- The 2023 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF)presents a powerful showcase of First Nations arts, cultures and knowledge from across Queensland.
- Palaszczuk Government annual investment of $1 million over four years (2023 – 2026) will elevate CIAF ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- The CIAF Art Awards, featuring the Premier’s Award for Excellence for the most outstanding work, supports the development of local artists and art practices.
Far North Queensland will welcome locals, visitors and artists to celebrate the vibrant arts and cultures of Queensland’s First Nations peoples with the opening of the 14th annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
Showcasing more than 50 free and ticketed events, exhibitions, performances and workshops over four days (13 – 16 July) CIAF 2023 explores the theme Weaving our Future: Claiming our Sovereignty.
The CIAF Art Awards recognise local talent and support the development of art practices, and the 2023 Premier’s Award for Excellence was last night awarded to artist Janet Koongotema.
The 2023 CIAF will build on the achievements of previous events, providing a platform for art sales, attracting audiences and celebrating First Nations cultures through music and fashion performances, exhibitions including the Coconut Leaf Projectcelebrating Torres Strait Islander craft and weaving through large scale installations, and the 10thanniversary fashion performance Woven.
Palaszczuk Government project funding supported the Coconut Leaf Project and enabled CIAF to employ an exhibition manager and an event coordinator as part of industry placement investment of $120,000 to create jobs and build skills in the arts sector.
Investment from the Queensland Government is positioning CIAF and the Cairns region into the future to expand opportunities for artists and grow economic and cultural tourism outcomes for the Cairns region ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Palaszczuk Government has committed to the development of a business case to consider a First Nations Cultural Centre for Cairns to showcase the unique stories, traditions, and cultures of First Nations peoples in Queensland, further acknowledging the region as a key cultural tourism destination and gateway to Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands.
The appointment of a First Nations person to lead the project, including the development of a consultation framework to guide this process, is now underway following the recent EOI process.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:
“The First Nations arts sector in Queensland is built on thousands of years of practice, and as home to both Aboriginal cultures and Torres Strait Islander cultures, we have a unique opportunity to elevate the awareness, understanding and contributions of First Nations arts and cultures.
“Art, culture and storytelling are central to the important work of truth-telling and healing, as we continue on the Path to Treaty in Queensland, and CIAF is a vibrant celebration of the unique and ancient history of the world’s oldest living cultures.
“The Palaszcuk Government has invested in CIAF since the 2009 inaugural event with ongoing operational support and project funding to enable the employment and skills development of First Nations artists and arts workers.
“CIAF plays a key role in sharing First Nations stories and cultural knowledge, increasing employment opportunities for First Nations artists and arts workers, and showcasing exceptional First Nations arts and cultural products and experiences.
“Our government’s $1.6 million funding uplift for CIAF over four years underpins CIAF’s growth ambition to broaden its digital reach and engagement to boost visitation and art sales for Queensland’s First Nations artists as a critical platform in delivering economic outcomes and cultural tourism benefits for Queensland.”
Quotes from Francoise Lane, Artistic Director, Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair
“From its art fair beginnings in 2009 CIAF has evolved into a meaningful and multi-disciplinary event for cultural exchange, truth-telling, and knowledge sharing that over the years has launched careers, provided pathways and is a valuable source of income underpinning the development and future of Queensland’s First Nations artists and industry.”
