Cairns Indigenous Art Fair boss Dennis Stokes has been appointed to the Federal Government’s First Nations Board for a four-year term from this month. Photo: Blueclick Photography.
The chief executive officer of the art fair responsible for kickstarting the careers of countless Cape York and Torres Strait artists has been announced as one of the inaugural appointees to the Federal Government’s First Nations Board.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) boss Dennis Stokes is one of 10 members of the board, which aims to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture both in Australia and internationally.
Mr Stokes and his fellow board members will provide leadership to support and promote First Nations arts and have a mandate that includes enhancing sustainable creative career pathways for artists from areas like Cape York and the Torres Strait, increasing audience opportunities and expanding the reach of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Mr Stokes, a proud member of the Wardamann, Luritja, and Warramunga peoples of the Northern Territory and the Wagadagam people of the Torres Strait, brings extensive experience and passion to the board and Minister for Arts Tony Burke said he believed First Nations artists would get greater creative autonomy through the board’s diverse composition.
“This board will ensure that the decisions and investments to support First Nations arts are guided by First Nations people, protocols and principles,” he said.
“It will amplify the voices of First Nations people and support self-determination in the telling of their stories.
“Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enable them to make pivotal contributions to supporting and empowering First Nations artists and arts workers.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said she believed the board was “committed to championing First Nations artists and amplifying their voices”.
The appointment of Mr Stokes and the other board members came into effect on 9 September for a period of four years.
