News

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.

CIAF is thrilled to announce singer-songwriter, Naomi Wenitong as our offical CIAF Ambassador for 2021.

Naomi is a proud Kubi Kubi woman who now calls Cairns home. You will know her from Shakaya and The Last Kinection – not to mention her solo work as a performer. Her inspirational work across the community as a youth leader, coupled with her musical talents, pits her as the perfect person to be the face of CIAF for this year.

Each year the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) hosts the CIAF Art Awards. All artists featured in the curated Art Fair are eligible for the awards, which reflect the vibrancy of Indigenous art from Queensland. 

CIAF wishes to congratulate the following winners, in the following categories, and thank the awards sponsors:

The dates for this year's fair: 17 - 22 August.

Providing a digital platform for deep community engagement, cultural sharing, and economic opportunity

In unveiling its 2020 program of events today that will utilise an innovative, online format, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair has invited the world to attend its annual showcase of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) unveiled its locally produced theme song and program dates today after announcing last month its 2020 event will go ahead using an innovative, digital platform.

CIAF 2020 – The Cultural Evolution will be officially rolled out through a series of live stream presentations, performances, webinars, workshops, community spotlights, virtual gallery exhibitions and conversations from Friday 14 August to Sunday 23 August 2020.  

Friday 17 April 2020. The annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will continue to support Queensland artists and communities by exploring a new and interactive, digital festival platform.

CIAF Chair Tom Mosby said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Queensland are recognised for outstanding works that respect cultural traditions while using imagination to counter contemporary contexts.

“Doing things in a different way is nothing new to our artists!

This week Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s longest serving staff member, Wanda Weatherall notched up a decade of service to the organisation now regarded Australia’s premier art fair and Queensland’s quintessential showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

CIAF’s Artistic Director Janina Harding praised Wanda for her commitment to CIAF and long service and said it was sad the team could not celebrate her dedication in person during this period of social distancing and working from home.