Artist Dennis Nona at the site of the 2009 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Located on the waterfront at the city's iconic Heritage Sheds it will showcase the stunning works of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artists to the world.

The Art Fair, 21-23 August 2009, will feature a high quality presentation of work for sale, as well as a performance program and symposium. The fair is set to establish Cairns as a cultural tourism hot spot for art enthusiasts.

In the past decade, a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Far North Queensland have made their mark on the international art industry. The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will present the work of these prominent artists, but it will also look to the future by featuring emerging and mid-career artists from local art centres.

Art dealers and buyers will be provided with a unique opportunity to meet the artists and see the stunning environment and rich culture that provides the inspiration for their contemporary painting, sculpture and printmaking.

Curator, arts producer and consultant Michael Snelling will be Director of the first Art Fair.

The Heritage Sheds, part of Cairns Ports' multi-million dollar Cityport redevelopment of the waterfront, will provide an ideal setting for the Art Fair.

The Art Fair is a key component of the State Government's $10.73 million Backing Indigenous Arts program aimed at strengthening the Indigenous arts industry in the Far North.

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