Entertainment
16 November, 2025
Back to roots reaps benefits
THE 16th Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) returned to the Tanks Arts Centre in 2025, drawing record crowds and delivering a $6.19 million economic boost to the Cairns region.
Over four days, 14,909 spectators attended the festival, generating nearly $700,000 in art sales and contributing approximately $4.46 million in direct and incremental expenditures. Guided by the theme ‘Pay Attention!’, the fair opened to a sell-out crowd and closed to a packed audience at the final ceremony.
Artistic director Teho Ropeyarn, reflecting on his first CIAF in 2025, said: “Pay Attention! elicited a deep and heartfelt response from the public, artists and community.”
“We asked people not just to look, but to listen with their hearts, minds and spirits and the response was phenomenal,” he said.
“The return to Tanks brought that energy to life, underscoring CIAF’s role as a platform for connection, creativity and sovereignty.
“CIAF is not just a showcase, it is a platform with a purpose where creativity leads to self-determination, truth and cultural pride.”
CIAF chairwoman Bianca Beetson said the results reflected the strength of Mr Ropeyarn’s vision.
“With record attendance, robust sales and wide-reaching engagement, CIAF continues to show how culture drives not only creativity and connection, but also tangible outcomes for artists, communities and the wider economy,” she said.
“It demonstrates that when First Nations voices lead, the results speak for themselves.”
An independent evaluation confirmed the impact of CIAF, noting more than 9600 visitor nights and that 96% of attendees rated the event as a great experience.
Nearly $240,000 was invested back into artists and performers, while Indigenous businesses engaged through CIAF, including food vendors, which received a further $71,912.35.
Art awards highlighted artistic excellence with Bernard Singleton (Yakal Creatives) winning the Premier’s award for excellence for offering (2025) and Dylan Sarra taking the people’s choice award for Native Police Spears.
The fair also hosted more than 20 talks and guided tours, engaging roughly 250 participants.
CIAF’s digital presence grew to 1.8 million views and 30,000 followers.
CIAF 2026 is scheduled for 9-12 July at the Tanks Arts Centre, under the theme ‘Reclamation and Regeneration.’
Expressions of interest are open for artists, designers, curators, cultural practitioners and market stall holders.
