SOAK IN CULTURE

CIAF BRILLIANCE BEGINS:

THE Cairns Indigenous Art Fair officially opens tonight, with artists and designers arriving to showcase the diverse art and culture of the Far North’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

CIAF’s sixth annual fashion performance will feature a new creative production called Bulmba-barra – when bare feet touch the earth.

Torres Strait Island dancer Hans Ahwang, who has been doing the CIAF fashion shows for the past four years, said with the new show concept came from new artists and performers getting involved.

“There’s a new crew on board, everybody has their own style and theme and stories,” he said.

“I’ve done most of this before, so I’m mentoring the newer dancers and models.”

Mr Ahwang will be dancing as well as modelling for Bulmba-barra.

“This is something new and fresh; next level stuff. I’m blessed to be a part of it and meet new people.”

Bulmba-barra will showcase 10 indigenous designers from across the state.

Bulmba-barra will be running at the Tank Arts Centre on Friday at 6pm and 8.30pm and on Saturday at 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

The CIAF Opening Night party will be held at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, 6.30pm-10.30pm.

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE BOLD SHOWING: The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair begins this Thursday night and will feature a fashion performance, Bulmba-barra, at Tanks Arts Centre. Dancer/models Zita Mueller, Hans Ahwang and Mickesley Lampton are part of the cast.