Case Study:
Cairns Indigenous Art Festival

IER was commissioned by the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) to evaluate the economic and social value generated by its activities. While previous studies by IER focused on the tourism impact of the event, this study went further by exploring the social and cultural benefits associated with CIAF and its related activities.

CIAF’s mission of celebrating and strengthening culture, creating professional development opportunities for artists, and fostering cultural exchange between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and visitors is showcased during its four-day celebration in Cairns each winter.

Having conducted economic impact assessments for CIAF for over a decade, IER was tasked with also measuring the social, well-being and cultural contributions to complement the financial benefits.

The study measured the following key outcomes:

• Annual participation in CIAF, including physical attendance, online engagement, volunteers, artists, and performers.
• The economic and social value of CIAF to the wider community.
• CIAF’s value to the community, developed through a Benefit Analysis

The study found that the combined annual economic and social benefits of CIAF were valued at $8.3 million for Cairns and $10.9 million for Queensland.

More details can be accessed here.

Image Credits: CIAF Fashion Performance, Buwal Barra, collection by Simone Arno, 2019. Photograph: Kerry Trapnell Photography. CIAF Art Fair, Darren Blackman, Black Square Arts booth, 2019. CIAF Art Fair, Abe Muriata, Girrigun Aboriginal Art Centre booth, 2019. CIAF Performance, Island Stars, CIAF 2019. Photograph: Blueclick Photography.