CIAF brings curatorial theme to life with hero artwork animation

Produced by Red Ochre Republic artists Tarquin Singleton, Sheree Jacobs and Leigh Harris, the immersive animation transforms CIAF’s annual hero artwork into a vivid storytelling experience. Serving as both the central branding motif and a large-scale projection, the work explores remembrance, renewal and cultural strength — reclaiming language, identity and spirit through contemporary visual art.

The animation marks the beginning of CIAF’s 2026 season. It sets the tone for its major new commissioning project, Resonance, delivered in partnership with Troy Casey and Amanda Hayman of Brisbane-based creative agency Blaklash and supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s First Nations Commissioning Fund ($70,000).

CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn said the project embodies the organisation’s forward momentum and commitment to amplifying First Nations voices through collaboration and innovation.

“This animation is a powerful expression of reclamation — it honours cultural survival, creative resurgence and the connection our artists maintain with Country,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

“Working with Red Ochre Republic, we’ve translated this year’s theme into something that moves and breathes; it is both a tribute to our ancestors and a vision for future generations of storytellers,” he said.

Following its record-breaking 2025 season, which drew nearly 15,000 visitors and generated more than $700,000 in art sales, CIAF continues to strengthen its role as a national leader in First Nations cultural celebration. The 2026 event, themed Reclamation & Regeneration, will be presented at the Tanks Arts Centre in Cairns from 9–12 July 2026.

Artwork (top): CIAF’s 2025 Hero Artwork Animation was created in collaboration with Red Ochre Republic by Indigenous designers Tarquin Singleton and Sheree Jacobs. Narrated by CIAF Artistic Director, Teho Ropeyarn and commissioned by CIAF. Soundscape mix by Red Ochre Republic with samples from Moses Warusam. | Image: Tarquin Singleton (Artist, Red Ochre Republic) & Teho Ropeyarn (Artistic Director, CIAF) at the launch of the 2026 Hero Artwork. Photograph: Catherine Curnow.