News

It is with great sadness that the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) wishes to advise of the passing of Arone Meeks.

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has forged a unique partnership with one of the world’s leading luxury tour operators to drive recovery in the region's tourism industry.

Abercrombie & Kent AU have released an exclusive, six-day itinerary for discerning travellers offering a series of culturally focused, money-can’t-buy experiences.

The Insider’s Cairns: An Indigenous Art Immersion package includes:

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) wishes to pay our respects to Dr. Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher James AO, as April 23 marked the 10th anniversary of her passing.

Thancoupie is Australia’s pre-eminent ceramicist – having represented Australia at the highest level internationally throughout her long and distinguished career. A Queensland Great, she remains a beloved cultural icon to many. In 2009, Thancoupie agreed to become CIAF’s first co-patron, alongside former Governor of Queensland, The Hon. Dr. Penelope Wensley AC. As an organisation we still carry her spirit with us.

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2021 is proud to announce ACCOR as one of our accommodation partners.

Pullman Cairns International and Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort are offering CIAF attendees 15% off rooms when you mention "CIAF" when booking.

Our dates are 17-22 August, we look forward to seeing you then!

#CIAF2021 #ExploreTNQ #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia

Where are you from and who’s your mob?

Catherine: My maternal family ancestors are from Saibai, with links to Cape York. Our family moved to Mutee Head and Bamaga at the time of my Great-Great Grandfather. We also have PNG heritage through my Great-Great Grandfather. My clan group is Khodal (or crocodile) clan from Grandfather’s side, my Grandmother’s side shares the Emu totem.  

CIAF’s commitment to artistic excellence is expanding, focusing on the careers of those in the arts industry who work behind the scenes. We are happy to introduce our new trainees under The Evolution Project: Catherine, Ebony and Luke (L-R).

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is back in 2021!

Join us in celebrating the vibrant Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures of Queensland, in tropical Cairns.

Save the dates (17-22 August). Program Launch and ticket sales commence on June 4. Satellite events commence on 17 August, with the Opening Night on 19 August; Art Fair and Art Market (and other CIAF events) open throughout the weekend. 

#CIAF2021 #ThisIsQueensland #ExploreTNQ

Since its inception 12 years ago, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has been a platform for establishing and supporting the careers of countless artists and performers. Furthermore, the Art Fair injects millions of dollars into the local and state-wide economies annually. CIAF’s commitment to artistic excellence is expanding, focusing on the careers of those in the arts industry, who work behind the scenes.