The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair board has announced the appointment of Teho Ropeyarn as artistic director, effective immediately.
Ropeyarn, who has served Cairns Indigenous Art Fair's (CIAF) acting artistic director since October 2024 and previoulsly as curatorial associate, brings extensive expertise, creativity, and a deeply rooted passion for First Nations art and culture to the role.
CIAF chief executive officer Dennis Stokes welcomed the appointment, emphasising Ropeyarn's suitability to the important role.
"Artistic Director is a significant and visionary role that is pivotal to the event's positioning within and across Australia's First Nations arts and cultural scape, programming, and ultimately, success," Stokes said.
"Teho is highly regarded among the creative arts industry and the community, who respect his artistic endeavour and are inspired by his leadership.
"His innovative approach and commitment to elevating First Nations art and culture will take CIAF to the next level."
Reflecting on his appointment, Ropeyarn shared his excitement in taking on the role.
"I am honoured to officially take on the role of Artistic Director at CIAF – a wonderful multi-dimensional platform that showcases incredible art, sparks conversations, and creates opportunities that empower First Nations artists and communities," he said.
"I look forward to continuing this journey and sharing our vibrant stories with Queensland, Australia, and the world."
Born in Kalkatungu Country/Mount Isa and raised in Injinoo on the Cape York Peninsula, Ropeyarn holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales.
With more than a decade of experience in curatorial and leadership roles, he has collaborated with more than 100 artists and produced over 30 exhibitions, including the acclaimed Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey: Stories of this Land and Big Sculpture, CIAF's first major touring project.
A celebrated and accomplished artist, Ropeyarn's works have been showcased nationally and internationally, including the 23rd Biennale of Sydney, Nuit Blanche in Canada, and the Queen Sonja Print Award in Norway.
His artworks are part of significant collections, such as the National Gallery of Australia and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
Ropeyarn's appointment marks an exciting chapter for CIAF as it continues its mission of promoting the diverse voices and stories of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Following last month's announcement of CIAF's new event hub at Tanks Arts Centre in the botanical gardens environmental and cultural precinct of Gimuy/Cairns for its much-anticipated 16th iteration, the organisation is well placed to build on its reputation as Queensland's largest and most culturally immersive event.
Under the theme 'Pay Attention'! the 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will be held from Thursday 10 July, to Sunday 13 July.
The event presents a multidimensional program of mostly free events combining art, performance, music, and culture to captivate audiences and generate significant social, cultural, and economic benefits for Gimuy/Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Cairns Indigenous Arf Fair is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Creative Australia, the Australian Government's Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, Cairns Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland through the Destination Events Program (QDEP), the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, and Creative Australia through the FLOURISH First Nations Design Program.
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