The managing director of Skytrans, Simon Wild today announced the company has increased its annual support of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) for the next three years. 

This new commitment confirms Skytrans’ major partnership with Australia’s leading indigenous arts event until 2014.  A significant component of this is the provision of return flights for artists residing in Cape York and Gulf of Carpentaria communities to ensure attendance and participation at the August event.

Skytrans, who have been a major sponsor of CIAF since 2009 have further enhanced their contribution of cash and in-kind as a meaningful show of community goodwill and endorsement for the event’s integrity in effectively showcasing the region to Australia and the rest of the world.

In 2012, CIAF will exhibit and sell work by more than 300 Queensland and Torres Strait Islander artists to Australian and international collectors and curators as well as individual lovers of art. 

The managing director of Skytrans, Simon Wild said, “As a company, we firmly believe in giving back to our community as is evident by our numerous sponsorships that in particular, include the naming rights of Cairns’ NBL basketball team, Skytrans Cairns Taipans and rugby league’s Northern Pride.

“CIAF is an event that beautifully encapsulates the diverse creativity of these communities we fly in and out of on a daily basis. Australia as a country, quite rightly expects its corporate citizens to look after others.  At Skytrans we pride ourselves on always striving to invest in the common wealth of this region and particularly the places we service,” said Mr Wild.

CIAF’s general manager, Alison Copley is delighted to partner with Skytrans and said sponsorships such as these are fundamental to the event’s continued success.

“Without Skytrans on board we would find it difficult to organise and afford the convergence of artists in Cairns which is vital to CIAF as the premier Indigenous Art Fair in Australia and also contributes to the artists’ professional development.  This year we are looking at using a major part of the flight sponsorship in transporting dancers and performers that will perform at the official opening party.”