Entertainment
6 June, 2026
Elders Lounge at CIAF
A DEDICATED Elders Lounge will be introduced at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 9-12 July 2026, creating a welcoming space for connection, reflection and cultural sharing.
Called Welcome Blak Home, the new initiative will be hosted by Flashblak founder, Guguu Yalanji and Koko Lamalama woman Kerry Klimm and will operate daily from 12pm to 2pm from Friday to Sunday during the festival.
The space has been designed to feel like home, with a kitchen, dining room and lounge setting where Elders can relax, enjoy a cuppa, share a meal and yarn together.
Ms Klimm said the concept builds on her previous work creating spaces for conversation and connection, including the Spill the Tea masterclasses presented at CIAF 2025.
“Welcome Blak Home is about creating a space where our Elders feel comfortable, valued and at ease – like they are walking into their own home,” she said. It’s a place to sit, yarn, laugh, remember and connect. A place to say thank you for everything our Elders have done and continue to do for our communities.” The lounge will feature tea sets, mugs, tablecloths, throws and cushions.
