Dennis Stokes announced as new CEO for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Phoebe Blogg Published June 3, 2024 at 11.45am (AWST)

culture

Behind the scenes at CIAF 2023. (Image: supplied)

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair has announced the appointment of its new chief executive, Dennis Stokes.

With a career spanning over two decades in the arts and media sector, Stokes brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to empowering First Nations voices and self-determination in the arts.

Stokes hails from Darwin and belongs to the Wardamann, Luritja, and Warramunga peoples of the Northern Territory and the Wagadagam people of the Torres Strait. His career includes prominent roles such as CEO of Mimi Aboriginal Arts & Craft, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, and First Nations Media Australia.

*CIAF Chief Executive Officer Dennis Stokes. (Image: Cairns Indigenous Art Fair)*

"I am deeply honoured to join Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) as CEO. I aim to work with our diverse communities, stakeholders, sponsors and philanthropists across Queensland and the nation to advance a shared vision of empowering First Nations voices and achieving self-determination in the arts sector," he said.

*Behind the scenes at CIAF 2023 fashion presentation. (Image: supplied)*

CIAF chair Dr Bianca Beetson was thrilled to welcome Stokes to the organisation whilst further thanking outgoing general manager Darrell Harris for his management since 2020.

"I would like to thank Darrell Harris for his leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when CIAF needed to pivot almost overnight to a digital-only event," she said.

"We are thrilled to have Dennis join us as ceo to lead CIAF into its next evolution. His knowledge and understanding of Indigenous arts and culture organisations and his strategic leadership will help propel CIAF into a new era of innovation and impact."

Celebrating its 15th anniversary between Thursday, 25th July, and Sunday, 28th July 2024, this year CIAF will reveal a cultural thread connecting highlight events, the Art Fair exhibition, two-day symposium and fashion performance. This year's event program also takes a cue from the fair's theme of, Country Speaking.

Celebrated as Queensland's biggest and more culturally immersive event, in 2023 CIAF generated more than $7 million for the Queensland economy (as per the 2023 IER economic report) and in 2024 its presumed this will only increase.

Kicking off his new role as CEO this month, Stokes has hit the ground running tasked with directing what is said to be yet another record-breaking year for CIAF.

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