Community
3 September, 2020
Winning couple to embark on small ship expedition to Cape & Torres Strait
Bargara couple Cheryl and Kevin Cullen have turned fandom for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) into a dream fulfilling prize as the lucky winners of Coral Expeditions’ 10-Night Coastal Cultures of the Torres Strait and Cape York expedition for two in 2021.
The couple first encountered CIAF in 2018 while visiting the Far North. Having enjoyed the experience with a promise to return, the couple have been active followers of the event ever since, staying tuned via social media channels and website. It was their participation in this year’s virtual iteration, CIAF – The Cultural Evolution, that saw Cheryl take up the open invitation to enter Coral Expeditions’ online competition.
Mrs Cullen said the win was completely unexpected and after learned the good news earlier this week, has been on a ‘high’ ever since.
The couple can now look forward to next year and enjoying their once-in-a-lifetime expedition adventure.
“I wish to thank the amazing sponsor of CIAF 2020, Coral Expeditions, for this unbelievable prize.
“I also want to thank the CIAF for holding their event annually and particularly this year - as it’s proven to be a difficult time for all.
“I loved this year’s program and particularly, the chats with the arts community.
“The gallery virtual walk through, the music, dancing and culture of our First Nation performers. It’s difficult to choose any one item as they were all outstanding,” Mrs Cullen said.
Mrs Cullen said that winning this trip means they can now experience in much more detail, the culture and art of the Torres Strait Islander people.
“And again, see their beautiful smiles and make lasting friendships,” she said.
Background Information
Australia’s pioneering small ship expedition line, Coral Expeditions continues to chart a cultural course as this year’s major prize partner of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2020.
Underpinned by a decade-long tradition, CIAF has shown its true resilience and agility during pandemic restrictions to present The Cultural Evolution – a multi-faceted digital program comprising a series of live stream presentations, music and fashion performances, webinars, workshops, community spotlights, virtual gallery exhibitions, art awards and conversations.
CIAF’s three-year partnership with Coral Expeditions maintained momentum in 2020 helping to raise awareness of the Festival with a prize promotion giving online visitors and event participants the opportunity to win a 10-Night Coastal Cultures of the Torres Strait and Cape York expedition for two in 2021.
CIAF’s Artistic Director Janina Harding said this a once in a lifetime prize was very popular and helped raise awareness of Queensland's emerging and established artists by rewarding ‘supporters’ to this year’s CIAF website.
Coral Expeditions’ Jeff Gillies said his company was proud to continue its growing involvement with CIAF in 2020 and beyond as a major partner of the CIAF ‘Collectors and Curators’ program.
“We have been delivering world class expedition experiences in north Queensland for over three decades.
“We pride ourselves on the relationships we have developed with remote Indigenous communities through visitation and the promotion of culture and art.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with CIAF each year and reimagining the 2020 partnership in light of the disruptions and challenges we all face at the moment.
“As our company grows, we value how this great event helps inspire us and our guests with more cultural content and themed voyages, to visit more communities in our travels and to showcase the art and culture of the region on our vessels and to our guests.
“We trust that visitors to CIAF online were just as inspired,” Mr Gillies said.
The prize, valued at $21,800 includes all meals, a drink package, daily excursions, lectures, guides, taxes, port fees and onboard gratuities.
