CAIRNS.- The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is set to bring Queensland’s largest and most beloved First Nations arts and cultural celebration home in 2025, returning to its original birthplace within the iconic, atmospheric, and lush botanical surrounds of Tanks Arts Centre.

Announcing the move ahead of CIAF’s 16th annual season, scheduled for July, CIAF CEO Dennis Stokes highlighted Tanks Arts Centre’s compelling combination of history, heritage, and state-of-the-art capability housed within its three multi-purpose tanks and rainforest setting.

“We are excited to announce our return to Tanks Arts Centre and the many opportunities it affords, not the least of which is the convenience of everything in one place,” said Mr Stokes.

According to Mr Stokes, the city’s much-loved arts and cultural precinct will be transformed into an immersive and integrative First Nations celebration welcoming festivalgoers to drop in, wander at leisure or stay awhile.

“With our visual art exhibitions, live music, cultural dance and fashion performances housed within the three repurposed World War II oil tanks, the expansive outdoors activated by curated food stalls, art markets, workshops, conversations, and more, the Tanks Arts Centre is poised to offer visitors an unforgettable experience,” he said.

In line with tradition, the 2025 programming begins on Thursday, 10 July, with an opening event, a ticketed event, albeit in the new surroundings of Tanks Arts Centre. As tradition dictates, the opening event will offer guests a first look at the Art Fair exhibition in a lively, social, and dramatically lit indoor/outdoor rainforest setting. The official programming will commence on Friday, 11 July, with the opening of the Art Fair and close on Sunday, 13 July.

CIAF Patron Henrietta Fourmile Marrie AO welcomes the return to Tanks Arts Centre in 2025.

“CIAF has always celebrated the richness and diversity of Queensland’s distinct and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands arts and culture. Returning to the Tanks Arts Centre brings us back to the heart of this journey, where the foundation for our success was built.

"The venue’s rich history and exquisite rainforest setting perfectly complement the stories and traditions we aim as First Nations custodians and artists to share with audiences,” Mrs Fourmile Marrie said.

Since its inception, CIAF has become one of Australia's premier Indigenous art fairs, attracting thousands of visitors and providing a platform for artists to connect with national and international audiences.

CIAF’s Acting Artistic Director, Teho Ropeyarn, said this year's theme, Pay Attention!, is a call to action for artists who promise to create an evocative and contemporary thread connecting visual and performing arts, educational talks, site activations, cultural entertainment and activities.

“After the Voice Referendum in 2023, Pay Attention! challenges us to remain vigilant about the social, political, and cultural issues impacting First Nations communities at a profound time in our collective history,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

EOI for Art Fair Showcase and Fashion Designers now open

· Art Fair Showcase: Artists, art centres, galleries, and collectives wanting to show artwork at CIAF 2025 have until 31 January to apply. Click here to access the Exhibitor Pack and EOI: https://ciaf.com.au/news/ciaf-art-fair-showcase-exhibitor-pack-2025.

· Fashion Performance Designer: Open to all First Nations fashion designers and wearable art creators living in and/or having a traditional connection to Queensland. EOI closes on 24 January. Click here to apply: https://ciaf.com.au/news/ciaf-fashion-performance-designer-eoi-now-open

CIAF 2025 will be held at the Tanks Arts Centre from Friday, July 11, to Sunday, July 13. Program details and ticket information will be announced in the coming months.