Entertainment
12 July, 2024
Proud ‘blaks’
THE Cairns Indigenous Art Fair season is set to begin this Saturday with the second instalment of BLAKtivation, a free showcase of artistic and cultural First Nations prowess.
The Shields Street cultural precinct, Esplanade and Lake Street will be brimming with deadly entertainment, art, and more tomorrow (July 13) as the second iteration of BLAKtivation kicks off the season of CIAF’s 15th anniversary celebrations from 2pm to 5.30pm.
A program of artistic and contemporary dance performances, poets, storytellers, and Mob Markets will inject a colourful vibe into the inner city.
In an added treat for visitors, sundown will see the area light up with illuminated sculptural installations and digital projections from 6pm to 10pm and every night until the close of CIAF 2024 (July 13-28).
In 2024, visitors to BLAKtivation will discover creativity, culture, and a range of deadly products from the newly formed Mob Markets collective. They will also see stunning light installations from Jam Pro Lighting, digital projections from Russell Milledge of Bonemap, and illuminated sculptures from young Indigenous high school students.
In addition, an entertainment program will be presented throughout the afternoon, featuring contemporary Indigenous dance performances from Patty Banjo Patterson, Miriki Performing Arts, traditional dancing by the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG), Guubaw Goeyga Dancers and Mabuaig Torres Strait Islander Dancers, and performances from storytellers and poets Dorita Wilson, Elverina Johnson, and Jessica Hart.
Lia Pa‘apa’a of Mob Markets said they were excited to represent a curated selection of quality First Nations arts and wares from Gimuy and its surroundings, which showcase cultural diversity, products, and business models.
“Both co-founder Talicia Minniecon and I recognised the need to provide culturally and creatively safe spaces for our community to amplify their excellence, support each other, and celebrate arts and culture here in the tropical north,” she said.
For more information and the full BLAKtivation program, visit www.ciaf.com.au/ciaf-2024-blaktivation
