The four-week countdown is on until the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) returns, increasing twofold in presenting both physical and digital programming from opening night on Thursday 18 August to closing ceremony, Sunday 22 August, 2021.
CIAF General Manager Darrell Harris said CIAF 2021 is shaping up to be one of the most significant, milestone events in its 12-year history.
“While we continue to experience challenging times, our team at CIAF ready for any eventuality and is committed to presenting its first ever hybrid program comprising physical and digital platforms for all the world to enjoy.
“Last year’s pivot to digital programming was unprecedented in its high level of engagement and proved that a hardworking and committed team, coupled with the latest digital technology, is a powerful recipe for success,” Mr Harris said.
Notably, CIAF 2020’s evolution to deliver an online program, incorporating a combination of pre-recorded and live streamed performances, presentations, webinars and workshops, hit the mark and was accessed by more than 2.5 million devices in 85 countries.
Having outgrown its former hub at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, 2021 sees CIAF’s coming of age and transition to the world-class surroundings of the newly refurbished Cairns Convention Centre.
While key events that include the Symposium, Art Fair and Art Market, Opening Night celebration and art awards, conversations and workshops, will be held at the larger venue, a number of CIAF events and activities promise to energise and activate the city’s cultural and art precincts from the film festival on the Esplanade to the music festival in Munro Martin Parklands, theatre at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre while CIAF exhibition, Where’s Your Permit?, fashion performance, Of Spirit & Story and Comedy Up Late will be held at Tanks Arts Centre.
For those attending the mostly free, family friendly activities in Cairns between 17 and 22 August, 2021, ticketed events are now on sale through Ticketlink. These include the symposium, opening night party, fashion performance and music festival.
From a digital perspective, visitors from around Australia and overseas can immerse themselves in the action via CIAF’s virtual platform, 2021.ciaf.com.au – home to an exciting blend of exclusive digital content, post-show/event footage, artistic insights and interviews, performances, online Art Collector edition, and online store.
CIAF is committed to presenting a COVID-safe event in compliance with government health advice and regulations. The organisation will closely monitor the situation and make changes accordingly. Festivalgoers can keep up to date on any potential changes via CIAF’s social media platforms and main website: ciaf.com.au
