CIAF 2026 Music & Dance Program

Image: Dhamuw Koedal Dancers. CIAF 2025. Photograph: Blueclick Photography.

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

Since 2009, CIAF has grown into a world-class platform showcasing the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture, from rainforest to reef, desert to freshwater. More than an art fair, CIAF is a movement: a catalyst for truth-telling, cultural exchange, and contemporary expression across visual art, performance, music, fashion, and storytelling.

Distinctly Queensland yet globally significant, CIAF is renowned for its ethical art marketplace and immersive experiences that attract collectors, curators, and audiences from around the world. In 2024, CIAF contributed more than $9 million to Queensland’s economy while creating transformative opportunities for thousands of Indigenous artists.

Looking toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and beyond, CIAF is committed to strengthening Queensland’s First Nations arts sector, expanding global connections, and shaping the future of Australia’s cultural identity.

EOI Closes: 21st November 2026 

EVENT DATES: 9-12 July 2026

CONTACT US: If you have any questions while completing your expression of Interest form, please contact the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair by phone on 0401 552 186 or via email at creativeproducer@ciaf.com.au

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is a space which showcases some of the best work being produced by First Nations artists, performers, curators, academics, leaders, professionals, organisations, artist-run initiatives, living/based in, or holding a strong cultural connection to Queensland.

Presenting at CIAF can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your art and culture.

The aim of this EOI is to assist CIAF in being informed of the creative and industry work being produced throughout Queensland and Australia, which could potentially form part of CIAF's programming throughout the year. 

The team at CIAF are interested to hear from you about what you would like to present as part of CIAF's program.

We would love to hear about existing works and performance-ready works.

CIAF encourage artists or groups who are exploring experimental, innovative and contemporary art practices that push creative boundaries to apply.

Please complete the form below and provide us with as much information as possible, or reach out if you have any questions or require an alternative application process.

Please be advised that this EOI process doesn't guarantee a place in the program. 

I understand that photographs and/or video recordings (collectively, the "Images") may be taken during the performance/event. By signing below, I grant Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) ("Licensee") a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free right and license to use, reproduce, modify, display, distribute, and create derivative works of the Images including but not limited to the following purposes: 

Promote future workshops, conferences, and events hosted by Licensee. Use on Licensee's website and social media platforms. Include in workshop/conference materials (e.g., presentations, handouts). 
 

Scope of Use: 
The Images may be used in the following media: websites, social media platforms, printed collateral and more. 
 
Image Alteration: 
CIAF may edit or alter the Images for minor adjustments (e.g., cropping, brightness). I understand that Licensee will not use the Images in a way that misrepresents me.

Right to Withdraw Consent: I have the right to withdraw consent for the use of the Images of me at any time. Such withdrawal of consent shall be made in writing to marketing@ciaf.com.au 

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the terms of this Image Consent Form.