Milestone of culture
CIAF marks 15 years of showcasing Indigenous works
Remembering the past and listening to country will be the focus of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s 15th anniversary celebrations, as organisers prepare to welcome 30,000 visitors to the region.
CIAF, which will be held from July 25 to July 28, is one of Far North Queensland’s biggest celebrations of Indigenous art and culture.
The four-day fair is set to attract more than 30,000 visitors, community members, artists, collectors and industry practitioners for a vibrant and inclusive look at First Nations art and culture.
CIAF artistic director Francoise Lane said this year’s milestone anniversary celebration, themed Country Speaking, would showcase the region’s artistic growth since the event began as an art fair at Tanks Art Centre in 2009.
“It’s exciting because it allows us to look back on the last 15 years and the growth of the Queensland Indigenous art movement and the contributions CIAF has made to showcasing the incredible work of artists across these years,” Ms
Lane said. “It is now a huge event and will represent Indigenous creative practices, not just fine arts and visual arts, but also cultural performances through traditional and contemporary dance and fashion.”
In addition to the CIAF Art Fair, a second signature 15th anniversary-themed exhibition, Not Selling Cakes, will be presented at the Tanks Arts Centre.
Curatorial associate Teho Ropeyarn said the exhibition would recognise artists who were part of CIAF in previous years, including works of those who have died.
“The 15th anniversary is retrospective where we’re bringing back artists who have been through CIAF before, so it’s a bit of a legacy marker,” Mr Ropeyarn said.
“There’s 21 artists in the show and we also have a few of our spiritual artists; artists that have been part of CIAF but have passed on.”
Comprising more than 20 free and ticketed events, CIAF’s program highlights include the Opening Night Party, Art Fair, Art Market and public program of workshops, and children’s activities presented at the Cairns Convention Centre hub.
In the lead-up to July’s major events, CIAF will also present two satellite events to “warm up” the city’s heart with First Nations’ cultural flair before culminating in the official four-day program beginning on Thursday, July 25.
The
second annual BLAKtivation,
with live and free art, music, dance, illuminations, and markets, will be held in the CBD on Saturday, July 13.
For more information or to register, visit the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair