Celebrating their tenth anniversary, this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Awards saw Kuku Yalanji artist Ivy Minniencon receive the 2026 Emerging Artist Award proudly supported by Apunipima Cape York Health Council.
Ms Minniecon won the award for her entry Ngamu which means “Mother” in Kuku Yalanji language.
Honouring mothers and their enduring role in First Nations culture was Ms Minniecon’s driving inspiration behind the exhibition.
“The exhibition was inspired by motherhood and the enduring strength, care and knowledge that mothers pass from one generation to the next,” Ms Minniecon said.
“As a First Nations woman, mother and artist, I wanted to honour the women who have shaped me and acknowledge the ways culture is carried through everyday acts of love, making and belonging.
“It honours my own journey as a mother while celebrating the countless First Nations women whose care and resilience continue to sustain our families and communities.”
With culture and health inextricably linked for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Apunipima Chairperson Trevor Shane Gibson said sponsorship of the award reflected the organisation’s commitment to promoting healthy lives for the people of Cape York.
“Creativity, cultural participation, and connection to Country are foundational to the social and emotional wellbeing of our people,” Mr Gibson said.
“Creating art helps to focus the mind, relieve stress, and provides a safe space for people to process worries and share stories.”
Mr Gibson emphasised the importance for up and coming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to tell their stories.
“Your voice is unique and irreplaceable in the creative community—no one else has your exact background or way of seeing the world,” Mr Gibson said.
“Telling stories through art keeps traditions alive.”
Apunipima would like to thank the CIAF Art Awards judging panel for their careful consideration of an outstanding field of artists, and CIAF for the opportunity to partner in recognising and supporting emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent through this award.
Photo credit: Ngamu 2026 exhibition by Michael Marzick courtesy of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (centre image).
