Cairns hosts Queensland’s biggest-ever celebration of First Nations arts and culture with the 15th anniversary edition of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
The 15th-anniversary edition of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) wrapped on Sunday afternoon with cultural dance displays and a last-minute rush of art sales following a stunning four-day festival celebrating the dynamic arts and culture movement of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Taking a cue from the 2024 theme, Country Speaking, CIAF’s multi-arts program, replete with visual art exhibitions, cultural dance, fashion performances, a two-day symposium, masterclasses, workshops, music and more, attracted visitors from near and far its biggest cultural immersion to date.
Rounding out CIAF’s $60,000 awards cache during Sunday’s closing ceremony was the announcement that Kowanyama artist Tania Major had won the 3-D Installation and Sculpture Award sponsored by Ports North ($5,000), Yarrabah artist Salome Yeatman had won The University of Sydney’s Emerging Artist (Acquisitive) Award ($5,000) with Cairns based duo Simone Arnol and Bernard Singleton winning the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s People’s Choice Award ($5,000).
These winners add to the honour roll of three major awards announced at the opening event on Thursday, 25 July; Saibai artist Joel Sam secured the Queensland Government’s Premier’s Award for Excellence ($25,000), Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct won Cairns Regional Council’s Art Centre Award ($10,000) and Holding Redlich’s Innovation Award ($10,000) went to Badu Island artist, Matilda Nona.
Among the 30-plus events in CIAF’s program, there were many highlights, including ever-popular fashion performances of Country Speaking ‘Light the Fire’ at Tanks Art Centre, which showcased 12 designer collections and 16 models, jam-packed Masterclasses, and strong attendance across the weekend at satellite exhibitions. At the same time, Opening Night, the two-day Symposium, and Music at Tanks featuring Simone Stacey and headliner BARKAA also boasted impressive ticket sales.
Between Thursday’s opening night event and Sunday’s closing ceremony, CIAF’s event headquarters and hub, the Cairns Convention Centre, notably including the Art Fair and Art Market, generated strong attendance and interest in the 700-plus works of art, many of which were acquired by collectors and institutions from across Australia and overseas.
According to CIAF Artistic Director Francoise Lane, from start to finish, CIAF 2024 proved an increasingly strong appetite for immersive First Nations arts and culture experiences and visitors' intent to learn from and engage with artists.
“I feel completely humbled to have worked with the team and so many wonderful artists and practitioners to deliver our 15th-anniversary program, my second as the Artistic Director.
“This year was a celebration of CIAF’s remarkable evolution, growth, and impact in elevating the recognition and value of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture nationally and internationally. We also acknowledge our incredible sponsors, partners, and Government support, which makes our event possible.
“CIAF is such a powerful platform for storytelling, truth-telling, knowledge sharing, and an inclusive meeting place for cultural exchange between two distinct and diverse cultures—past, present, and future.
“I am proud that in 2024, we lifted the artistic and public programming to another new and unprecedented level. While capturing visitors' attention and imaginations, we have provided a truly authentic and meaningful experience and a platform where Country was heard,” Ms Lane said.
CIAF’s CEO Dennis Stokes said CIAF’s 15th-anniversary edition has ended with many artworks sold, cultural performances, music, fashion and friendships renewed and made during the 4 days.
“This year’s event saw the largest collection of artworks ever displayed at CIAF and looks to grow again in 2025. Crowds were strong, as was the quality of work, which really highlighted the rich, culturally diverse First Nations art of Far North Queensland.
“Added to this, many exciting initiatives took place in 2024 with a large international delegation organised by TIQ who came from China, Germany and the UK, and a strong On Country/Collectors + Curators program providing a raft of opportunities for artists,” Mr Stokes said.
Mr Stokes also applauded the timing coinciding with CIAF, with the city of Cairns playing host to the annual Arts and Cultural Ministers meeting, led by The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for the Arts, and attended by State and Territory Arts Ministers, including The Hon. Leeanne Enoch, Minister for the Arts and Treaty in QLD.
“Seeing them at CIAF and enjoying the art and programs was great.
“The CEO, the CIAF Board, staff and the CIAF Co-Patron Ms Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie AM are committed to bringing you a bigger and brighter festival in 2025 and look foward to your support in the coming years,” he said.
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