Monday 3 March 2025. Celebrating the vibrant arts and cultural heritage of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, program highlights for the 16th landmark edition of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF)have been unveiled.

Showcasing an exciting First Nations program of new and much-loved events from Thursday, 10 July 2025, to Sunday, 13 July 2025, CIAF 2025 will transform Tanks Art Centre's three repurposed World War II oil tanks into an inclusive and culturally immersive wonderland. 

Situated in the heart of Gimuy / Cairns' botanical precinct and surrounded by the verdant rainforest, CIAF's 2025 program, which features primarily free and ticketed events, is brimming with highlights and involvement from some of Australia's most eminent First Nations artists and activists.

Comprising over 600 visual artists and 150 performers, CIAF's 2025 program spans visual and performing arts, masterclasses, cultural demonstrations, talks, awards, fashion, food and more in events and activations that include Opening Night, Pay Attention! Art Fair Showcase, Artisans Showcase (formerly art market), Look & Listen Fashion Performances, Artist Talks, Mark Makers Talks Program, Guided Tours, Art Awards, Masterclasses, Cultural Demonstrations, Cultural Practices (dance) and Closing Ceremony.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the CIAF offers extraordinary opportunities for locals and visitors to engage with the unique and incredible work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Queensland. 

“The Crisafulli Government proudly invests in the CIAF as an important platform for Indigenous artists from across the state to access new markets and economic opportunities, and for visitors to engage in authentic cultural experiences ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“Each year the CIAF offers a captivating program which attracts thousands of interstate and international visitors, and its success continues to reinforce Queensland's reputation as a unique arts and cultural destination.”

CIAF CEO Dennis Stokes said returning to Tanks Arts Centre is a watershed moment in the event's evolution and is a coming of age.

“With our return to the Tanks Arts Centre, we are coming full circle—blending history and innovation. CIAF 2025 will be an unforgettable experience that allows people to fully immerse themselves in First Nations' arts, stories, and traditions. This invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate with us.”

CIAF Chair Bianca Beetson echoed this sentiment, emphasising the significance of this move.

“CIAF has always been a platform for celebrating the depth and diversity of Queensland's First Nations' arts and cultures. As we look to the future, we honour the past and return to the Tanks where CIAF began.

“This move represents an exciting shift in direction for the organisation as we focus on providing a platform to sell, celebrate, and champion our First Nations artists from Queensland. 

“The 2025 program will be dynamic, featuring bold new works, powerful storytelling, and deeper community engagement. 

“Please join us in showcasing our Indigenous artists' strength, resilience, and innovation at Cairns' significant Arts and Cultural destination event,” said Ms Beetson.

Following his official appointment announced earlier this month, CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn is excited to unveil his inaugural program for an event he describes as a formative and inclusive platform for launching and catapulting the careers of First Nations artists.

“CIAF is a meeting place for intergenerational knowledge sharing and storytelling – and over the years has developed into so much more than an art fair or a fashion performance.

“CIAF is a movement - a joyful convergence of community that inspires and delights– and welcomes everyone from art lovers, festivalgoers and visitors from home and away, near and far, shining a light on our special place in the world,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

Mr Ropeyarn said that choosing an evocative and thought-provoking theme for the 2025 program, Pay Attention!,which marries contemporary and traditional sensibilities and connotations, will spark a compelling artistic response and interest from art collectors and curators across Australia and beyond.

“Following the 2023 Voice Referendum, Pay Attention! is a timely and urgent prompt to remain vigilant about the realities First Nations people continue to face. Our artists will use their creative voices to document, challenge, and inspire, ensuring that today's messages become tomorrow's narratives,” he said.

Program Highlights for CIAF 2025

CIAF 2025 will feature an expansive mix of newly styled and themed events spanning visual art, performance, fashion, music, and cultural talks across the festival weekend. Key highlights include:

·       Look & Listen Fashion Performance 1 & 2 matinee – Thursday, 10 July 2025 – Preview & Friday, 11 July Premiere - Tank 5 (ticketed)

Celebrating First Nations culture, showcasing breathtaking wearable art culminating in a seamless fusion of fashion, modelling, design, and performance.

Fashion Performance 1 'Look' Preview at 10.30 am to 11.10 am (Thursday) & Premiere at 5.30 pm to 6.10 pm (Friday)

Performance 1 will explore the concept of 'Look' for six highly anticipated designers. 

The six designers are Irene Robinson/Darlene Fell, Robert Tommy Pau, Kuku Bulkaway and Yuku Baja Muliku Artists, Sandra and Shara Delaney, Felicity Chapman, and a Guest Collaboration.

Fashion Performance 2 'Listen' Preview at 1.30 pm to 2.10 pm (Thursday) & Premiere at 8.30 pm to 9.10 pm (Friday)

Performance 2 will explore the concept of 'Listen' for six highly anticipated designers. 

The six designers are Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, TAFE Cultural Arts, Wudan (Amy) Neal, Skye Lockyer/Katelyn Hamilton, and Lisa Lui.

·       Opening Night – Thursday, 10 July - Tanks Arts Centre Precinct (ticketed) - 4pm – 10pm

The 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair – Pay Attention! will kick off with a stunning Opening Night celebration throughout the entire Tanks Arts Centre precinct. The event will feature a Welcome to Country, vibrant cultural dances, live music performances, thought-provoking art installations, digital projections, and a curated food street offering delicious cuisine. Attendees can also look forward to the simultaneous opening of the Art Fair Showcase and Artisans Showcase, showcasing over 30 exhibitors, art centres, commercial galleries, and independent artists from across Queensland in Tanks 3 and 4, alongside more than 48 artisans spread across two pavilions along the promenade. The official proceedings will occur from 6 pm to 7 pm, hosted by Queensland icons, comedian Sean Choolburra, and Aboriginal activist and artist Tania Major. Public access from 4pm.

·       CIAF Program – Friday, 11 July – Sunday, 13 July – Tanks Arts Centre Precinct 

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will transform the entire Tanks Arts Centre precinct into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration. In Tanks 3 and 4, visitors will experience the Art Fair Showcase, featuring over 30 exhibitors, including art centres, commercial galleries, and independent artists across Queensland. They can explore the Artisans Showcase along the Tanks Promenade, featuring over 48 First Nations businesses across two pavilions, a children's space, and a curated street offering delectable food.

The day program (10 am to 3 pm) offers a wealth of First Nations art and cultural education, featuring curated talks, keynote speakers, exhibitor discussions, guided art fair tours, artist demonstrations, masterclasses, and captivating art installations. 

In the evening (3 pm to 6 pm), festivalgoers can immerse themselves in vibrant cultural entertainment featuring cultural dances, digital projections and installations, enthralling musicians, and acoustic sets.

·       CIAF Art Fair Showcase, Artist Talks & Guided Tours – Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 13 July – Tanks 3 & 4

The Art Fair Showcase (10 am to 6 pm Fri; 10 am to 8 pm Sat) will transform the entire Tanks Arts Centre precinct into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration. Four commercial galleries and an impressive lineup of new exhibitors (over 30) will showcase diverse collections, including wearable art, black-and-white photography, and traditional art forms.

Sculpture and contemporary activism feature prominently, with contributions from emerging and established artists. Exhibitor Artist Talks (Tank 3 & 4, 11 am to 5 pm Friday & Saturday and 11 am to 2 pm Sunday), hourly at each exhibitor booth) are highly recommended, along with the free Guided Tours (Tank 3, 1.00pm & 5.00 pm Friday, 1.00 pm and 6.00 pm Saturday, and 10 am and 2 pm Sunday), providing a unique opportunity to connect with artists and gain deeper insights into their works. 

·       CIAF Artisans Showcase – Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 13 July – Tanks Promenade

The Artisans Showcase (10 am to 6 pm Friday, 10 am to 8 pm Saturday, and 10 am to 3 pm Sunday), formerly known as the art market, promises to be an immersive and enriching experience, featuring over 48 First Nations businesses across two pavilions. This event will celebrate First Nations artists' rich heritage and contemporary expressions, offering unique, high-quality handmade works from Indigenous artisans. Attendees can expect to see a diverse array of handcrafted items, including handwoven textiles (such as baskets, mats, and wall hangings), handmade jewellery (beadwork, metalwork, and leather), hand-carved sculptures or wooden items (figurines, masks, and utensils), original paintings and artwork (traditional or modern), handcrafted pottery and ceramics, and hand-sewn garments (dresses, scarves, and bags). The showcase is dedicated to exhibiting works that emphasise cultural authenticity. It is a must-visit event for anyone interested in experiencing First Nations communities' rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and creativity.

·       CIAF Cultural Art Demonstrations – Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 13 July – Tank 4

Skilled First Nations artisans will bring their creations to life, engaging with the public and sharing their stories and techniques (10 am to 3 pm Friday & Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm Sunday). This interactive experience provides a unique glimpse into the creative process and offers attendees a firsthand look at the traditional methods and materials used in these time-honoured practices.

·       Masterclasses – Friday, 11 to Sunday, 13 July – Botanical Gardens Visitors Centre (ticketed)

CIAF Masterclasses with esteemed First Nations artists (10 am to 12 noon Friday to Sunday & 1 pm to 3 pm Friday and Saturday) provide a unique opportunity to learn traditional and contemporary techniques in hands-on sessions that inspire creativity and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous art.

·       CIAF Talks Program curated by Jack Wilkie Jans – Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 13 July 2025 – Tanks 5 

Mark Makers keynotes (10 am Friday, 10 July & 10 am Saturday, 13 July and 10 am Sunday, 13 July)

Talk Panels (10 am and 12.45 pm Friday, 10 July & 11.30 am; 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm Saturday, 12 July, and 11.30 am and 12.30 pm Sunday, 13 July)

Keynote speakers: Venice Biennale Golden Lion Awardee, Dr Archie Moore, Sebastian Goldspink, and Dr Terri Janke.

This year's talks feature a stellar lineup of keynote speakers and Mark Makers speakers. These presentations will be specially ticketed events for art fair patrons. Additionally, there will be numerous daily, free panel talks that delve into artmaking, collecting, promotion, policy, politics, conservation, and artistic authenticity in an era of truth-telling.

·       CIAF Art Awards Ceremony and Announcement – Friday, 11 July 2025, 11.30 am – 12.15 pm – Tank 5

The CIAF Art Awards supports the professional development of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists exhibited within the Art Fair Showcase at CIAF. The Awards provide opportunities for artists to increase their profile in pursuing innovation and excellence. 

·       Night program – Saturday, 11 July – 3pm – 8pm – Tanks Arts Centre Precinct

CIAF's evening program 3pm – 8pm will activate the Tanks Arts Centre Precinct with a dance performance in Tank 5, illuminative digital art installations, and other engaging activations to create an evening of wonder, creating a vibrant and immersive experience that celebrates First Nations arts and culture. This experience includes extended trading hours for the Art Fair and Artisans Showcases.

·       Cultural Practices (dance) – Saturday 12 July 2025 – 6 pm to 8 pm – Tank 5

CIAF's Cultural Practices event will spotlight First Nations communities' rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions through traditional dance performances. 

·       CIAF 2025 Closing Ceremony – Sunday, 13 July 2025 – 3 pm to 5 pm – Tank 5

The event will bring the fair to a memorable conclusion and celebrate the festival's achievements and highlights. It will also announce the CIAF Art Awards' People's Choice Award winner, recognising the public vote on this year's winner in Tank 5. The afternoon will also include final performances by the dance cohort, providing a fitting end to the cultural celebration with a cultural procession from Tank 5 to the promenade. 

A Growing Cultural & Economic Powerhouse

CIAF is more than an event—it is a movement that fosters cultural and economic growth. The 2024 Economic Impact Report highlights CIAF's increasing significance, with:

·       Over 39,500 visitors, including thousands of interstate and international attendees.

·       A total economic impact of $11.8 million, with $9 million injected directly into the Cairns economy.

·       28,989 visitor nights, reinforcing CIAF's vital role in cultural tourism and regional development.

CIAF 2025 – Looking ahead

Theme:            Pay Attention! (refer below)

Dates:             CIAF 2025 will be held between 10 and 13 July 2025.

Imagery:       Click here for CIAF 2024 event imagery. Please credit CIAF.

ENDS

For more information, visit: www.ciaf.com.au

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.

About CIAF
CIAF was established in 2009 as a strategic initiative of Backing Indigenous Arts, aiming to build a stronger, more sustainable, and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry in Queensland. Since 2014, CIAF has operated as a not-for-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors.

CIAF is Queensland's most significant and culturally immersive event. It generates substantial economic, social, and cultural benefits and offers career pathways and opportunities for thousands of Indigenous artists. In 2024, CIAF contributed over $9 million to the Gimuy/Cairns and Queensland economies, cementing its place as a premier event on the national cultural calendar.