Entertainment
19 July, 2025
Art fair won over audiences
CAIRNS Indigenous Art Fair has wrapped up for 2025, but the impact of its most ambitious program yet and the powerful voices it amplified, continues to resonate throughout Queensland’s arts and cultural landscape.
From July 10 to 13, the 16th annual CIAF returned to its original home at the Tanks Arts Centre, drawing thousands of visitors for a four-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity, resistance and cultural pride.
With more than 400 artists, performers and presenters involved, CIAF 2025 marked a defining moment under the creative direction of newly appointed artistic director Teho Ropeyarn.
This year’s theme, Pay Attention!, called on artists and audiences to confront uncomfortable truths, honour legacy and shape the future of First Nations storytelling. A key highlight was the CIAF Art Awards, announced on Friday July 11, which recognised six outstanding artists and collectives whose works demonstrated exceptional technical skill, innovation and cultural resonance.
Djabugay/Yirrgay artist Bernard Singleton received the Premier’s award for excellence for his commanding wood carving ‘Offering (2025)’.
Judges described the work as “arresting and commanding,” praising Singleton’s mastery of traditional technique and the way his piece “urges people to pay attention to what is often unseen and unheard”.
Other winners included Hopevale Arts and Culture Centre (art centre award), Alick Tipoti (innovation award), Kyra Mancktelow (3D design, sculpture and installation) and emerging artist Roy Gray, whose collaborative work Syricarpia Gloulifera (Turpentine/Gulumbi) was acquired as part of his award.
Artistic director Teho Ropeyarn said the awards were about more than artistic excellence. “They’re about honouring our ancestors, amplifying our voices and ensuring that future generations can see their stories and sovereignty reflected on canvas, in sculpture and across every form of creative expression,” he said.
CIAF chairwoman Bianca Beetson described the event’s return to the Tanks precinct as both “symbolic and strategic,” showcasing a new generation of artists while honouring the festival’s roots.
From visual arts and fashion to masterclasses, talks and cultural performances, CIAF 2025 cemented its place as one of Australia’s most vital platforms for First Nations voices.
The festival may be over, but its message – Pay Attention! – remains loud, clear and enduring.
