Your guide to the best Aboriginal Art galleries around Cairns
List
By Laura Walls
From traditional galleries showcasing classic and contemporary works to ancient carvings housed in nature, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is a treasure trove for Indigenous art fans. At the very heart of it all is Cairns – home to countless Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, sculptors and creators.
Here’s your need-to-know guide to the best Aboriginal art galleries in Cairns and its surrounds.
When to visit
For the quintessential introduction to Australia’s Indigenous art scene, time your trip to coincide with the iconic Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF). One of the highlights of Australia’s Indigenous events calendar, it takes over the city for a week each year.
The program packs in visual and performing arts, craft and workshops, fashion, music and dance performances. Most importantly, it’s all done under the banner of providing an inclusive, ethical marketplace for artists and their fans. Don’t miss the official launch night, where you’ll be treated to a colourful sneak peek of what’s to come.
Tune into traditional stories at Janbal Gallery, Mossman
Janbal Gallery
Listen to tales of the Dreamtime while you create Aboriginal-inspired artworks at Janbal Gallery. Located in the scenic town of Mossman in the Daintree Rainforest, this Aboriginal-owned gallery is filled to the brim with hand-made artefacts created by local artists.
Pick up a brush and paint a small canvas or boomerang under the guidance of artist owner Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley. Take inspiration from the traditional Kuku Yalanji stories as you master your craft. Or, just explore the gallery and find a unique piece to take home.
Entry fee: Free
Art workshops: $55 per adult, $27.50 per child, $154 per family
Uncover classic and contemporary works at Cairns Art Gallery
Photo by @cairnsartgallery
Get schooled in the rich history of Aboriginal art with a trip to the award-winning Cairns Art Gallery. The city’s first ever public gallery, CAG is a long-standing supporter of artists who have strong cultural connections to Cairns.
Check out the local talent for yourself at the gallery’s biennial ART NOW FNQ exhibit, held from December to February. At other times, browse through an eclectic mix of Indigenous art, craft, contemporary and ancient pieces.
Feeling creative? Book an art class or sign the kids up for a school holiday workshop.
Entry fee: Free, donations are appreciated
Explore independent galleries across the city
Photo by @doongalgallery
Wander through the streets and laneways of Cairns and you'll discover a treasure trove of independent art galleries showcasing unique, thought-provoking works - as well as opportunities to take home the pieces you love.
Not-for-profit UMI Arts is a hub for local and regional First Nations artists, offering not only a place for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work, but nurturing talent and upskilling artists to be 'exhibition ready' with a series of workshops. Pop into the gift shop and gallery to show your support.
Explore stories of the Dreamtime at Doongal Aboriginal Art, which specialises in Aboriginal rainforest art. Artist-owner Munganbana displays his unique works that blend traditional Aboriginal themes with contemporary techniques and striking colour at his namesake gallery on Lake St. The pieces draw inspiration from his Jirrbal heritage, a rainforest tribe from the Atherton Tablelands.
Visit Cairns Market and you'll find art from Cairns-born Susan Reyes - but you can also stop by her own gallery in the heart of Cairns, Kgari 3 Sisters. Feeling creative? Sign up for a workshop, where you'll spend two hours hand-building and glazing pinch pots.
Housed within Bulmba-ja (formerly the Centre of Contemporary Arts) in the heart of Cairns, NorthSite Contemporary Arts is a cultural centre focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance and performance, but also offers a range of rotating art and multimedia exhibitions worth stopping in to see.
Examine art with an edge at TaNKS Art Centre
Photo by TaNKS Art Centre
Fans of modern art won’t want to miss Tanks Art Centre. Situated just north of the Cairns CBD in the middle of lush botanical gardens, this cutting-edge arts centre is housed in three historic naval oil tanks.
By day, feast your eyes on the free art exhibitions. Then, stay put as the evening entertainment kicks off. Featuring spoken word, comedy, film and theatre - along with workshops and market days - the arts program here offers an inspired selection of productions by some of Australia’s leading theatre companies.
Entry fee: Free and ticketed events
Travel back in time to Yarrabah
Photo by @YarrabahArtCentre
Drive 45 minutes outside of Cairns to discover the small Aboriginal beach-side community of Yarrabah. Meaning ‘paradise by the sea’, this is the traditional country of the Gunggandji and Yidinji people.
Uncover the town’s history in the Menmuny Museum, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture courtesy of your local guide. Venture outside to the rainforest boardwalk for a crash course on native plants and their usage in ancient rituals and remedies.
Finally, make a stop at the Yarrabah Arts Centre, where you might even meet the current artist in residence. Looking for something original to take home? Yarrabah specialises in hand built and wheel thrown pottery pieces.
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