The nation’s premier art fair for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will relocate in 2011 to the newly redeveloped Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.

CIAF Artistic Director Avril Quaill said it had always been intended that the Art Fair would move to the terminal following its redevelopment.

“Since CIAF burst on the scene two years ago, it has been an enormous success at Tanks Arts Centre. The Tanks were incredibly popular with visitors and exhibitors, the staff were fundamental to the development of the first two events and the decision to relocate was a difficult one,” Ms Quaill said.

“However, since planning for the event began in 2008 it was always envisioned that CIAF would be held on the waterfront, in the city.

“This year’s change of venue to the beautifully renovated terminal will provide a fresh and advantageous position for the art fair.  CIAF will overlook the famous view across Trinity Inlet adjacent to the Cairns CBD and its central position will create an opportunity to capitalise on tourists already visiting the city.

“The Cairns Traditional Owners and Foundation Partners Cairns Regional Council and Ports North are all as excited as we are by possibilities of this move.”

Since the first art fair in 2009, CIAF has attracted more than 20,000 visitors to its annual celebrations of art, music, dance and culture, sold more than $1.23 million in artwork and injected $2.45 million in tourism expenditure into the economy.

Ms Quaill said she wanted to stress that while the location would be different all the elements that make CIAF such a unique event would remain the same.

“This year we are still bringing the very best new artwork from Queensland’s leading and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to Cairns, there will still be a rich program of dance, music, children’s activities and artist talks, as well as an opening party, exhibition and symposium,” she said.

“As in 2009 and 2010, CIAF will take place across multiple venues, with the core Art Fair taking place in the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, the Exhibition at Cairns Regional Gallery and the Symposium at JUTE Theatre.

“We will also be partnering with Cairns Festival and art spaces across the city for an exciting satellite program.

The new CIAF venue is located within walking distance of the Cairns Convention Centre and adjacent to the area earmarked for the future Cairns Cultural Precinct.

The CIAF will be held at its new location between 19 and 21 August.