The 2011 Cairns Indigenous Arts Festival was officially opened at a Gala party last night at the Cairns Cruise Liner terminal with a traditional welcome by Elder, Bilan Gudan Gimuy from the traditional owners the Yidinji people.  

He led the traditional smoking ceremony with Queensland Governor, Penelope Wensley, to encourage the good spirits to help ensure this amazing celebration of Queensland and Torres Strait Islander art and culture is a success.  

Judging from the opening evening's attendance there is no fear of failure for this collection of art and artists from all over Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands.
 
The Gala event attracted a whole host of local dignatories and interested art lovers including Cairns Mayor Val Schier, and were treated to an early glimpse of the superb art on display and get a chance to chat with the artsists themselves.

Live entertainment was led at the open air auditorium by the world famous David Hudson who wowed the crowds with his didgeridoo playing.  

After the traditional welcome for the Governor, a group of local 15 year-old members of the Yidinji people performed several story dances narrated by their head elder.  

The exhibition opens to the public today, runs through until Sunday 21 August, and is completely free.  

This weekend is comprised of the exhibition, presentations, film shows, workshops and almost non stop dance and music from Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait, Cairns and the famous Mornington Island Dancers who were the first indigenous Australians to take the message of Aboriginal dance to the world.  

There is a closing concert headlined by The Medics from 8pm on Sunday on the Cairns Esplanade.

For full details visit the CIAF website.