Inspired by Tony Albert’s eye-catching wall work. ‘Pay Attention!’, (2011) the theme for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2025 calls on artists to reflect on the powerful message of this moment in our collective history, especially following the Voice Referendum in 2023. “Pay Attention! challenges us to remain vigilant about the social, political, and cultural issues impacting First Nations communities in contemporary times”, declares new CIAF Aristic Director, Teho Ropeyarn.

He continued, “In 2025, we stand at a critical juncture. Our past—rooted in the actions of our Old Peoples, the voices and wisdoms of our Elders, and the resilience of our next generations—provides us with the strength to confront current issues such as: Our continued existence and stereotyped visibility within society, cultural authenticity of our works, truth and treaty, justice, racism, health disparities, the rising cost of living, and everyday life. Yet, we also look forward, asking: What does our future look like? Where are we now? Are we on the right track?

“This year’s theme is a call to action”, says Ropeyarn, “and urges artists to be bold, delve into personal and communal experiences and collective memory, and share these as overdue lessons for others, making our mark. Art is not only a form of expression and a vital record of the times. Across all art forms, we ask artists to explore all that shapes our lives while addressing the dominant societal forces at play.

“As we move towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympic Games, our collective position as cultural advocates is to ensure that our voices are centred in this global moment. Pay attention to the issues of today. Pay attention to the stories of our past. Pay attention to the possibilities for our future. Pay attention to us!”.

More than 600 visual artists and 150 performers will take part in CIAF’s 2025 program, which spans visual and performing arts, masterclasses, cultural demonstrations, talks, awards, fashion, food and more. And it’s all taking place at the Tanks Arts Centre in Cairns’s tropical suburbs.

CIAF CEO Dennis Stokes sees returning to the Tanks Arts Centre as a watershed moment in the event’s evolution and is a coming of age. “We are coming full circle—blending history and innovation. CIAF 2025 will be an unforgettable experience that allows people to fully immerse themselves in First Nations’ arts, stories, and traditions. This invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate with us”.

Following his official appointment earlier this month, CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn (who had been acting AD since last October) is excited to unveil his inaugural program for an event he describes as a formative and inclusive platform for launching the careers of First Nations artists. “CIAF is a meeting place for intergenerational knowledge sharing and storytelling – and over the years has developed into so much more than an art fair or a fashion performance. CIAF is a movement – a joyful convergence of community that inspires and delights – and welcomes everyone from art lovers, festivalgoers and visitors from home and away, near and far, shining a light on our special place in the world,” Mr Ropeyarn pronounced.

After a day of fashion extravaganzas on Thursday 10 July, Pay Attention! will kick off with a stunning Opening Night celebration through the entire Tanks Arts Centre precinct. The event will feature a Welcome to Country, vibrant cultural dances, live music performances, thought-provoking art installations, digital projections, and a delicious curated street food offering. Attendees can also look forward to the simultaneous opening of the Art Fair Showcase and Artisans Showcase, showcasing 30 exhibitors, art centres, commercial galleries, and independent artists from across Queensland, alongside more than 48 artisans spread across two pavilions along the promenade. The official proceedings will be hosted by Queensland icons, comedian Sean Choolburra and Aboriginal activist and artist Tania Major. Public access from 4pm.

On Friday, The Artisans Showcase (formerly known as the Art Market), promises to be an enriching experience, featuring c50 First Nations businesses across two pavilions. This event will celebrate First Nations artists’ rich heritage and contemporary expressions, offering quality handmade works from Indigenous artisans. Attendees can expect to see a diverse array of hand-crafted items, including handwoven textiles (such as baskets, mats, and wall hangings), jewellery (beadwork, metalwork, and leather), carved sculptures and wooden items (figures, masks, and utensils), original paintings and artwork (traditional or modern), handcrafted pottery and ceramics, and hand-sewn garments (dresses, scarves, and bags). The showcase is dedicated to exhibiting works that guarantee cultural authenticity. Skilled First Nations artisans will bring their creations to life, engaging with the public and sharing their stories and techniques.

Also on Friday, the CIAF Talks Program is curated by Jack Wilkie Jans. Keynote speakers include Venice Biennale Golden Lion Awardee, Dr Archie Moore, curator Sebastian Goldspink, and Indigenous lawyer Dr Terri Janke.

The CIAF 2025 Closing Ceremony takes place on Sunday, 13 July 2025 between 3 pm to 5 pm The event will bring the fair to a memorable conclusion and celebrate the festival’s achievements and highlights. It will also announce the CIAF People’s Choice Award winner, recognising the public vote on this year’s winner in Tank 5. The afternoon will also include final performances by the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal dance cohorts, providing a fitting end to the cultural celebration with a cultural procession to the promenade.

Arguably, CIAF is more than an event—it is a movement that fosters both cultural and economic growth. The 2024 Economic Impact Report highlights CIAF’s increasing significance, with: More than 39,500 visitors, including thousands from beyond Cairns. A total economic impact of $11.8 million, with $9 million injected directly into the Cairns economy, including 28,989 visitor nights, reinforcing CIAF’s vital role in cultural tourism and regional development.

Meanwhile, Cairns Art Gallery has as yet to finalise its usually high profile exhibition held concurrently with CIAF.