arts

Rising First Nations star Kagara Maling returns to Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2025

Phoebe Blogg Published April 8, 2025 at 1.45pm (AWST)

First Nations perfromer and creative Kagara Maling in a recent photoshoot. (Image: supplied)

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair has announced that rising First Nations performer and creative Kagara Maling will return to the event in 2025.

Since stepping into the spotlight as a model and performer at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair's Country Speaking: Light the Fire Fashion Performance in 2024, the creative has been inundated with opportunities.

After responding to CIAF's call for models ahead of the 2024 event, Maling travelled from his home in Gadigal/Sydney to Gimuy/Cairns, reuniting with family and finding himself under the bright lights. Following a two-week rehearsal phase, he was ready and confidently walked the runway showcasing a series of stunning designs by Queensland's First Nations fashion designers.

For Maling, that moment of empowerment marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter as a young First Nations model and performer.

"I never imagined that one runway show in Gimuy/Cairns would lead me to where I am now. It was more than just fashion—it was about cultural pride, confidence, and embracing opportunities," he said.

*First Nations performer and creative Kagara Maling at CIAF 2024. (Image: supplied)*

Since his debut at the CIAF, Maling has landed a range of roles, including a position as an extra on the iconic Australian show Home and Away. His growing resume now includes modelling campaigns, music video appearances, and television roles that highlight his versatility as a performer.

Maling's deep connection to culture, rooted in Gidimay, Yidinji, Worimi, and South Sea Islander heritage, fuels his artistic journey.

His return to the CIAF runway in 2025 will see him again in the Tanks Arts Centre 'round' spotlight as a featured performer in CIAF's much-anticipated Look & Listen Fashion Performances.

When speaking on the opportunity top return to the event, the talented creative said these fashion performers are more than meets the eye, he also went on further to express how those considering a career is modelling should take the leap and put themselves forward.

"CIAF's Fashion Performances aren't just about wearing incredible designs—they're about storytelling, movement, and showing the world who we are as First Nations people. If you're thinking about putting yourself forward as a model this year, I say go for it, do it - you never know where it might take you," he said.

*First Nations performer and creative Kagara Maling. (Image: supplied)*

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has now officially issued a call for aspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander models to showcase up to 100 designs across 12 wearable art and designer collections in the organisation's anticipated annual Fashion Performances in July.

In 2025, CIAF's Fashion Performances will be presented differently, breaking from the convention of one showcase into two distinct shows, each exploring a unique theme, Look & Listen, that takes a cue from the Fair's overarching theme, Pay Attention!

The CIAF's Fashion Performances: Look & Listen will be presented over four shows at Tanks Arts Centre on Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th of July (premiere) 2025.

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