Francoise Lane steps down as CIAF artistic director
She may have served only two years, but Francoise Lane has left a legacy in the Far North Queensland Indigenous arts space.
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She may have served only two years, but Francoise Lane has left a legacy in the Far North Queensland Indigenous arts space.
Ms Lane, who served as CIAF’s artistic director, has called time on her tenure at the popular arts festival.
“Since joining CIAF in August 2022, it has been an absolute honour to serve as Artistic Director and to help shape the 2023 and 2024 Art Fairs,” Ms Lane said.
“My focus has been positioning CIAF as the premier Queensland event celebrating First Nations arts and culture in alignment with the strategic plan.”
CIAF chief executive Dennis Stokes said despite Ms Lane’s short tenure, she would leave a legacy in the arts space.
“I think what she’s bought to CIAF has been great and as part of her vision, we’ll build on that for the future,” Mr Stokes said.
“What she’s done has been great for CIAF and she will leave a legacy.”
Reflecting on the mark she wanted to leave, Ms Lane expressed a desire to see CIAF continue playing a role in inclusivity, both in the Indigenous arts space and in disability.
“When people talk about legacy, for me, it’s the lifting up and giving opportunity for First Nations led programs, initiative exhibitions, to have a platform at CIAF, and that was something that I really tried to lift up,” she said.
“And so if that’s a legacy that continues, because a legacy goes for longer than two years, it goes beyond your term, that would be wonderful to see.
The 2024 Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair included sold-out fashion performances, live music performances, immersive workshops, art markets and anniversary art exhibition Not Selling Cakes.
Ms Lane will officially step down on September 6, 2024.
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Originally published as Francoise Lane steps down as CIAF artistic director
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