Key task force named to lead CIAF into future

Arts Minister Ian Walker today announced a six-member task force to steer the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) through its transition to a new governance model.

Mr Walker also announced CIAF Presents will be held in Cairns August 15-18, with a major free concert on 16 August.

“2013 is a transition year for CIAF and the next full Fair will be held in 2014.  CIAF Presents is a homegrown interim event celebrating Queensland Indigenous arts and culture,” Mr Walker said.

“The CIAF transition task force will make recommendations to me on a new governance model for CIAF to transition out of Arts Queensland, which has delivered this annual event since 2009.

“Task force members are: Ms Henrietta Fourmile Marrie, CIAF co-patron and Traditional Owner; Councillor Bob Manning, Mayor Cairns Regional Council; Mr Jim Cousins, philanthropist and Indigenous art collector; Mr Cameron Costello, lawyer, Indigenous community member and former CIAF General Manager; and representatives from Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland.”

Mr Walker said the task force will make recommendations on the best governance model for CIAF and the establishment of a new CIAF delivery structure.

“I expect the new arrangements for delivery of CIAF to be up and running by December this year.” Mr Walker said. “In the meantime, CIAF Presents, 15-18 August, will partner with local arts and cultural organisations, Cairns Regional Council and Indigenous communities to promote Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

“There will be a free concert on 16 August and three forums – the National Indigenous Festival Forum, National Indigenous Curators Forum and Indigenous Textiles Forum – as well as other events that will share and showcase the dynamic arts and culture of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.”

Mr Walker said key CIAF partners such as exhibitors, Indigenous Art Centres, sponsors, collectors and curators will be asked to provide input to the task force on the way forward for CIAF.

“This is our chance to work together to ensure CIAF stays strong,” Mr Walker said. “We need to get the governance model right and I believe we will with this task force and feedback from our partners.”

For information on CIAF Presents and CIAF’s transition and task force go to www.ciaf.com.au

[ENDS] 11 April 2013

Media Contact: Casie Scott, 0432 453 225