The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has celebrated this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) as a longstanding principal supporter.
Held from 9-12 July 2026 and during NAIDOC Week, the 17th CIAF celebrated First Nations resilience, identity and creativity of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples from across Far North Queensland under the powerful theme Reclamation & Regeneration.
For Zenadth Kes, CIAF has become a platform for Torres Strait Islander artists to share their excellence with audiences across Australia and the world.
TSRA has supported this vision by reducing logistical barriers and strengthening Torres Strait Islander representation, inclusion and attendance. The partnership also includes sponsorship of the $5,000 People’s Choice Award.
This year, the TSRA supported Torres Strait Islander artists Jimi K Thaiday from Erub (Darnley Island), Vicki Newie from St Pauls (Moa Island), Matilda Nona from Badu Island and Thomas (Connie) Pedro from Moa Island to participate and showcase their work.
TSRA bursary recipient and emerging digital storyteller Tari Sagigi also joined the 2026 CIAF Ambassador Program to build skills and share stories online with audiences across Queensland.
Chairperson George Nona said the Zenadth Kes region was well-represented at CIAF 2026.
“Despite living in one of Australia’s most remote regions, our vibrant culture, art and heritage shined at CIAF to attract interest, spark conversation and amplify the reach of our artists,” Mr Nona said.
“As the region’s peak body, TSRA remains committed to maintaining strong partnerships that provide opportunity for First Nations people living in Zenadth Kes to pursue their passions, develop their skills and showcase their talent.
“Across art and all industries, TSRA supports the region and its people to stand strong in culture and unify through partnerships to achieve a sustainable future,” he said.
TSRA’s Gab Titui Cultural Centre (GTCC) returned to CIAF in 2026 as an exhibiting stallholder, proudly representing artists from across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
“Through the Gab Titui Culture Centre stall, more emerging and established artists from the region were represented, ensuring artists who could not travel to Cairns still had the opportunity to share their stories with thousands of visitors,” Mr Nona said.
TSRA thanked CIAF, its partners, participating artists, volunteers and the wider community for delivering another successful celebration of First Nations creativity and culture and reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its strong partnership in 2027.