CIAF CEO Dennis Stokes named First Nations Board member

A prominent FNQ arts leader has been appointed to a new First Nations board to help promote Indigenous arts and culture domestically and overseas.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) CEO Dennis Stokes has been named a member of the new First Nations Board to elevate Indigenous arts and culture nationally and internationally. Picture Emily Barker.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair chief executive Dennis Stokes has been named a member of a new First Nations Board to elevate Indigenous art at home and abroad.

The board is part of the Federal Government’s Revive policy to elevate First Nations arts and culture nationally and internationally.

Mr Stokes, who joined CIAF as its inaugural chief executive officer in April, said he was honoured to be appointed as a board member.

“It’s a great honour. It reflects on everyone in the board and the work we’ve done over many years,” Mr Stokes said.

Mr Stokes said his priority as a board member was to make sure Far North Queensland’s unique art and culture was well represented.

“I am there to represent the region and make sure Far North Queensland is represented and the benefits come this way in terms of art and culture, not just for First Nations people but for the whole community,” he said.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) CEO Dennis Stokes. Picture Emily Barker.

“I think the artworks that come out of FNQ are very unique and need to be recognised a lot more nationally and internationally.”

Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said the diverse range of perspectives on the board would give First Nations people greater artistic autonomy.

“This board will ensure that the decisions and investments to support First Nations arts are guided by First Nations people, protocols and principles.

“It will amplify the voices of First Nations people and support self-determination in the telling of their stories.”

The new appointments came into effect on September 9 and will each serve a four-year term.

Mr Stokes will be joined on the First Nations Board by Rachael Maza AM (Co-chair), Philip Watkins (Co-chair), Clint Bracknell, Pauline Clague, Jeanette James, Deborah Mailman AM, Daniel Riley, Rhoda Roberts AO, and Jared Thomas.

Originally published as CIAF CEO Dennis Stokes named First Nations Board member