Celebrating the vibrant arts and cultural heritage of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, program highlights for the 16th landmark edition of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) have been unveiled.
Showcasing an exciting First Nations program of new and much-loved events from Thursday 10 July to Sunday 13 July, CIAF 2025 will transform Tanks Art Centre’s three repurposed World War II oil tanks into an inclusive and culturally immersive wonderland.
Situated in the heart of Gimuy / Cairns’ botanical precinct and surrounded by the verdant rainforest, CIAF’s 2025 program, which features primarily free and ticketed events, is brimming with highlights and involvement from some of Australia’s most eminent First Nations artists and activists.
Comprising over 600 visual artists and 150 performers, CIAF’s 2025 program spans visual and performing arts, masterclasses, cultural demonstrations, talks, awards, fashion, food and more in events and activations that include Opening Night, Pay Attention! Art Fair Showcase, Artisans Showcase (formerly art market), Look & Listen Fashion Performances, Artist Talks, Mark Makers Talks Program, Guided Tours, Art Awards, Masterclasses, Cultural Demonstrations, Cultural Practices (dance) and Closing Ceremony.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the CIAF offers extraordinary opportunities for locals and visitors to engage with the unique and incredible work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government proudly invests in the CIAF as an important platform for Indigenous artists from across the state to access new markets and economic opportunities, and for visitors to engage in authentic cultural experiences ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Minister Langbroek.
“Each year the CIAF offers a captivating program which attracts thousands of interstate and international visitors, and its success continues to reinforce Queensland’s reputation as a unique arts and cultural destination.”
CIAF CEO Dennis Stokes said returning to Tanks Arts Centre is a watershed moment in the event’s evolution and is a coming of age. “With our return to the Tanks Arts Centre, we are coming full circle – blending history and innovation. CIAF 2025 will be an unforgettable experience that allows people to fully immerse themselves in First Nations’ arts, stories, and traditions. This invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate with us,” he said.
CIAF Chair Bianca Beetson echoed this sentiment, emphasising the significance of this move. “CIAF has always been a platform for celebrating the depth and diversity of Queensland’s First Nations’ arts and cultures. As we look to the future, we honour the past and return to the Tanks where CIAF began,” she said.
“This move represents an exciting shift in direction for the organisation as we focus on providing a platform to sell, celebrate, and champion our First Nations artists from Queensland. The 2025 program will be dynamic, featuring bold new works, powerful storytelling, and deeper community engagement.”
“Please join us in showcasing our Indigenous artists’ strength, resilience, and innovation at Cairns’ significant Arts and Cultural destination event,” said Ms Beetson.
Following his official appointment announced last month, CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn is excited to unveil his inaugural program for an event he describes as a formative and inclusive platform for launching and catapulting the careers of First Nations artists.
“CIAF is a meeting place for intergenerational knowledge sharing and storytelling – and over the years has developed into so much more than an art fair or a fashion performance,” said Mr Ropeyarn.
“CIAF is a movement – a joyful convergence of community that inspires and delights – and welcomes everyone from art lovers, festivalgoers and visitors from home and away, near and far, shining a light on our special place in the world.”
Mr Ropeyarn said that choosing an evocative and thought-provoking theme for the 2025 program, Pay Attention!, which marries contemporary and traditional sensibilities and connotations, will spark a compelling artistic response and interest from art collectors and curators across Australia and beyond.
“Following the 2023 Voice Referendum, Pay Attention! is a timely and urgent prompt to remain vigilant about the realities First Nations people continue to face. Our artists will use their creative voices to document, challenge, and inspire, ensuring that today’s messages become tomorrow’s narratives,” said Mr Ropeyarn.
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) runs from Thursday 10 July to Sunday 13 July 2025. For more information and program highlights, visit: www.ciaf.com.au for details.
Image: Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (supplied)