2015 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair: CIAF scheduled from July 31-Aug. 2 at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal

A group of traditionally dressed Aboriginies playing didgeridoos and music sticks lead a march through Sydney May 26, 2007 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal referendum. Several hundred people participated in the march that acknowledged the 1967 referendum where 90.77 percent of Australians voted that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be counted in the national census of the national population, thus giving the federal government powers to make laws for indigenous people. Reuters/David Gray

The amazing talents of First Nations visual artists in Queensland will be showcasing their work at the 2015 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF). The event is scheduled to take place from July 31 to Aug. 2 at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal where the market for Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will be available.

The official CIAF website notes that there will be more than just the art fair at the CIAF 2015. The event will be a stage for the artists to share their stories through music, theatre, song and dance, screen and fashion, workshops and informative talks.

The fair’s highlights include the abstract works of Aurukun painter Alair Pambegan, the bird sculptures that Lockhart River artists have completed and Sid Bruce Short Joe's ghost net sculptures that were created from discarded fishing nets.

“These fine works not only represent the region, but also show the vibrant variation in medium, the skill of execution and the myriad ways artists see the world today,” Janina Harding, the fair’s artistic director, said in an Australian Financial Review (AFR) report. Harding added there will be a collection of paintings, prints, weaving, textiles, ceramics and mixed media at the exhibition.

The 2014 CIAF approximately sold around AU$500,000 worth of art. Harding anticipates a comparable amount of sales for the art fair this 2015 with various art works including paintings that have an average price of AU$2000, limited edition prints that cost AU$350 and chief installations that cost AU$50,000.

CIAF co-curator Hetti Perkins also mentioned in the same report that consumers can get their hands on several artwork in a range of price points. Plus, the 2015 CIAF will grant the attendees the chance to personally meet the creators of art.

The CIAF 2015’s full program is listed in its official website. Friday’s schedule includes the CIAF Conversations with curators, artists and commentators and the Dancing on the Green event with stand-up comedy, live music and performances from contemporary and cultural dance groups. The Art Market and the Waruwaru Gungun (Children’s Corner) will be featured on Saturday. Sunday will feature the art fair’s Closing Ceremony from 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. The Gimuy Fish Festival will be held before that from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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