Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is Australia’s premier First Nations-led art fair and cultural platform, presented annually on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country in Gimuy/Cairns, Queensland.

CIAF creates a culturally safe, inclusive space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, communities and organisations to showcase culture, engage audiences, and foster ethical relationships across the arts sector. The Industry Booths provide an opportunity for organisations, enterprises and service providers to directly engage with a highly engaged audience of artists, curators, collectors, arts workers, community representatives and supporters of First Peoples art and culture.

If your organisation offers services, programs or experiences that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working across the arts and cultural sector, an Industry Booth at CIAF offers meaningful exposure and connection.

For enquiries, contact Partnerships & Marketing Manager
Rikaela Rusch — partnerships@ciaf.com.au

 

Important Dates

Applications close: COB, Wednesday 1 April 2026
Booth fee payment due: COB, Thursday 30 April 2026
_{Late applications may be accepted subject to space availability.}

 

Who Should Apply?

Industry Booths are intended for organisations delivering services, opportunities or programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers.

Eligible organisations may include (but are not limited to):

• Arts training providers and professional development organisations
• Grant and funding bodies
• Residency and cultural exchange programs
• Publishing, documentation and media organisations
• Advocacy and arts-policy organisations
• Arts support services (e.g. logistics, framing, digitisation, archiving)
• Cultural enterprises and social enterprises
• Academic or research institutions
• Galleries, collectives and arts networks

CIAF does not accept applications from organisations that do not demonstrate a clear connection to or benefit for First Nations communities.

Please refer to CIAF Code of Practice for further information CIAF Code of Practice 2025

KEY DATES

Application closing date: Midnight Sunday 31 May 2026

Booth fee payment due: COB Friday 12 June 2026

 

Each Industry Booth includes:

• 1 × counter (1000mm wide × 500mm deep)
• 2 × padded bar stools
• 1 × graphic print on the front of the counter
• Standard power access
• Allocated booth area is approximately 2m x 2m

   

 

Display & Presentation Requirements

Exhibitors are responsible for the set-up, transport and removal of all materials associated with their booth.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Display items (plinths, signage, shelving, racks)
• Technology (TV screens, iPads, projectors)
• Printed collateral
• Furniture beyond the standard booth inclusion
• All booth styling must comply with CIAF’s exhibition and WH&S standards.

 

Sales Policy

Industry Booths are intended for promotion, information sharing and engagement.

If you intend to sell items or services from your booth, you must request explicit permission in writing prior to the event.

Places are limited and applications are competitive. Please note that applying does not guarantee a space in at CIAF. Applications will be assessed and eligibility will be at the discretion of the CIAF selection committee.

If your submission is successful, it will then form the contractual agreement between the Industry Booth and CIAF (ABN 64167840100) and both parties will be bound by the terms included.

Please read the full Terms and Conditions prior to submitting.

 

CONTACT US

If you have any questions while completing your expression of interest form, you can contact the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair by phone on 0429 708 050 or via email at partnerships@ciaf.com.au.

Industry Booth Description (150 words maximum)

Please provide a description of your organisation, including:

• Who you are
• What services or programs you offer
• Who you work with
• How your organisation supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers
• Any key outcomes or impact

Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed by the CIAF team.

Selection is based on:

• Relevance to CIAF’s mission and community
• Cultural alignment
• Quality of service offering
• Capacity and professionalism
• Balance of sector representation

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• I agree to pay the full booth fee amount prior to bumping in. If final payment is not made by the deadline, a booth will NOT be held for the Industry Booth.
• I agree to follow the specifications that CIAF set in the design of the floor plan and agree to present booth in a professional manner.
• I understand that the delivery of exhibition display items is the responsibility of the Industry Booth holder and insurance of display items; including televisions and any tech equipment, must be undertaken by the Industry Booth.
• I agree that CIAF will not be held financially responsible for damage to/breakage of exhibition items including televisions and any tech equipment.
• I agree that all expenses incurred to attend CIAF are the Industry Booth's responibility. This includes the registration fee, insurance of display items transport and display materials (i.e. plinths and racks etc.)
• I agree that CIAF reserves the right to photograph Industry Booths for promotion and marketing purposes. If you wish not to have your booth photographed, please advise in writing.
• I agree that the installation and deinstallation of the booth is the responsibility of the exhibitor and will occur on the dates determined by CIAF upon acceptance of my application.

   

Thank you for your interest in participating in CIAF 2026.

We appreciate the time taken to submit your application and the role your organisation plays in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities. All applications are reviewed carefully, and we value your contribution to a strong, ethical and culturally led arts sector.

Successful applicants will be notified following the close of applications.