Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will transform the city of Cairns with its multi-faceted, all-inclusive celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture between Friday 14 July and Sunday 16 July, 2017. The three-day event brings together recognised and leading emerging Indigenous Australian visual artists and also features an academic symposium, traditional and contemporary dance and music program, artist talks and demonstrations, children's art stations and family art activities.

It is the only dedicated Indigenous art market in Australia that exclusively profiles the art work of Queensland born or based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and includes both art centres and commercial galleries in a single location.

This year’s theme is Family Values and is present throughout many elements of the world-class, highly anticipated CIAF weekend. Focusing on the Art Fair, curated by CIAF’s Artistic Director Janina Harding and renowned curator Hetti Perkins, the theme allows for artistic freedom and personal reflection for the individual artists and 13 art centres that will be exhibiting.

Ms Harding said this year’s theme takes cue from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to country and family at the core of their cultural heritage and creative expression. 

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are complex, systems-based units, sharing and passing knowledge from generation to generation.  We expect our artists will interpret this theme in a range of different ways that follow the threads of family connections through community, through time, through homelands and identity,” she said.

Now in its 8th year, CIAF continues to flourish and will provide thousands of visitors with a unique cultural experience, while showcasing Queensland’s truly unique Indigenous artists. 

This event is open to everyone, however children must be accompanied by parents and guardians. This event is open to everyone, however children must be accompanied by parents and guardians. The fair is made up of a combination of ticketed and free events. Cost varies, please see the website for a full list of programming and ticketing information. 

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Ltd is a not-for-profit company with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) Status. Donations and support assist CIAF in continuing to attract and nurture national and international recognition for the appreciation of the vital cultural contribution of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information or to donate, visit the CIAF website -  ciaf.com.au