AccorHotels today announced that it will once again partner with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), continuing its support of the nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and communities.

It is the fifth year that AccorHotels – the nation’s largest hotel and resort network - will support the popular local event as Accommodation Partner, which will take place from 15-17 July, with an opening night party to be held on 14 July.

Chief Operating Officer AccorHotels Pacific, Simon McGrath, said, “AccorHotels is proud to continue its support of this significant arts festival, which is an important event on Far North Queensland’s cultural calendar.

“CIAF has been created to promote greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Australia's Indigenous art and culture. Accor’s own corporate vision is to celebrate and raise the profile of indigenous ambassadors and their culture, both at work and in a broader community context, so the festival is a natural alliance for us.

“We’re also pleased for the opportunity to play a more active role on behalf of the tourism industry to better promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and Cultural Heritage through hotel experiences, with the launch of our new artist in residence program in partnership with the event this year.”

Much more than an art fair, CIAF is a platform for Queensland Indigenous artists to tell their stories through visual art, performance, fashion, screen, workshops and more. The unique three-day fair has both ticketed and free events available to the public.

CIAF Artistic Director, Janina Harding said CIAF is a dynamic event that engages a wider audience through diverse programming.

“CIAF  positions the art and culture of Queensland’s talented First Peoples front and centre over the three day event, giving tens of thousands of people a chance to enjoy a unique experience.”

For the second time, AccorHotels will appear as an art exhibitor, with the introduction of a fresh hotel-based artist-in-residence initiative for 2016 designed in partnership with CIAF and KickArts Gallery, the peak Contemporary Arts Organisation of Far North Queensland.

“KickArts is delighted to work with AccorHotels and CIAF once again delivering its artist in residence program,” said Justin Bishop, Director of KickArts.

“By having an artist available at each hotel, guests have the opportunity to see first hand the process of how art is created, and to have the opportunity to ask questions of the artist. This way visitors can see not only the finished artwork, but the manner in which it is manufactured and developed thereby increasing their awareness and appreciation of the time and thought that goes into each unique piece.” 

AccorHotels arts partners will  curate art installations at four hotel addresses across the city during the fair – at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Pullman Cairns International, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino and Cairns Harbour lights.

The exhibitions will specifically shine a light on amazing artists who work in art centres across the remote Cape York region, and are free to view for AccorHotel guests and the general public for an extended period between 11 and 29 July. 

For more information on AccorHotels visit www.accorhotels.com or for program and event details visit www.ciaf.com.au