“CIAF is a transformative cultural movement that is rooted in truth, talent and tradition”
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will return to its spiritual home at the Tanks Arts Centre this week for what promises to be its most dynamic, inclusive, and thought-provoking program to date.
- CIAF 2025 returns to its spiritual home at the Tanks Arts Centre and Collins Avenue promenade from 11–13 July (free public program).
- The Opening Night on Thursday 10 July is an exclusive preview, marking the curatorial debut of Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn.
- Four-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture, performance, and storytelling.
- Over 400 artists, performers and presenters featured across visual and performing arts, fashion, music, workshops, and talks.
- Available at key locations throughout the city and region, the new-look printed fold-out Festival Planner featuring maps, daily events, and key highlights.
- Tickets available at CIAF Ticketing Hub
Set against the lush backdrop of Gimuy/Cairns’ Botanical Gardens precinct, the 16th edition of CIAF (10–13 July 2025) will transform Tanks 3, 4, and 5, rainforest surrounds, and the Collins Avenue promenade into a vibrant cultural precinct of truth-telling, talent and transformation.
This year’s program marks the curatorial debut of Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn, who draws on his deep experience as an acclaimed artist, curator, and one of CIAF’s legacy exhibitors to present a program that is both quintessentially Queensland and powerfully representative of the distinct cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Inspired by Tony Albert’s 2011 work, Pay Attention! calls on audiences, artists, and institutions to reckon with history, honour legacy, and help shape a more equitable future.
“CIAF is more than an art fair—it’s a movement,” Ropeyarn said.
“Pay Attention! is both a creative and cultural call to remain vigilant, honour our histories, and assert our presence as we shape the future.
“This year’s program is a joyful convergence of community and culture that brings together some of the most exciting voices in contemporary First Nations art,” Mr Ropeyarn said.
From dawn until dusk, the three repurposed World War II oil tanks within the verdant Tanks Arts Centre precinct and promenade will thrum with the culturally immersive, creative energy of over 400 artists, performers and presenters throughout four days of visual and performing arts, fashion, music, dance, food, workshops, talks, panel discussions.
Program Highlights Include:
- Opening Night | Thursday 10 July, 4.00 pm – 10.00 pm, Tanks Arts Centre Precinct
Welcome to Country, curated digital projections, cultural dance, live music, traditional food, and the official opening of the Art Fair and Artisans Showcase. Hosted by Sean Choolburra and Tania Major. - Art Fair Showcase | Tanks 3 & 4, Daily
Over 30 exhibitors, including art centres, commercial galleries, not-for-profits and independent artists. Extended hours on Saturday until 8.00 pm. - Artisans Showcase | Tanks Promenade, Daily
More than 30 First Nations artisans will present handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and fashion in two open-air pavilions. - Look & Listen Fashion Performances | Matinees: Thursday 10 July, Premieres: Friday 11 July, Tank 5
Four distinctive shows across two days, celebrating wearable art by leading and emerging First Nations designers. - CIAF Art Awards Ceremony | Friday 11 July, 11.30 am – 12.15 pm, Tank 5
Featuring the Premier’s Award for Excellence and People’s Choice Award (announced at the Closing Ceremony). - Mark Makers Talks Program | Friday to Sunday, Tank 5 and selected venues
Curated by Jack Wilkie-Jans with speakers including Dr Archie Moore, Dr Terri Janke, and Sebastian Goldspink. - Masterclasses | Daily, Botanical Gardens Visitors Centre
Hands-on workshops led by acclaimed artists such as Helena Loncaric, Samala Thakialee Cronin, Nephi Denham, Kerry Klimm and Matilda Nona. - Cultural Art Demonstrations | Friday to Sunday, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm, Fig Tree near Tank 4
Featuring live artmaking by master artist Alick Tipoti. - Cultural Practices Dance Program | Saturday 12 July, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm, Tank 5 & Precinct
Celebrating intergenerational storytelling and cultural identity through traditional and contemporary performance. - Closing Ceremony | Sunday 13 July, 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm, Tank 5
Featuring final dance performances, the People’s Choice Award presentation, and a cultural procession to conclude the festival.
CIAF Chair Bianca Beetson said the festival’s return to the city’s cultural precinct, Tanks Arts Centre, marks a significant moment of reflection and renewal.
“As we come full circle, returning to where it all began, we honour our past while embracing the next chapter. Pay Attention! is a powerful theme that invites deep listening, honest reflection, and bold artistic expression,” Ms Beetson said.
The complete CIAF '25 Program is now available, providing visitors with a comprehensive digital guide to this year’s events, exhibitions, and experiences.
A newly designed printed brochure—available at key locations throughout Gimuy/Cairns and the Far North—will serve as the ultimate festival planner, offering visitors an easy-to-use, fold-out daily itinerary that features maps, event times, and essential festival highlights in a compact A5 to A3 format.
Image (top): Pormpuraaw Art Centre, CIAF Art Fair Showcase. Photograph: Lovegreen Photography.