How ‘Pay Attention’ will change the way I curate by Samantha Lawrence
- liliancameron
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
By Master of Art Curating student Samantha Lawrence
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2025 program and CIAF On Country VIP Program, ©CIAF 2025
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair—‘CIAF’—just wrapped up four vibrant days in Cairns, marking its 16th year. The fair celebrates the rich culture and arts of Far North Queensland and Torres Strait communities. This year’s theme, Pay Attention!, was inspired by esteemed artist Tony Albert and his evocative 2011 print work of the same name. It called on artists to reflect on this powerful moment in First Nations history following the 2023 Voice Referendum.
In his opening speech, Tony Albert described it as a call to action:
“A reminder that First Nations People are still here, still creating and still thriving. And that our voices deserve to be heard. Not just within these walls but across this country. It’s about listening deeper, seeing sharper and engaging with the world and with us, with care, curiosity and commitment.”— Tony Albert, 2025
I joined the On Country Program, hosted by Albert alongside curator Bruce Johnson McLean. Designed for curators and collectors, it was an incredible opportunity to reset, connect, and immerse in FNQ’s art, culture, and Country while meeting artists and forging meaningful relationships. The week’s program included exhibitions, site visits, fashion, performances, talks, and demonstrations.
Bunda Art, 'Melicope Elleryana (Julgil / Pink Euodia)', 2025, Mixed media, 160 x 35 cm. Irene Robinson couture at CIAF fashion show, Samantha Lawrence mud crab fishing on Kuku Yalanji Country, Photos: Samantha Lawrence
Highlights included time on Kuku Yalanji Country—fishing for mud crabs, making Pay Attention! bead necklaces with Tony Albert, attending exhibition openings at Cairns Art Gallery, Northsite Gallery and Courthouse Gallery, and engaging directly with artists and curators at the art fair.
The Mark Maker talks were a standout. Archie Moore discussed Kith and Kin (2024), his Venice Biennale experience, and winning the prestigious Golden Lion Award. Terri Janke spoke on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights, while Sebastian Goldspink demystified the relationship between curators and artists and shared great anecdotes of curator-artist collaboration.
Sebastian Goldspink Mark Maker talk, CIAG talks program, Archie Moore Mark Maker talk and Tony Albert and Bruce Johnson McLean talking about Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellowships. Photos: Samantha Lawrence
A personal highlight was connecting with curators from across Australia — HOTA, NGA, MCA, AFNSW, Queensland Museum, Sydney Biennale, and QAGOMA—sharing stories, challenges and future projects underway.
Recurring themes emerged throughout the week. While the quote below was directed at First Nations artists, it reminded me why curators play a crucial role in enabling stories to be told:
“Everyone has a story. It may be a dreamtime story, but it may not. It may be the story of your life. It’s still your story and it needs to be told.”— Lynelle Flinders, weaver and textile artist
Another key message focused on care—how First Nations artworks in collections are treated, accessed, and kept connected to their communities. The idea of care goes beyond protection to honouring connection, considering objects as living entities. This was powerfully illustrated in the first-time performance of the Crocodile dance by Alick Tipoti, a Kala Lagaw Ya man and linguist from Badu Island, Torres Strait.
Torres Strait Islander artist Alick Tipoti’s cultural art demonstration at CIAF. Photos: Samantha Lawrence
One of the crocodiles has been acquired by Queensland Museum and will feature in Croc! – Lost Giants to Living Legends exhibition later this year. The curators shared that they visited Badu Island to record the crocodile songs and dance, so future generations can access the full cultural context—and so the artwork is never entirely alone, even when far from home. The Museum also acknowledged it does not yet have a permanent First Nations gallery, but is working toward it.
Top Tips for Emerging Curators from CIAF 2025:
Reach out. People are generous and want to help—curators talk, share, and support one another.
Look for curating opportunities in unexpected spaces—artist-run spaces, pop-ups, or even starting your own.
If you have an idea—go for it. Suggest collaborations, volunteer, and stay open.
Pay attention. Be curious, listen deeply, ask questions, and be kind.
Watch Revive and Resist (dir. Kieran Satour), a documentary about 14 First Nations artists at the 24th Biennale of Sydney, Ten Thousand Suns. Watch here.
Attend CIAF in 2026!
Some additional resources
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - https://ciaf.com.au/cairns-indigenous-art-fair-ciaf
Tony Albert - https://tonyalbert.com.au/
Alick Tipoti and Prince Albert of Monaco documentary - https://www.alickandalbert.com/
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