Sally Gabori will be represented by Alcaston Gallery.

Art work by renowned artists Sally Gabori, Dennis Nona, Alick Tipoti, Tony Albert, Judy Watson and Samantha Hobson will be on sale at the first Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).

Speaking at a Friends of CIAF event on 8 May at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Director Michael Snelling announced nine leading Australian Indigenous art galleries and six art centres from Cape York and the Torres Strait had signed up for the August 21-23 event.

"In its first year, the intention is to establish CIAF as a boutique event presenting the very best art work of Queensland's established and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists," Michael said.

Tony Albert will be represented at CIAF by Jan Manton Art. Image courtesy Natasha Harth (Queensland Art Gallery)

"I believe we have got the mix of mediums, artists, galleries and art centres just right in 2009, especially as the art fair is complemented by the curated selling exhibition which will include work from leading artists whose galleries' and art centres 'don't do art fairs'."

Confirmed galleries and Indigenous Art Centres for CIAF 2009 include:

• Alcaston Gallery (Melbourne)
  Representing: Sally Gabori, Netta Loogatha, Ethel Thomas, Dolly Loogatha and Amy Loogatha
• The Australian Art Print Network (Sydney)
  Representing: Dennis Nona, Alick Tipoti and David Bousen
• Australian and Oceanic Art (Port Douglas)
  Representing: Rosella Namok, Samantha Hobson, Arone Meeks and Lockhart River artists
• Erub Erwer Meta, (Darnley Island, Torres Strait)
• Fireworks Gallery (Brisbane)
  Representing: Ian Waldron, Joanne Currie, Laurie Nilsen and Jenny Fraser
• Gab Titui Cultural Centre (Thursday Island, Torres Strait)
• Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre (Cardwell)
  Representing: Tonya Grant, Ninney Murray, Sally Murray, Kayla Henry, Emily Beeron, Daniel Beeron and Leonard Henry
• Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre (Hope Vale)
  Representing: Roy McIvor and Evelyn McGreen
• Jan Manton Art (Brisbane)
  Representing: Tony Albert and Samuel Tupou
• KickArts Contemporary Arts (Cairns)
• Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Art Gallery (Mossman Gorge)
  Representing: Karen Gibson, Kay Creek and Herbie Salt
• Mornington Island Arts (Mornington Island)
• Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts (Townsville)
  Representing: Sugar Shaker Indigenous Print Makers
• UMI Arts (Cairns)
• Urban Art Projects Brisbane
• Vivien Anderson Gallery (Melbourne)
  Representing: Samantha Hobson, Janet Fieldhouse and Ricardo Idagi

A second Friends event is being held at Cairns Regional Gallery on Monday 15 June. The Opening Event on Thursday 20 August offers an exclusive early preview of the art work on sale at the art fair and exhibition, as well as performances by the Aurukun Songmen, King Kadu and the Ariu Poenipan dancers from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, complimentary drinks and nibbles. Tickets are $50 per person but if you book before July 31 you're eligible for the fantastic early bird offer of two tickets for $75 - a bargain. Tickets on sale through Ticketlink or 1300 855 835.

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We welcome feedback and contributions to Arts Update. Please contact the editor, Colleen Turner on (07) 3225 8841 or email artsupdate@arts.qld.gov.au