Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2023

Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for Arts, the Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP; State Member for Cairns and Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development, Mr Michael Healy MP; State Member for Surfers Paradise and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Mr John-Paul Langbroek; Federal Member for Leichhardt, the Honourable Warren Entsch MP; Cairns Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Bob Manning OAM; Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Chair, Mr Tom Mosby; Artistic Director, Ms Francoise Lane; fellow Patron, Ms Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie AM; CIAF staff, artists and volunteers; Elders; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. 

I would like to thank the proud First Nations people who have so warmly welcomed us to Country this evening; from the smoking ceremony and the cultural dance performances, it is once again my privilege to witness the depth and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. 

I too, begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather and pay my respects to the many proud First Nations people here tonight. 

I also acknowledge the immense contribution of all Elders, who—as highlighted by this year’s NAIDOC Week theme—guide and inform their people with such generosity and wisdom. 

Thank you all for your warm welcome as I make my 7th official visit to Gimuy, and my first to the spectacular Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. 

This evening I have had the privilege of viewing the incredible artworks on show—escorted on my tour by the knowledgeable and passionate CIAF Artistic Director, Francoise Lane and Curatorial Assistant Teho Ropeyarn. 

The works are truly breathtaking in their colour, form and beauty, and like all great art, are powerful conduits to discussion, as they reflect the experiences, observations and styles unique to each talented artist.  

While the creation of visual arts has been an intrinsic part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tradition for tens of thousands of years, this Art Fair allows First Nations artists to explore perspectives relevant to our contemporary society—this year exploring the theme “Weaving our Future: Claiming our Sovereignty”—not only to raise important questions, but to educate and inform audiences, and build greater awareness and understanding. 

The deep connection First Nations people have to country, forebears and tradition is such a significant part of their creative expression, and we all have much to learn by exploring the different artistic interpretations on display.  

Over the next few days, visitors will be treated to a celebration of Indigenous talent that extends beyond the visual arts, beginning tonight with performances by the amazing dancers, choir, singers and musicians.    

Through workshops, master-classes, a symposium, fashion parade, artist talks, and much more, this year’s CIAF promises to be informative, and supremely entertaining. 

And, of course, for those many collectors who are keen to purchase, the CIAF also provides an ethical marketplace, which is so crucial when the integrity of the artworks’ provenance needs protection in the face of welcome, yet rapidly growing demand. 

I know that organising an event of such scope requires the energetic commitment of many. I therefore thank the Chairman, Board, staff and volunteers of the CIAF, those at the Cairns Convention Centre, and all who have injected this festival with such supportive enthusiasm. 

I also extend my gratitude to the many sponsors and supporters who make an event of such size and diversity possible. 

Above all, I thank each of our brilliant artists, whose exceptional creativity showcase the richness of Indigenous culture, and demonstrate how integral their art is to enhancing and enlightening our society, and driving positive change. 

It is now my very great pleasure, as Governor and Patron, to declare the 2023 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair officially open, and to wish you all enormous success! 

In conclusion, I would also like to take this opportunity to present a Certificate of Patronage to CIAF Chair, Mr Tom Mosby.