THE small but hardworking team at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) paused preparations this week to recognise office manager Wanda Weatherall for 14 years of service to Queensland’s exemplary showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.
A Mbabaram* woman, Ms Weatherall commenced her role with CIAF in 2010, just one year following its establishment by the Queensland Government in 2009 and 10 years since its transition to independent status as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and governed by an Indigenous-led Board of Directors.
From Thursday, 25 to Sunday, 28 July 2024, CIAF will celebrate its 15th anniversary with its largest and most culturally immersive program.
Details and ticketed events will be released for sale later this month.
CIAF’s Artistic Director Francoise Lane praised Ms Weatherall for her commitment to CIAF and extended service.
“Wanda is the heart and soul of our CIAF team, and we are all looking forward to celebrating her achievements,” Ms Lane said.
Ms Weatherall officially started with CIAF as an administration officer in March 2010 – almost a year after the inaugural event was held at Tanks Arts Centre in 2009.
Even after all this time, Ms Weatherall said the thing she loves most about her job is witnessing the annual arrival of fresh new artworks in various mediums from all corners of Queensland.
“I also love CIAF for catching up with family and friends that I haven’t seen for a while and welcoming back our regular guests and first-time visitors,” Ms Weatherall said.
A proud Indigenous woman, Ms Weatherall holds an Associate Diploma of Arts (A&TSI Cultural Arts) and worked for seven years within the retail arm of an Indigenous tourism organisation before joining CIAF.
*Mbabaram – First Nations rainforest peoples from the Atherton Tablelands
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