Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2020, The Cultural Evolution is ‘live’ and online from Friday 14 to Sunday 23 August 2020.
Shining a spotlight on Queensland’s Indigenous art and culture, CIAF is sending an open invitation to the world to join in and enjoy this year’s 10-day program of exhibitions, events, activities, workshops, conversations and more.
Over the past six months the team at CIAF have taken the program from physical to digital – overcoming the obstacles of distance, pandemic restrictions and technology – to produce and present some 40 individual events and activities that on their own and in combination — provide a special insight into Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples, their two distinct cultures, arts, communities and Country.
Highlights of this year’s program are many and various – starting with the opening ceremony from 6pm on Friday 14 August. Hosted by Elaine Crombie, there will be musical performances from local musicians Merindi Schrieber, harpist Natalia Mann and Zennith along with the launch of three virtual exhibitions; CIAF’s climate change themed Art Fair and Undercurrents – Cook 2020, North Site’s retrospective by the late Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) printmaker, Pal’n aka Billy Missi Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai and UMI Arts’ Freshwater Saltwater.
CIAF’s 2020 fashion performance is highly anticipated, showcasing seven new collections from nature’s catwalk, Far North Queensland’s most picturesque water ways and beaches. Water is Sacred headlines the program on Friday 21 August while the following night is the annual CIAF Art Awards hosted by Elaine Crombie on Saturday 22 August. Finally, on Sunday 23 August, CIAF 2020 will celebrate the end of what has been a watershed year with a finale concert featuring an eclectic showcase of artists from jazz songstress Wilma Reading, to hip hop artists Mau Power and Naomi Wenitong.
Other notable activities include a climate change symposium on Tuesday 18 August and CIAF Conversations about Queensland’s Indigenous Tourism on Monday 17 August, Cook on 19 August and Indigenous Fashion on 21 August. There is a weaving workshop on Saturday 15 August, spear making on Thursday 20 August, Cultural Heights live choir performance on Saturday 22 August and a storytime session for kids on Sunday 23 August.
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