Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Cairns Airport announce new three-year partnership

The physical return of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in July 2022 has been marked by an elevated three-year sponsorship package with Cairns Airport – one of the Fair’s longest serving corporate partners.

While the partnership involves CIAF leveraging promotional opportunities across Cairns Airport’s significant digital and social media platforms, it will also transform designated space within both terminals into striking, themed displays in the lead up to next month’s event.

Taking cue from theme, Masters of Country, CIAF 2022 will feature the work of approximately 300 visual artists and 150 performers across a mostly free, multi-arts program from 6th  to 10th July.

Cairns Airport Chief Executive Richard Barker said the organisation’s new and collaborative CIAF partnership recognises the integral role Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture plays in regional tourism.  

Barker notes “In the event’s 13th anniversary, after two challenging, COVID years, Cairns Airport is proud to renew its support for CIAF and looks forward to welcoming back visitors, including art collectors and curators, from across Australia and overseas.

Over the past 13 years CIAF has welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors from the Far North, Australia and abroad, to experience Queensland’s two very distinct First Peoples’ cultures.

CIAF Artistic Director Janina Harding said while the event offers a multitude of benefits from boosting the regional economy, supporting artists, and generating wider understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait art and culture, its future relies heavily on community support.

Harding advised “the significant support CIAF receives from sponsors such as Cairns Airport, flows straight to programming, while also expanding the inclusion of First Nations’ artists, dancers, musicians, and performers from across Queensland.

“Cairns Airport’s major sponsorship is a truly wonderful endorsement for what we offer our artists and visitors and indeed, everyone who converges in Cairns for our annual celebration.

“This year’s event is all about renewal and growth and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back, albeit to our more spacious new hub within the award-winning and impressive surrounds of Cairns Convention Centre.”

CIAF works collaboratively with sponsors to strengthen and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and culture.  CIAF offers a genuine partnership with ethical, cultural experiences to reinforce the sponsor’s commitment to Reconciliation and Corporate Social Responsibility.

To view CIAF’s 2022 program and find out more, visit www.ciaf.com.au

Image: CIAF Artistic Director Janina Harding with Cairns Airport Chief Executive Richard Barker celebrate renewed partnership. Credit: Blueclick Photography.