News

The partnership between Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Skytrans is another step closer to materialising in a new uniform design for the regional airline after announcing the winner of its inaugural art prize.

Rockhampton artist Annie Abednego Gela’s artwork entitled, LAK PARU KWINZLAN (The Face of Queensland) was selected by judges CIAF Artistic Director Janina Harding and Skytrans CEO Michael Thinee from among 27 entries. 

Recognising the role Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) plays in promoting the state’s cultural tourism experiences, the Queensland Government has pledged continued support via its Tourism and Events Queensland's (TEQ) Destination Events Program.   

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones confirmed the event would receive funding support for the 2019, 2020 and 2021 iterations of the event.

"The Queensland Government supports events that drive visitation, increase expenditure and support local jobs," Ms Jones said.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is among the first recipients of new Queensland Government funding that will be used to further expand its already multi-dimensional arts and culture program.

Within the realm of New Commissions, one of three funding streams in the Queensland Government’s Backing Indigenous Arts – Performing Arts (BIA-PA) program, CIAF has received support to create Cultural Heights – a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performance piece that will be the first of its kind.

A mutually beneficial partnership between Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and Skytrans comes into its own this week in the regional airline’s quest to develop a new uniform design.

CIAF and Skytrans have launched a Queensland wide competition in their search for an authentic Indigenous artwork that will feature prominently in the airlines’ new corporate uniform.

When nine-year-old Cairns student, Annalise O’Neill visited CIAF earlier this year she made the most of her experience by completing The Cairns Post’s student activity workbook. Not only did it qualify her to enter Coral Expeditions’ coveted prize of a three-day reef cruise for a family of four – she actually won.   

This Friday Annalise and her family (mum, dad and sibling) will depart on their all expenses Coral Expeditions’ Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns to Hinchinbrook Island and return with meals, snorkelling, guides and shore excursions valued over $7000.

Record breaking ninth season augurs well for decade anniversary

Sunshine filled days and starlit skies drew the crowds and community together for last month’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) capping off its ninth successful iteration with record breaking success.

My view submission by Vanessa Gillen, General Manager, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

With kick off to our ninth annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) just a week from now, we are well and truly at the ‘business’ end of preparations and therefore its timely to highlight our event and the significant impact it makes – not just to the economy but the artists and performers it showcases.

Queensland’s outstanding artists determined by artistic response to homeland

Some of Queensland’s outstanding Indigenous artists and organisations have been recognised among peers at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s opening party held last night.