Tickets have gone on sale for the two key events of the fourth annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) – the Opening Party and the CIAF Symposium.
 
CIAF is Australia’s premier showcase for lndigenous arts and cultures, held at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, 17 - 19 August.
 
Two of the highlights of CIAF’s extensive 2012 program of events are the Opening Party and the CIAF Symposium. While most of the CIAF program is free, including the art fair which features 24 art galleries and Indigenous art centres as well as free dance performances and artist talks, these two events are ticketed.
 
CIAF kicks off with a massive Opening Party under the stars in the gardens of the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal on Thursday 16 August. Attendees will have the chance to be the first to buy a unique piece of artwork by emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, enjoy local cuisine and fine wine, and be entertained by some truly unique performances.
 
In a celebration of song King Kadu (Ricardo Idagi) and Deline and Marindi Briscoe (formerly of the renowned Briscoe Sisters) along with 60 voices from The Torres Strait Island Choir will unite in a unique, world premier piece Wawu Maumele (Know Your Heart) performed in both Kuku Yalanji and English.
 
The Opening Party will also include spectacular dance by the Lockhart River Kawandji-Wimpa Dancers, winners of the Laura Festival 2011.

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CIAF Symposium is an annual investigation, discussion and debate about the state of our industry and the hot topics of the moment. This year the Symposium poses the questions: Where does the vision to innovate come from? What is the current state and future direction of the art market?
 
“With our keynote speakers including artist Destiny Deacon and art dealer Michael Reid alongside curator Carly Lane, master printmaker Theo Tremblay and others, this year’s symposium is set to be lively and a great insight into where Indigenous art making is heading into the future,” said CIAF Artistic Director Avril Quaill.
 
Symposium keynote speaker Michael Reid said “In the jaws of a recession, much over the last four years has been discussed and trawled over in regards to the state of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art market. The industry has often wildly gyrated between nostalgia for the all too recent past and or over focused on the anxieties of now - enough already. Let us look to the future.
 
“I want to stimulate discussion, from the floor, as to where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is heading and outline some of the world of opportunities that are now at our feet.
 
“To begin with: the Australian dollar is so strong, we can now go anywhere and almost nowhere is as expensive as Sydney. So let’s go over there and set up camp. Let us look to establishing permanent representation for our artists overseas. The world, and not Australia, is our new frontier. How very exciting is that?”
 
In 2O12 CIAF will showcase and sell work by over 300 Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
 
CIAF includes a daily program of performance, interactive workshops, children’s activities, exhibitions and satellite events at venues across Cairns.
 
CIAF is a major initiative of the Queensland Government delivered by Arts Queensland, part of the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts.

This year’s event, with a record 24 art galleries and Indigenous art centres, is set to be most exciting yet, boosted by a significant funding boost of $300,000 – bringing the total investment through Events Queensland to $350,000 in 2012.
 
For all individual event information – venues, dates, times and ticketing info please refer to the website ciaf.com.au.
 
TICKETS
 
OPENING PARTY
Date & Time: 7-11pm Thurs 16 Aug
Location: Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal
Entry: $55 per person, includes refreshments?
Tickets on sale Tuesday 1 May from www.ticketlink.com.au
 
CIAF SYMPOSIUM
Dates & Times: 9am 12:45pm Fri 17 Aug; 8:30-11:30am Sat 18 Aug?
Location: Centre of Contemporary Arts, 96 Abbott St?
Entry: $25/$15 concession per day.?
Tickets on sale Tuesday 1 May from www.ticketlink.com.au