Sam Harrison Wins First CIAF Resonance Commission for 2026 Large-Scale Work

Sam Harrison, a multidisciplinary artist of Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri heritage based in Meanjin/Brisbane, has been selected for the inaugural CIAF Resonance Major Commissioning Project. This collaborative initiative between Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Blaklash will result in a major new large-scale work premiering at CIAF 2026 in July. The project is presented by Cairns Art Gallery with support from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. A panel with representatives from both CIAF and Blaklash assessed submissions against specific criteria to choose Harrison. According to CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn, the Resonance initiative strategically expands the organization's role as cultural infrastructure, centering First Nations creativity.