culture

Queensland's biggest First Nations art market issues call out for participants

Phoebe Blogg Published March 31, 2025 at 4.05pm (AWST)

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2024. (Image: supplied)

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has issued a Queensland-wide call to First Nations artists and crafts people to showcase their culture and wares at this year's Tanks Arts Centre-based Artisans Showcase July 10-13.

Set within the botanic surrounds of the event's new Tanks Arts Centre hub, the Artisans Showcase will provide a welcoming and inspiring marketplace featuring a new and diverse range of authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts.

From gifts to artefacts and collectibles, the market will span across a range of products.

CIAF's artistic director, Teho Ropeyarn, said on Monday the art market has been rebranded Artisans Showcase to better reflect the organisation's commitment to showcasing authentic, high-quality artwork and craftsmanship.

"Importantly, the Artisans Showcase will provide an inclusive, ethical platform to present and sell a diverse and culturally rich range of arts and crafts celebrating the heritage, traditional techniques, and creative expressions of Queensland's First Nations communities," he said.

*2024 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair's fashion perfromance. (Image: supplied)*

*Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2024. (Image: supplied)*

CIAF will span four days and feature the work of approximately 300 visual artists and 100 performers across a multifaceted program of mostly free and family-friendly events.

Highlights include this year's Pay Attention! themed art fair, Look & Listen fashion performances, The Artisans Showcase, Eat Street, music, cultural dance and demonstrations, Masterclasses, CIAF Talks (with keynote speakers and panel discussions) and more.

Recognised as one of Queensland's most significant cultural events, with a far-reaching social and economic impact, CIAF is a platform for independent artists, galleries, art centres, and market stallholders.

CIAF was established in 2009 as a strategic initiative of Backing Indigenous Arts, aiming to create a stronger, more sustainable, and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry in Queensland.

CIAF 2025 will be held between the 10th and 13th of July 2025. Queensland's First Nations artisans are invited to apply between now and 30 April 2025. CIAF respectfully acknowledges the First Peoples and Custodians of the lands, waters, and seas on which we work and live. We honour their Elders, past and present.

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