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CIAF appoints creative powerhouse to lead ambassador program and for festival on the ground engagement
[by Pip Miller]
Talicia Minniecon. Image: supplied
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When the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) kicks off its 16th anniversary season next month, audiences can look forward to a new and vibrant presence on the ground — content creator, storyteller, cultural powerhouse, and 2025 Ambassador Program lead, Talicia Minniecon.
A proud 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 from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July 2025 in the city’s vibrant cultural precinct and rainforest surrounds of Tanks Arts Centre.
Armed with a microphone, a camera, and her trademark warmth, Talicia will conduct roving interviews throughout the Fair, capturing stories, spirit, and spontaneous moments to share across CIAF’s 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!” said 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.”
Festivalgoers are encouraged to keep an eye out for Talicia 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 throughout the event.
In addition to her on-ground reporting, Talicia will also 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 now open at: ciaf.com.au/ciaf-ambassadors-eoi-now-open
A mother, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate, Talicia is the founder of Mob Made Media & Communications, a purpose-led agency that reclaim narrative sovereignty and elevates Indigenous excellence across platforms. Through this role and her popular fashion label TTPOPP, she inspires with her bold storytelling, creative vision, and unwavering commitment to community.
Reflecting on her involvement at this year’s CIAF 2025, Talicia said 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.
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,” she said.
