Entertainment
15 November, 2026
CIAF entries closing soon
FIRST Nations artists, artisans, musicians, dancers and workshop facilitators have until Monday 16 November 2026 to submit expressions of interest for the 2027 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).
The annual event, returning to the Tanks Arts Centre and satellite venues across Gimuy/Cairns and neighbouring Yirrganydji Country from 8–11 July 2027, invites creatives to respond to the theme ‘Superhighway: Country Sings to Stars Dancing’. The theme explores the connections between Country, cultures and knowledge across generations, from land and sea to sky and stars.
It follows CIAF’s previous themes, ‘Pay Attention!’ in 2025 and ‘Reclamation & Regeneration’ in 2026, continuing the event’s focus on First Nations storytelling and creative expression.
Expressions of interest are being accepted across four categories, providing opportunities for emerging and established artists, performers and cultural practitioners.
The art fair showcase invites artists working across media, including prints, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and new media, to present new and innovative works.
The artisans showcase highlights handcrafted works that celebrate Queensland First Nations cultural heritage, traditional techniques and contemporary creative expression.
The music and dance program is open to performance-ready Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists, musicians, groups and troupes with strong cultural connections to Queensland.
The program encompasses contemporary music, traditional dance, cultural storytelling and multidisciplinary performance.
Meanwhile, the art class series invites artists to facilitate hands-on workshops that share creative skills, techniques and cultural knowledge.
Established in 2009, CIAF has evolved into a platform for First Nations artists and cultural practitioners, connecting their work with collectors, curators and audiences.
According to CIAF, the event has generated more than $70 million in economic impact for Queensland since its inception.
The 2027 event will again centre on the Tanks Arts Centre precinct in Edge Hill, with additional programming at Cairns Art Gallery and at NorthSite Contemporary Arts.
Artists and performers interested in participating must submit their expressions of interest by Monday 16 November 2026. Eligibility requirements and application details are available on CIAF’s website.
