Page 60 - Tropic Magazine Issue 36

TROPIC • SPECIAL FEATURE

WHAT’S ON

Featuring 300 visual artists, 150 performers, and an eclectic
array of exhibitions, fashion, performances and presentations,
it’s incredible that CIAF spans just five days.
The program kicks off on Wednesday with the ticketed
Symposium – an all-day event that gathers a panel of artists,
arts professionals and academics to speak to a live audience.
In another ticketed event in the Fair’s home at the Convention
Centre, CIAF’s signature Opening Night Party and Art Award
Ceremony will see festivities carry on into the night.
Next to live music sets from local performer Barry Cedric and
Brisbane-based singer, Jem Cassar-Daley, cultural dancing
from Boigu Island and Lockhart River will also form part of
the party. Partygoers will get an early glimpse of the Art Fair
and the ethical Art Market, which both feature works to peruse
and purchase throughout the night and following four days.
CIAF winds up on Sunday afternoon with the People’s Choice
Award and special closing cultural performances, in a free
event open to all. But before that, there’s dozens of things to
see and do at the Convention Centre and throughout the city,
with events lighting up venues including Tanks Arts Centre, 4
CPAC, Cairns Art Gallery and Bulmba-ja, among others.

CAIRNS INDIGENOUS ART FAIR 2

6 Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 July 1. Mabo, Robert “Tommy” Pau, 2021, linocut. Image courtesy of the artist and
NorthSite Contemporary Arts.
2. Artist Sid Bruce Short Joe displays some of his latest ghostnet sculptures. Image
Cairns Convention Centre by Paul Jakubowski, courtesy of Pormpuraaw Art and Culture Centre, 2022.
3. Big Sculpture Showcase artist, Rhonda Woolla, working on her piece. Photograph
by Ron Ballinger.
4. Aurukun artist, Leigh Namponan, places the finishing touches on one of his
iconic Ku sculptures. Image courtesy of Wik & Kugu Art Centre, 2022.
5. Hairy Lilies, Cathy Snow, 2021. Photograph by Michael Marzik.
BIG SCULPTURE
SHOWCASE

In a true celebration of its return to a
physical event, CIAF is presenting a series
of show-stopping sculptural works
– a first for the Fair. I am confident visitors will
The inaugural Big Sculpture Showcase will be blown away by the sheer
feature 17 commissioned works from
artists across Queensland, each created to size and magnificence of
the Masters of Country theme. the artworks
CIAF’s Curatorial Associate and driver of
the Big Sculpture Showcase, Teho Ropeyarn, Teho Ropeyarn, CIAF
said many artists have adapted their Curatorial Associate
works to suit the exhibition.
“The 17 artists come from all over “Aurukun artist Rhonda Woolla is
Queensland – three are from art centres, working on a large-scale bouquet of
and the rest of are independent,” he feathers, which have been collected by
said. “David Jones in Brisbane has people from Country after we put a call 3
transformed etching pieces into real-life out on social media.” guest Rhoda Roberts. The talk starts at
sculptures, while Shirley Macnamara, The collection will be housed in 1pm and is free to attend.
who’s renowned for her fibre works, is the Cairns Convention Centre and Big Sculpture Showcase is supported by the
upscaling a basket. There’s a group of available to view (and purchase) from Queensland Government through Arts
artists in Cairns involved too, including Thursday to Sunday. Queensland, as part of the Arts
Brian Robinson, who’s public artwork can On its opening day, you can also hear and Cultural Recovery Package –
be seen along the Esplanade. Teho speak about the works alongside Spaces and Places.

60 • Tropic • Issue 36