Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2026: Opening Night

Tanks Arts Centre

On sale now

The 2026 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) – Reclamation & Regeneration will commence with a spectacular Opening Night celebration across the entire Tanks Arts Centre precinct, featuring a Smoking Ceremony, vibrant dance performances, live music, thought-provoking art installations, digital projections, and delectable food.

Set within rainforest and botanical surrounds, attendees will enjoy the concurrent opening of the Art Fair Showcase and Artisans Showcase, presenting over 30 exhibitors, including art centres, commercial galleries and independent artists across Tanks 3 and 4. These spaces will be filled with a diverse array of powerful artworks responding to the 2026 curatorial theme Reclamation & Regeneration. Along the promenade, the Artisans Showcase will feature more than 40 First Nations businesses across two pavilions, offering fashion, design, jewellery and cultural artefacts.

As night falls, digital projection artworks animate the exterior facades of the Tanks, interacting with the surrounding landscape and enhancing the site’s natural and architectural textures. Live performance and music continue in Tank 5, while curated food and gathering spaces invite audiences to move, pause and connect throughout the evening. This preview event promises an unforgettable night of art, culture and connection, celebrating the rich heritage and contemporary expressions of Queensland’s First Nations artists.

Join us for the largest gathering of Queensland’s First Nations artists in the world, where artists from rainforest, reef, desert and freshwater Country come together.


Generally there is no right to a refund or exchange except as required by law, or as provided in the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice. Please refer to Ticketlink Terms and Conditions on this website.


Price
Price Guide
When
Thu 9 Jul 2026
Venue Opens
4.00pm
Doors open
Show Time
7.00pm
Interval
No
Duration
3hrs
Supporting Act(s)
Rating
PG - Parental Guidance
Seating
Unreserved Seating/Standing
Food
Yes
Bar
Full Bar
Companion Card
Yes, click for more info
Ticket Collection
The Box Office opens at the advertised Venue Opens time for ticket collection and enquiries.
Seating Plan
Seating Plan

Warnings:
Contains strobe lighting and audience participation

Anyone under 18yrs must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

We wish to advise Aboriginal and Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander viewers that the event may contain images and voices of people who are deceased. Care and discretion is advised when accessing the content within Aboriginal and Zenadth Kes Communities.
Price Level Type Price
Unreserved Seating/Standing Adult $55.00
Unreserved Seating/Standing Concession $45.00
Unreserved Seating/Standing Senior $25.00
Unreserved Seating/Standing Youth (3-17yrs) $25.00
Unreserved Seating/Standing Under 3yrs $0.00
Ticket price is inclusive of booking fees.
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