Countdown is on for CIAF’s iconic fashion show and powerhouse lineup
TICKET GIVEAWAY
BUSINESS FEATURE
In exactly two weeks, Australia’s premier First Nations-led cultural event will make its highly anticipated return. From July 9-12, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) arrives to ignite the region with a powerful celebration of art, storytelling, and heritage.
The action kicks off early on Tuesday, July 7, at the Tanks Arts Centre with a special, one-night-only theatre production of The Boy Who Found His Way Home.
Written by Jillian Boyd-Bowie and starring acclaimed actor Jimi Bani, the play is a powerful, must-see celebration of Torres Strait Islander identity.
On Thursday, July 9, the spotlight shifts to the Community Opening Fashion Show at a spectacular new runway venue: The Mill in Stratford.
This rugged, industrial timber site will host two exclusive matinee sessions at 1.00pm and 3.30pm.
Under the theme Reclamation & Regeneration, the showcase fuses contemporary garment design with choreographed movement, live music, and digital projections to tackle cultural identity and climate resilience.
The glamour steps up on Friday, July 10, for the exclusive Fashion Performance Premiere, featuring a red-carpet arrival, ambassador interviews, the inaugural CIAF Fashion Awards, and exclusive after-hours access to the designer Pop-Up Shop.
That evening, the party moves back to the Tanks precinct for the official Opening Night event from 4.00pm to 10.00pm.
Headlined by award-winning dance troupe Naygayiw Gigi, the celebration launches CIAF's largest-ever Art Fair Showcase and Artisans Market, kicking off a huge four-day lineup running from Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 12.
Inside the 'Mark Makers' Masterclasses
For those looking to engage directly with the minds shaping contemporary art, the ticketed Mark Makers Talks and Masterclasses program offers rare, hands-on access to leading Indigenous creatives.
The inspiring keynote series kicks off on Friday, July 11, with Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas making his highly anticipated Cairns debut.
Reflecting on his journey as one of Australia’s most influential First Nations artists, he shares the stage with multidisciplinary artist Luke Currie-Richardson.
The conversation continues into Saturday, July 12, when Gungganji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji creative powerhouse Elverina Johnson takes the spotlight to explore creative self-determination.
Beyond the keynotes, audiences can immerse themselves in expert-led, hands-on masterclasses running throughout the festival weekend.
On Friday, July 11, local artist Sabrina Toby will lead an intimate session in traditional shell adornment, followed on Saturday, July 12, by a contemporary jewellery-making workshop with Carly Wallace.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday, July 12, with a rare international textile exchange led by Taiwanese Indigenous artist Sigesile Kalidoai, who will share contemporary interpretations of traditional Paiwan needlework.
For the full program, visit: ciaf.com.au/ciaf-2026-fashion-performances
For tickets, visit: ciaf.com.au/ciaf-2026-ticketing-hub
Ticket giveaway
Want to experience the runway at the historic timber mill in Stratford? We are giving away two double passes (2x tickets per winner) to the spectacular CIAF Fashion Opening Shows on Thursday, 9 July:
- Prize 1: 2x tickets to Show 1 – Reclamation (Matinee, 1.00PM)
- Prize 2: 2x tickets to Show 2 – Regeneration (Matinee, 3.30PM)
To enter the competition:
- Head to the Newsport giveaway post on Facebook.
- Tag the person you want to bring along in the comments.
- Tell us which of the two shows you want to attend (Make sure to include this so your entry counts).
Winners will be drawn via a random name generator and announced on Monday 29 June on the Newsport Facebook page.
------------
Want to showcase your business or event with a business feature? Please contact [email protected]