Partner with CIAF
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is Queensland's leading First Nations–led contemporary art and fashion platform, based in Gimuy/Cairns and working year-round across Queensland, nationally and internationally.
Since its inception in 2009, CIAF has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to Tropical North Queensland, creating sustained cultural, professional, and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander artists, designers, and creative practitioners.
CIAF operates as more than an annual event. Alongside the flagship Art Fair and Fashion program, we deliver commissioning, exhibitions, professional development, outreach and industry engagement initiatives that connect artists with audiences, markets and institutions in Australia and internationally.
Our strategic focus is centred on:
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Expanding platforms for First Nations artists and designers to present work at scale
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Delivering ethical, culturally grounded experiences for audiences and communities
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Growing national and international market pathways for Queensland artists
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Ensuring CIAF remains a strong, relevant and sustainable First Nations–led organisation
This work is made possible through long-term, values-aligned partnerships. CIAF collaborates with organisations across corporate, government, philanthropic and cultural sectors (many of whom have supported the organisation over multiple years) to deliver programs with genuine impact.
Partnerships with CIAF offer meaningful engagement with First Nations creative leadership, strong regional and national visibility, and alignment with a respected cultural organisation operating at the intersection of art, fashion, community and industry.
If you or your organisation are interested in partnering with CIAF, please contact our Partnerships team at partnerships [at] ciaf.com.au.
OUR IMPACT
CIAF delivers measurable cultural and economic outcomes for artists, communities and partners.
Read about our achievements in 2025 by downloading our 2025 Impact Report.
QIC supports CIAF 2026
Through CIAF’s partnership with QIC, emerging Southeast Queensland First Nations artists and designers were provided with meaningful pathways into the fashion industry, supporting the development of sustainable creative careers grounded in culture, community and contemporary practice. Delivered in collaboration with leading First Nations fashion label Magpie Goose, the initiative brought together selected PUMICESTONE Indigenous artists for a hands-on professional development program focused on mentorship, production development and industry collaboration.
Participants worked closely with the Magpie Goose team across the design process, gaining insight into translating artwork and cultural narratives into wearable collections while building skills in contemporary fashion production, presentation and creative enterprise. The program culminated in the development of a new collection presented as part of the CIAF 2026 Fashion Performances at The Mill on Yirrganydji Country, placing emerging artists alongside established First Nations designers within one of Australia’s leading Indigenous fashion platforms.
The partnership reflects CIAF and QIC's ongoing commitment to creating long-term opportunities for First Nations creatives through mentorship, industry connection and culturally grounded professional development. It also highlights the power of collaboration between community, artists and industry partners to strengthen the future of First Nations fashion and design in Queensland.
Learn more by watching QIC's Community Partner video below featuring CIAF Artistic Director, Teho Ropeyarn.