The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Teho Ropeyarn as Artistic Director, effective, 3 February 2025.
Mr Ropeyarn, who has served as CIAF’s Acting Artistic Director since October 2024 and prior, as the curatorial associate, brings extensive expertise, creativity, and a deeply rooted passion for First Nations art and culture to the role.
CIAF CEO Dennis Stokes welcomed the appointment, emphasising its significance for the organisation’s future.
“Artistic Director is a significant and visionary role that is pivotal to the event’s positioning within and across Australia’s First Nations arts and cultural scape, programming, and ultimately, success,” Mr Stokes said.
“Teho is highly regarded among the creative arts industry and the community, who respect his artistic endeavour and are inspired by his leadership. His innovative approach and commitment to elevating First Nations art and culture will take CIAF to the next level.”
Born in Kalkatungu Country/Mt Isa and raised in Injinoo, Cape York Peninsula, Mr. Ropeyarn holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales. With over a decade of experience in curatorial and leadership roles, he has collaborated with more than 100 artists and produced over 30 exhibitions, including the acclaimed Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey: Stories of this Land and Big Sculpture, CIAF’s first major touring project.
As an accomplished artist, Mr. Ropeyarn’s works have been showcased nationally and internationally, including the 23rd Biennale of Sydney, Nuit Blanche in Canada, and the Queen Sonja Print Award in Norway. His artworks are part of significant collections, such as the National Gallery of Australia and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Ropeyarn said, “I am honoured to officially take on the role of Artistic Director at CIAF. This platform is about showcasing incredible art, sparking conversations, and creating opportunities that empower First Nations artists and communities. I look forward to continuing this journey and sharing our vibrant stories with Queensland, Australia, and the world.”
Mr Ropeyarn’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for CIAF as it continues its mission of promoting the diverse voices and stories of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Following the announcement last month of CIAF’s new event hub at Tanks Arts Centre in the botanical gardens environmental and cultural precinct of Gimuy/Cairns for its much-anticipated 16th iteration, the organisation is well placed to build on its reputation as Queensland’s largest and most culturally immersive event.
Taking a cue from this year’s theme, Pay Attention! CIAF 2025 will be held from Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13. It will present a multidimensional program of mostly free events combining art, performance, music, and culture to captivate audiences and generate significant social, cultural, and economic benefits for Gimuy/Cairns and Far North Queensland.
CIAF’s 2025 program and highlights will be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned on social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram for updates.