Flag flyer: CIAF ambassador is keen to have a yarn
First Nations and Pacifica woman Talicia Minniecon is the new face of the ground-breaking Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
When the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair begins its 16th season in July, audiences can look forward to a new and vibrant presence on the ground. Because content creator, storyteller, cultural powerhouse and 2025 ambassador program lead Talicia Minniecon is now flying the flag for the acclaimed festival.
A First Nations and Pacifica woman, Minniecon will be front and centre across the four-day celebration of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture, held July 10 to 13 in the city’s cultural precinct and rainforest surrounds of Tanks Arts Centre.
Armed with a microphone, a camera, and her trademark warmth, Minniecon will conduct roving interviews across CIAF, capturing stories, spirit and spontaneous moments to share on its social platforms.
“CIAF is about connection – with culture, community and creativity – and Talicia is the perfect person to reflect that and bring life to our thematic through line … Pay Attention!” says CIAF artistic director Teho Ropeyarn. “We’re excited to have her vibrant voice and energy amplifying the many faces and stories that make CIAF so special.”
Festival-goers are encouraged to keep an eye out for Minniecon and “have a yarn” when they see her — and to follow CIAF’s Facebook and Instagram pages for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, artist interviews and insider insights.
In addition to her on-ground reporting, Minniecon will lead CIAF’s 2025 ambassador program, inviting young First Nations content creators to learn, connect and co-create with her throughout the fair. (EOIs for the ambassador program are open at: ciaf.com.au/ciaf-ambassadors-eoi-now-open
A mother, educator, entrepreneur and advocate, Minniecon is the founder of Mob Made Media & Communications, a purpose-led agency that reclaims narrative and elevates Indigenous excellence across platforms. Through this role, and her popular fashion label TTPOPP, she inspires with her bold storytelling, creative vision and commitment to community.
Minniecon says CIAF is more than a festival – it is a celebration of culture, creativity and a joyful meeting place of past, present and future.
“I’m beyond excited and deeply honoured to be part of CIAF 2025 – a space that celebrates the strength, brilliance and creative power of our First Nations people.
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“This is more than a moment – it’s a movement, and it’s an honour for me to be here, amplifying our voices and empowering our communities from a grassroots level. This is for our Elders, our young ones and every First Nations storyteller who breaks cycles, empowers our communities and reclaims space.
“I’m here to listen, connect and share. Every person has a story and every yarn is a chance to honour culture and community.”