Thancoupie Bursary Fund returns for 14th year, celebrating legacy and launching 2025 CIAF with spirit and purpose

In the tranquil garden surrounds of the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, home to Thancoupie’s monumental bronze sculpture, "The Lovers, The Sun and the Moon”, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will commence its 2025 program with the annual and much-loved Thancoupie Bursary Fund (TBF) breakfast, taking place from 8:00 am to 9:30 am on Thursday, 10 July.

Now in its 14th year, the annual event honours the legacy of Dr. Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher AO, a trailblazing Thaynakwith elder, celebrated ceramicist, cultural leader, and language warrior, through the presentation of an up to $5,000 bursary to a young Aboriginal artist or arts collective from Western Cape York Peninsula.

The bursary was established in 2011 as Thancoupie’s final wish to support emerging artists and arts workers from her region, encouraging them to pursue creative and professional development opportunities beyond their communities while strengthening their cultural identity and pride.

TBF Co-Chair Paul Matthews said the event is a “deeply meaningful” opening to CIAF’s program, uniting collectors, curators, family, friends, and supporters in remembrance and renewal.

“Thancoupie’s vision was always one of empowerment—of creating pathways for young people to thrive culturally, creatively, and professionally. The Bursary carries that vision forward each year, and this gathering reminds us of her enduring impact,” Mr Matthews said.

The 2025 TBF recipient will be announced at the breakfast gathering, joining the esteemed ranks of past winners including Paul Bong, Natasha Davui, Zane Saunders, Vincent Babia, and Pormpuraaw Arts.

The Fund will also feature a booth in the CIAF Art Market at Tanks Arts Centre (10 to 13 July), where a special silent auction will showcase donated works from notable artists, including the late Arone Meeks as well as Margaret Mara, Zane Saunders, Paul Bong, and a selection of rare Thancoupie prints. All proceeds support the ongoing sustainability of the Fund.

Mr. Matthews warmly invites festivalgoers to visit the TBF booth during the Fair and place bids on exclusive works, contributing to the future of First Nations art.