Cairns is set to celebrate the vibrant creativity and business acumen of First Nations peoples as the highly anticipated Indigenous Business and Art Expo returns for its fourth year.
A Platform for Hidden Talent
This dynamic event, exploding in popularity, has become a crucial national platform for Indigenous artists, producers, and creatives from regional, rural, and remote communities. More than 60 Indigenous stalls will transform The Pier shopping centre, offering a rare chance to discover incredible work often found nowhere else.
Event co-creator Marc Harbrow emphasised the expo's significance. "We have so many first Nations businesses in the Far North flying under the radar but doing absolutely amazing work," he said. The event has grown to a level where it is now nationally recognised, with many in the community calling for it to be held twice a year.
Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs
The expo is designed not just as a marketplace but as a career launchpad. A team of experienced mentors, including Georgia McGrath from McGrath Social Media, Talicia Minniecon from Mob Made Media, and Marc Harbrow from Harbrow Mentoring, will be on hand to guide the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Talicia Minniecon, who will also MC the event, is passionate about amplifying these stories through her company. "I love translating what First Nations businesses are doing to the online world," she stated. "It's providing our people avenues to be able to work for ourselves, self-determine our own lives." She firmly believes that the high-quality work from these communities deserves a place on national and international platforms.
An Event for the Whole Community
While the expo is a celebration of Indigenous talent and is First Nations-led, its creators are clear that it is an event for everyone. "The expo belongs to Cairns," Harbrow affirmed. "It's for the public, so come and be part of it."
The 2025 Indigenous Business and the Art Expo will be held at The Pier shopping centre in Cairns on Wednesday, November 12, from 12pm to 5pm. The public is invited to explore a stunning collection of unique artwork and gifts, directly supporting a thriving circular economy.
