One of Queensland's most significant culturally immersive event, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), has announced its return again this year.
With expressions of interest closing late January, Queensland's First Nations artists, art centres, galleries, collectives and fashion designers are being urged to act swiftly and apply to be part of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair's 16th anniversary season in July.
CIAF is seeking Indigenous fashion designers and wearable art makers from Queensland to participate in its highly anticipated 2025 Fashion Performance, and expressions of interest close 24 January.
According to CIAF's acting artistic director, Teho Ropeyarn, the annual Fashion Performance is much more than fashion for fashion's sake. While featuring a strong spiritual undercurrent, it combines stunning choreography with storytelling and a compelling narrative that leaves the audience with a powerful message.
This year CIAF's 2025 Fashion Performance team is led by experienced First Nations designer Lynelle Flinders.
Referencing the chosen theme for 2025, Pay Attention!, Ms Flinders said that CIAF's Fashion Performance, Look and Listen, is an opportunity for designers to ground their designs in a personal sense of sovereignty, stories, and worldviews while weaving in bold colours, prints, textural fabrics, and cutting-edge design.
"We encourage designers to use their creativity in the fashion/wearable art perspective as a vehicle for sharing and educating the viewers on issues that matter to them. CIAF is looking for both, or a combination of, textiles garments and multimedia wearable art and accessories," she said.
CIAF has also issued a nationwide call to art centres, galleries, independent artists, and collectives, promising the opportunity to exhibit art in a professional gallery-style setting with white walls.
Mr Ropeyarn shared that CIAF is a dynamic platform that showcases innovative art practices that reflect the richness and diversity of Queensland's First Nations culture and heritage. It is celebrated for elevating and empowering artists.
"The fair presents an array of artistic expression, from contemporary works to traditional art forms, honouring exceptional craftsmanship, platforming new ideas, and strengthening cultural experiences," he said.
CIAF is an extraordinary opportunity for artists to present their art to a broad audience that includes art enthusiasts, collectors, curators, and industry professionals.
Applications for interested art centres, galleries, independent artists, and collectives must be submitted by Friday the 31st of January 2025.
Art Fair Showcase: Artists, art centres, galleries, and collectives wanting to show artwork at CIAF 2025 have until 31 January to apply. Click here to access the Exhibitor Pack and EOI: https://ciaf.com.au/news/ciaf-art-fair-showcase-exhibitor-pack-2025.
Fashion Performance Designer: Open to all First Nations fashion designers and wearable art creators living in and/or having a traditional connection to Queensland. EOI closes on 24 January. Click here to apply: https://ciaf.com.au/news/ciaf-fashion-performance-designer-eoi-now-open.
CIAF will celebrate its 16th anniversary season from Thursday 11 to Sunday 13 July 2025.
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