CIAF Feeds – Food & Beverage Program 

CIAF 2027 | 8-11 JULY | TANKS ARTS CENTRE

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) invites Expressions of Interest from food vendors to participate in CIAF Feeds — a curated food and beverage program developed specifically for CIAF 2027.

CIAF Feeds is not a general food court or market. It is an intentionally curated offering that reflects the calibre, values and cultural leadership of CIAF as Australia’s premier First Nations art fair. Vendors are selected to complement the Fair’s artistic, cultural and visitor experience, with an emphasis on quality, storytelling, cultural connection and food excellence.

Whilst this EOI is open to all food vendors, First Nations vendors are highly encouraged to apply. CIAF is committed to prioritising First Nations-owned and -led food businesses as part of its ongoing support for creative and cultural enterprise.

CIAF 2027 will be presented at Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns, with CIAF Feeds operating across the public program period in high-traffic precincts.

In addition to food vendors, CIAF is seeking specialist coffee/drinks carts for the Art Fair Showcase precincts.

Submission of this EOI does not guarantee selection.

Please complete this form to the best of your ability. All information provided assists CIAF in assessing Expressions of Interest for CIAF Feeds, our curated food and beverage program for CIAF 2027.

If you experience any difficulty completing this form, require clarification, or need to discuss an alternative application process, please contact Naomi Evans at events@ciaf.com.au.

CIAF is committed to accessibility and culturally appropriate engagement and welcomes enquiries from all prospective applicants.

 

CIAF 2027 will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday 8th July 2027 - 4pm – 10pm
• Friday 9th July 2027 - 9am - 5pm
• Saturday 10th July 2027 - 9am - 5pm
• Sunday 11th July 2027 - 9am - 3pm

To be considered in the initial food vendor intake applications must be submitted by 1st March 2027.

Please note if you are applying, you agree to trading for the whole event from start to finish of each of the 4 days.

 

Key Application Dates:

Applications submitted prior to 1st March 2027 will be notified of the application outcome by 30th March 2027 with site fees and bond payments due on the 30th May 2027.

Late submissions and casual applications will be contacted prior to the event date subject to site availability.

Food plastics ban Quensland

The Queensland Government has implemented a ban on certain food-related single-use plastics to reduce waste and protect the environment. The ban includes items such as plastic straws, utensils, plates, and unlidded bowls, which were banned from 1 September 2021.

Items currently banned are:

• single-use plastic straws
• single-use plastic stirrers
• single-use plastic plates and unenclosed bowls
• single-use plastic cutlery
• single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups
• cotton buds with plastic stems
• EPS loose ('peanut') packaging
• plastic microbeads in rinseable personal care and cleaning products.

Please note: Assistance will be available at set times during the event for grey water disposal. Outside of these times, vendors are responsible for managing their own disposal in accordance with health and safety regulations (specific dumping sites available for oil and grey water).

2027 Stallholder Fees

CIAF 2026 welcomed over 17,100 visitors, with strong sales toward the end of the event. To maintain a vibrant atmosphere and ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we ask that only vendors who can commit to the full duration of the event each day apply.

Please note the following updates for 2027:

Food Vendor Site Fees: $150 per day, + GST totaling $660 for the entire event. A detailed breakdown of what is included in this fee is provided below.

Drink Vendor Site Fees: $100 per day, + GST totaling $440 for the entire event. A detailed breakdown of what is included in this fee is provided below.

Bond: A refundable $200 bond will apply to both food and drink vendors. This is to cover any damage, rubbish left behind, or early departures, which were issues in previous years.

Access to power and space is limited, which means there will be a set amount of food vendor spots available. Selection will prioritize vendors who can commit to the full event duration and meet all requirements.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us deliver another successful CIAF event.

Site Fee Amount: Food Vendors $150.00 per day Drink Vendors $100.00 This Includes: · Access to the Cold Room (at set times) · Assistance with grey water (at set times) · Power · Advertising and promotion leading up to CIAF	Food Vendors Total $600.00 + GST = $660   Drink Vendors Total $400.00 + GST = $440
Bond Amount: $200.00 Refund Conditions: · Vendor must stay for the entire duration of the event. · No rubbish left behind. · No damage to property or site. Refund Timeline: Returned within one month after CIAF ends, provided all conditions are met.	Total $200.00
Total Upfront fees:   *Site fees are non-refundable and due on 30th May 2027.	Food Vendors $860.00    Drink Vendors  $640

I give permission to CIAF to share my relevant contact information with customers and for online promotion.

I have read, accept and agree to the Terms and Conditions. *

I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct. *

 

CIAF – Information Privacy Statement 

Your personal information has been collected for the purpose of assessing your application. The collection of your information is authorised under the Local Government Act 2009. You are providing personal information which will be used for the purpose of delivering services. Your personal information is handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and will be accessed by persons who have been authorised to do so. Your information will not be given to any other person or agency unless you have given CIAF permission to or the disclosure is required by law.

By signing below, I confirm that the information provided is accurate and that I understand submission of this EOI does not guarantee selection. I acknowledge that CIAF Feeds is a curated program and vendors are selected based on alignment with CIAF’s values, operational suitability and overall program balance.