Queensland’s dynamic Indigenous arts and culture is on show this month with the fifth annual ‘Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’ (CIAF) set to be a show stopper and apt kick off to Australia’s national art fair and festival circuit.
Since its launch in 2009, CIAF has cemented itself as Australia’s preeminent Indigenous art fair. It is unique in that it is the only art fair in Australia to welcome commercial art galleries and Indigenous art centres to sell and showcase artwork by Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
CIAF CEO, Alison Copley said the event is committed to providing an ethical marketplace for the sale and purchase of Queensland Indigenous art and supporting the career development of Queensland Indigenous artists.
“We are very proud of CIAF. To date, attendance figures have exceeded 65,000 visitors, there has been participation by more than 600 Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and performers – over $2.4 million has been generated in direct sales of art works and more than $5.6 million in tourism expenditure. This year we are working hard to build on this solid foundation to present a meaningful and memorable event that paves the way for CIAF’s long term future.”
In 2014, CIAF’s three-day program of free and ticketed events comprises a feast of dance, music, fashion, food and visual arts at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal and venues across Cairns.
“We have just launched a brand new website which is a comprehensive guide to what’s on, where and when. This month also sees the distribution of 10,000 copies of our printed program that will be available from restaurants, cafés, entertainment, cultural centres and tourism desks across Cairns and the Far North,” said Ms Copley.
CIAF sees 13 Indigenous art centres and seven galleries come together to showcase and sell the work of more than 300 Queensland Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Indigenous art centres are commercial entities owned and operated by their communities, and represented through the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA) where they play a significant role in providing a place for both established and emerging artists to experiment, learn and create. Galleries representing Queensland Indigenous artists will display original canvases, prints, weaving, pottery and sculpture. Entry is Free.
25 to 27 July, 2014
Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal
www.ciaf.com.au
