From 10 to 13 July, the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair celebrates its sixteenth edition, returning to the Tanks Art Centre in the city’s botanical arts precinct – where the fair began. Comprising over 600 visual artists and 150 performers, in addition to an art showcase and fashion performances, this year’s program includes awards, cultural demonstrations, food, masterclasses, and talks.
Yarrabah Art Centre booth, CIAF 2019. Photograph: Blueclick Photography. Courtesy Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Queensland
The 2025 theme is ‘Pay Attention!’ – inspired by Tony Albert’s 2011 print work of the same name. The theme is a call to action for artists to reflect on this moment in our collective history, following the 2023 Voice referendum – a challenge to remain vigilant about the cultural, political and social issues impacting First Nations communities today.
Art Fair Showcase, Fashion Performances, and Talks are highlights. The Art Fair Showcase features thirty Queensland exhibitors – spanning art centres, commercial galleries and independent creators. Among the items available are black-and-white photography, contemporary activist pieces, traditional sculpture and wearable art.
In Fashion Performances there are two distinct shows, each exploring a unique theme. The first is ‘Look’, which invites audiences to gaze upon the artistry of six designers and their distinctive visions; the second is ‘Listen’, where audiences can hear the narrative threads that bind together the collections of six designers. ‘Mark Makers’, part of the Talks program, is a keynote ticketed event for art fair patrons, featuring Dr Archie Moore, Dr Terri Janke, and Sebastian Goldspink, running at 10am on 11, 12, and 13 July, respectively.
Primarily free, the fair includes ticketed events.
