Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Overview
CIAF invites Expressions of Interest from exhibitors for the 2027 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

We welcome Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from art centres, commercial galleries, not-for-profit arts organisations, independent artists, artist groups and collectives, and artist-run initiatives (ARIs).

Whether you are a returning exhibitor or new to the CIAF community, we want to hear from you.

If you have never exhibited with CIAF before, we particularly encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity to introduce your practice or organisation, share your work and tell us about the work, artists or exhibition you are proposing for the 2027 Art Fair Showcase.

We look forward to discovering new work, welcoming returning exhibitors and bringing together a diverse range of First Nations artists, practices and perspectives from across Queensland and the Torres Strait.

Important dates

• Expressions of Interest Open: 16 September 2026

• Expressions of Interest Close: 16 November 2026 11.59pm

• Applicants notified of outcome: 7 December 2026

• Registration opens for successful exhibitors: 7 December 2026

• Registration closes: 28 January 2027

• Booth Deposit and Contract Due: 28 February 2027

• Balance Payment Due: 31 March 2027

• Final artwork selection and booth layout review (required for all exhibitors except Commercial and Not For Profit Galleries): 24–28 May 2027

Selection process

The CIAF Art Fair Showcase is a curated exhibition. Expressions of Interest are invited from eligible art centres, commercial galleries, not-for-profit arts organisations, independent artists, artist groups and collectives, and artist-run initiatives (ARIs) seeking to participate in the Showcase.

Following the EOI closing date, all applications will be assessed by the CIAF Curatorial Panel against the published assessment criteria. The Panel will consider the artistic quality of the proposed work, cultural integrity, exhibition merit, contribution to the Showcase, and the applicant’s professional readiness to participate in the Art Fair Showcase. The Panel will also consider the overall balance of the Showcase and available exhibition space when making final selections.

Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome and invited to complete their exhibitor registration. Registration confirms participation in the Art Fair and enables the CIAF team to begin planning booth allocations, logistics, marketing, and exhibitor support.

Following registration, Art Centres and Independent Artists will work with the CIAF Exhibitions Team to finalise the artwork selection and booth layout through a scheduled curatorial review prior to the Art Fair.

 *Please note: Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee selection. The CIAF Art Fair Showcase is a curated exhibition, and participation is determined through a competitive assessment process.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to exhibit at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Art Fair Showcase, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Exhibiting artists, or artists represented by an applicant (art centres, commercial galleries, not-for-profit arts organisations, independent artists, artist groups and collectives, and artist-run initiatives (ARIs), must be First Nations artists of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

• Exhibiting artists must also meet one of the following residency requirements: Reside in Queensland (QLD); or have familial ties to Queensland, meaning they have family connections or ancestral links to Indigenous communities in Queensland.

• The Art Fair Showcase is open to First Nations artists at all career stages, including emerging, mid-career and established practitioners.

• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to First Nations cultural, traditional and/or contemporary artistic practice.

Assessment criteria

Eligible applications will be assessed by the CIAF Curatorial Panel against the following criteria:

• Artistic Quality: The strength, originality and technical quality of the artwork and artistic practice.

• Cultural Integrity: Demonstrated respect for, and engagement with, First Nations cultural knowledge, protocols and storytelling where relevant.

• Exhibition Merit: A clear and cohesive exhibition proposal, including the quality and suitability of the artwork for presentation within the Art Fair Showcase.

• Contribution to the Showcase: How the proposed exhibition contributes to a diverse and balanced presentation of First Nations art, artists and cultural practices from across Queensland and the Torres Strait.

• Professional Readiness: The applicant’s capacity to meet exhibition requirements, timelines and logistical commitments.

*Please note: The Curatorial Panel also considers available exhibition space and the overall balance of the Art Fair Showcase. Meeting the eligibility and assessment criteria does not guarantee selection.

Booth sizes & fees

• Booth Height: 2.7 metres.

• Booths are charged at $178 + GST per lineal metre.

• Applicants are asked to select their preferred booth size range.

• Final booth allocations will be determined by CIAF based on the proposed exhibition, available exhibition space and the overall balance of the Art Fair Showcase.

• The final exhibition fee will be calculated at $178 + GST per lineal metre based on the allocated booth size. Invoices will be adjusted accordingly once final booth allocations are confirmed.

• Individual exhibition and space requirements can be discussed with the Exhibitions Team as part of the allocation process.Payment Terms
  Booth Deposit Due (25%, Non-Refundable): 28 February 2027
  Balance Payment Due: 31 March 2027