Page 52 - Tropic Magazine Issue 27

TROPIC • ARTS

CIAF 2020 SNAPSHOT

36
hours of curated content
State of the arts innovative creative industries.
“In many ways CIAF created a catalyst
ART INNOVATION for change, by showing the vibrant 2.64 million
complexities of Queensland’s First views across socials and livestreams
By turning to technology, Peoples’ culture to the world via a virtual
Cairns’ annual celebration of and deep listening experience,” Janina 85
Aboriginal and Torres Strait said. countries reached
“We embraced culture and technology
arts and culture is continuing simultaneously to fast track the
to thrive. ‘cultural evolution’ while most critically, 13,000
supporting artists with the continuation visits to the CIAF website
Words: Brooke Cooper of their art practice at a time of
uncertainty.
“By showcasing the art online via four $330,781
The pandemic’s been no damper to the virtual galleries … we have broadened and total in exhibition sales
annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), lifted the profiles of Queensland’s artists
which once again prospered in providing and art centres while also tapping into a
a global platform for the region’s diverse new buyers’ market beyond Cairns.”
arts and culture. One of the most compelling exhibitions, “The benefits of art-making from both an
economic and mental health perspective
Queensland’s quintessential First Peoples’ Undercurrents – Cook 2020, surveyed the
cultural event transferred its traditional impact of James Cook and addressed is recognised as part of CIAF’s social
responsibility.”
gallery-bound exhibitions into the digital the imbalance between colonial written In its 11-year history CIAF has returned
sphere in 2020, and it proved to be more history and First Peoples’ oral history.
efficacious than ever. The exhibition accounted for almost one- approximately $8 million in art sales to
the community, ensuring artists have
The Cultural Evolution encompassed eight fifth of the event’s total art sales, helping
exhibitions and over 40 individual events, CIAF soar above its 2019 revenue. both the opportunity and support to
develop their practice further.
including live-streamed symposiums, Sydney’s Sea Museum and the National CIAF 2020 and its myriad of exhibitions,
performance pieces, Gallery of Victoria were among several
a fashion show and four interactive institutions to purchase all five artwork markets, music, dance and fashion
performances, cultural yarns, critical
gallery walk-throughs. installations by Clinton Naina, this year’s
CIAF’s Artistic Director Janina Harding Premier’s Awards for Excellence winner. conversations and artists talks continues
to draw online visitors today.
said that proceeding with a virtual “Art sales not only bring economic
program allowed the event to maintain benefits to artists; it lets artists provide
and grow its brand, as well as position their world view to those who want to be MORE: ciaf.com.au
the organisation at the forefront of better informed,” Janina said.

52 • Tropic • Issue 27