Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is a unique three-day event that merges an art market with a celebration of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
For the second year in a row, the fair is being hosted at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, within walking distance of the CBD, where artists and gallerists will present satellite exhibitions of work by the artists with whom they work. The galleries exhibiting pride themselves on being able to talk about the work, educating the viewers and collectors about the practices of their artists.
Alongside the exhibitions stands, and to build upon this educative experience with the galleries, CIAF coordinates and presents a series of dance and music programs; children’s art activities; artist talks; and a satellite program comprising exhibitions, professional development workshops and forums.
The CIAF Symposium is an opportunity for key thinkers and leaders in Indigenous art to hear and discuss issues. This year’s topic is ‘Where does the vision to innovate come from? What is the current state and future direction of the art market?’ with keynote speakers include Destiny Deacon, international artist working in photography, film and performance art, and Michael Reid, Sydney-based arts agent, market analyst and author. Shirley Macnamara and other art stars will also participate.
This month’s cover of Art Almanac is an artwork by four Mornington Island artists and will be on exhibition with at the fair with Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, who’re working with the Mornington Island Art Centre for CIAF. Art Almanac will be participating at the fair with a media stand so if you’re planning to visit CIAF be sure to come say hello at our stand. For those of you unable to make it to Cairns for the event, our website and social media pages will feature highlights and updates of the whole event.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
August 17 to 19, 2012
www.ciaf.com.au
Mornington Island Dancers at CIAF 2011
Alick Tipoti, Sugu Mawa, 2011, fibreglass, resin, feathers, fibre, beads, rope, 230 x 130 x 40cm
Courtesy the artist and Australian Art Network Galleries/Canopy Artspace, Cairns
