Dan Sultan to head CIAF Presents concert

Queensland’s Indigenous arts and culture will be under the spotlight in August, with the CIAF Presents line up set to be a show stopper.

Arts Minister Ian Walker today announced a free concert headlined by award-winning singer Dan Sultan, exhibitions by Indigenous artists Roy McIvor and Ken Thaiday Snr and an art market day.

“CIAF Presents delivers a fantastic program of events that will be held at venues across Cairns,” Mr Walker said.

“The line-up includes a feast of dance, music and visual art. Dan Sultan will perform at the CIAF Presents UMI Arts Big Talk One Fire concert (16 August), which will also showcase emerging and established Far North Queensland Indigenous performers, musicians and markets stalls at Fogarty Park.

“There will be a very special duo of innovative exhibitions by the Elders of Queensland Indigenous art, Roy McIvor and Ken Thaiday Snr, at Cairns Regional Gallery.”

The Newman Government is supporting CIAF through its transition phase with funding of $1.568 million.

Minister Walker said the event showcases the dynamic arts and culture of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

“UMI Arts, KickArts Contemporary Arts and Canopy Artspace will host exhibitions of Indigenous art, while the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA) will make Tanks Arts Centre its home to showcase the art work of Far North Queensland art centres,” he said.

“The Kinship program comprises the Kinship exhibition and the Kinship Art Market at Tanks and a public symposium at the Centre of Contemporary Arts.

“Cairns’ top chefs will also be on hand to tempt audiences with tasty treats as part of the Gimuy Fish and Food Festival on 16 August. There will also be a performance by the Baiwa Dancers of their new work Warupaw Uu - Echo of Drums at the Centre of Contemporary Arts.”

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said he’s excited about what the future holds for CIAF.

“CIAF is coming of age. I am confident that this very successful and internationally renowned event will continue to evolve and prosper,” he said.

CIAF Presents is delivered in partnership with Cairns artists, arts organisation and the Cairns Regional Council.  For further information visit www.ciaf.com.au

[ENDS] 28 May 2013

Media Contact: Alex Bernard, 0417 252 563/ Casie Scott, 0432 453 225