, painting, photography, theatre and fashion.
• International cultural exchange through Taiwanese Indigenous artist Sigesile Kalidoai’s masterclass Needlework of the Ancestors/Paiwan Designs for Today, sharing contemporary interpretations of traditional Paiwan textile practices.
• Hands-on workshops in jewellery-making, weaving and adornment led by artists Sabrina Toby, Carly Wallace and Vicki Newie, each grounded in cultural knowledge, sustainability and connection to materials and place.

The three-day CIAF Mark Makers Talks Program, curated and facilitated by Kokoberra woman and cultural leader Tania Major, brings together artists, curators, writers, and cultural leaders for keynote conversations and panel discussions exploring contemporary Indigenous artmaking, collecting, cultural leadership, artistic authenticity, and truth-telling.

“The Mark Makers Talks Program creates space for meaningful conversations that explore not only artistic practice, but the stories, experiences and cultural perspectives shaping contemporary Indigenous art today,” Ms Major said.

“These discussions invite audiences to engage more deeply with the artists, ideas and lived experiences driving creative practice across communities and generations.”

All CIAF Mark Makers Talks and Masterclasses are ticketed, with places limited. To find out more, tickets and full program details are available below. 

TALKS PROGRAM   MASTERCLASSES

In addition to the ticketed talks, CIAF 2026 will present a series of free daily panel discussions exploring digital storytelling, cultural leadership, artistic practice, and truth-telling through conversations with artists, creatives, curators, and emerging First Nations communicators.

Highlights include Digital Truth-Telling: Reclamation of Our Remembering, featuring Talicia Minniecon and fellow alumni from the inaugural CIAF x Mob Made Media & Communications Agency Ambassador Program, who discuss the growing role of culturally grounded digital storytelling and First Nations narrative authority.