Preparations are well under way ahead of next week's much anticipated Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair was an iconic event that provided strong opportunities for Indigenous Queenslanders.
"Major events that showcase Queensland's unique culture and beauty are absolutely vital to promoting our state and encouraging local talent," the Premier said.
"I'm proud to say that we've supported the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair every year since its inception.
"The last two years have been difficult for everyone but particularly for our arts and culture sector. "CIAF did a great job last year – hosting 2020's event entirely online.
"COVID won't hold back Far North Queensland's iconic arts festival in 2021 with an outstanding digital program that will enable thousands of art lovers throughout the country to enjoy what our artists have to offer.
"I look forward to seeing what some of Queensland's greatest artists have produced throughout the pandemic."
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch visited Cairns today to view artwork from Yarrabah Art Centre ahead of the opening of the 2021 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) next week.
Minister Enoch said she was thrilled to preview the new Yarrabah Arts Centre artists' ceramic works that will feature in CIAF Online 2021.
"Yarrabah has long been associated with talented ceramics artists such as Michelle and Philomena Yeatman, with the new works showcased at this year's CIAF further elevating the community's unique and treasured works and demonstrating the depth and quality of Queensland First Nations artists," Ms Enoch said.
"This is just one example of the outstanding visual artwork that will be presented as part of a reimagined digital and physical CIAF, running online from 10-19 November, with arts and crafts available for purchase online from Queensland's Indigenous Art Centres.
"CIAF online will give a boost to Queensland's plan for economic recovery, especially for the Arts sector."
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the online marketplace would join physical CIAF highlights, including the premiere of a new theatre work and a live music program.
"Queensland Theatre's new tri-lingual production of Shakespeare's Othello, as reimagined by Jimi Bani and Jason Klarwein, is set between Cairns and the Torres Strait and will premiere at Bulmba-ja arts centre," Mr Healy said.
"Music in the Park on 13 November at Munro Martin Parklands has received $64,000 funding support through the Palaszczuk Government's First Nations Commissioning Fund, and will feature comedian Kevin Kropinyeri, and music from Black Image, Naomi Wenitong, SeaBreeze, and the Warrigan band from Hopevale, along with cultural dance groups."
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said CIAF 2021 will showcase work from emerging and established artists across a mix of online and physical events.
"Now in its 12th year, CIAF also provides a platform for professional development and cultural exchange for First Nations artists, and career pathways for emerging visual and performance artists, and arts workers from across the Cape and Torres Strait Islands," Ms Lui said.
Minister Enoch said the Queensland Government has supported CIAF since its inception.
"The Queensland Government provides annual funding of $600,000 to elevate First Nations arts as a key priority of our 10-year strategy Creative Together, along with additional funding of $284,000 to support the Music in the Park, digital elements, and to commission large-scale artworks for CIAF's Big Sculpture Showcase in 2022," Minister Enoch said.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Artistic Director Janina Harding said in 2021 the festival would once again deliver a beautiful and diverse online program encapsulating Queensland's breadth of talent with a diverse range of cultural experiences.
"These include CIAF's SACRED themed Art Fair embodying Queensland's First Peoples' artistic response to sacred sites and places of significance along with associated exhibitions including Where's Your Permit? and Mermaid 'Zeloh' from the women artists of Aurukun, currently on show at Cairns Courthouse Gallery until the end of November," Ms Harding said.
For more about the program of virtual galleries, exhibitions and performance activities, visit: www.ciaf.com.au
