SEPTEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER
Applause for first Art Fair
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair was a huge success. With 10,000 people visiting the event at Tanks Arts Centre over three days and more than $500,000 of art work sold we smashed all expectations.
These numbers show the success of the Art Fair in event and economic terms, but it's the personal testimonies of visitors and exhibitors both during the Fair and in the two weeks following which have illustrated CIAF's greater legacy.
Comments range from ‘magical' to ‘mind-blowing', with lots of reflection on the quality and diversity of the art work and the unique setting of Tanks.
From the moment Queensland Premier Anna Bligh opened CIAF to an audience of more than 650 people, the goodwill and excitement of the Cairns community was tangible.
A capacity crowd attended the opening
CIAF Director Michael Snelling said the combination of quality art work, gallery-standard presentation, stunning location and the complementary performing arts and talks program had created an accessible, informative event for everyone from the curious to the dedicated collector. "CIAF came together as I had envisioned, with the performing arts program and rainforest environment giving a cultural context to the art work which is lost in traditional gallery settings," he said.
"Everyone benefited from this rich interpretation of art and culture"
Michael said he had been overwhelmed by the community's response to the Art Fair, with Cairns locals and Indigenous people from the city and surrounding communities embracing the event.
"While a strong percentage of the audience were international and interstate collectors and tourists, most were visitors from Cairns and North Queensland - many of whom returned each day," he said.
"I had people come up to me at the end of Art Fair, visibly moved, who just wanted to say how proud they were that Cairns had this event."
Alcaston Gallery Director Beverly Knight, also National President of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association, said CIAF had met her best-case scenario for sales, attendance and organisation.
Weekend highlights
Ceremonial smoking of Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and CIAF Patrons the Governor of Queensland Her Excellency Penelope Wensley and Cape York Elder Thanakupi by Traditional Owner Seith Fourmile at the Opening Event
Work from the Art Fair has been acquired by state and national gallery collections
Strong sales, commissions and follow-up enquiries for the commercial galleries and art centres
Many of the emerging artists have received early offers for exhibitions across Australia
Opening night performance by Aurukun Songmen and Dancers
The farewell performance of Torres Strait music legend Seaman Dan at Bippera-Kymel
Performance and introduction to the traditional and contemporary cultures of Saibai Island with Ariw Poenipan
The ceramic and woven works of Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre
Tony Albert relocating his entire studio to Cairns for the duration of Art Fair
The textile artists of Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Art Gallery met with Lydia Pearson and Pamela Easton of international fashion house Easton Pearson and are now exploring a potential collaboration
Nicolas Rothwell's cautionary tale on the clash of cultures and Judy Watson's personal account of the challenges that face contemporary Indigenous artists at the Symposium
Zennith's wild interpretation of the FNQ Sound at the Bippera-Kymel concert on Friday night
When's the next one?
The question on everyone's lips is ‘when is the next Cairns Indigenous Art Fair?' Arts Queensland will be making an announcement later this year on the date for the second CIAF. Until then, thanks everyone for your support and words of support and goodwill. All of us here in the CIAF team appreciate it!
To keep the memories strong, make sure you look at our images of the event at AQ's Facebook page.
Media Coverage
While CIAF made headlines around the nation here are a few highlights:
The Australian - Article by Rosemary Sorensen
Cairns Post - Article by Jesse Kuch
The Australian - Article by Nicolas Rothwell
Cairns Post - Article by Jesse Kuch
ABC Radio National - Interview with Michael Snelling
Courier Mail - Article by Suzanna Clarke
AQTV - Premier Anna Bligh
