Celebrating art and culture

THE Tropical North has world class indigenous experiences, arguably the best in Australia.

The daily artistic and cultural activities are a key part of our diversified tourism sector.

They provide steady employment for indigenous people and highlight their talents, both performing and visual.

Eights years ago the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair was established to support the careers of Queensland’s indigenous artists by providing a platform to showcase and sell their work.

The fair, which has grown steadily every year, strengthens and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, creates professional development opportunities for artists and cultural exchange between indigenous people and visitors.

A focus is on authenticity which attracts national and international collectors and curators. New work is commissioned and it provides pathways for emerging visual and performance artists.

The three day event is a quintessential celebration of the art of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It provides a model and inspiration for young indigenous people seeking to make their way in the world.

The fair draws exhibitors and participants from throughout Australia and overseas.

Visitors to Cairns, especially from overseas, are keen to immerse themselves in real and authentic indigenous experiences.

CIAF is a grassroots festival which, not only attracts the recognised names, but also talented people working behind the scenes.

It’s well worth a visit. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au

FOR THE RECORD: The Cairns Post is committed to accurate, fair and fearless publication of news and commentary. But we acknowledge and aim to promptly correct errors when they occur. Corrections, clarifications and explanations the newspaper wishes to make will appear in this space. If you are aware of an error in this newspaper, please contact editorial@cairnspost.com.au or phone 4052 6627.