OPEN APPLICATIONS
Open Applications – 2026 UMI Arts Exhibition Calendar, Pathway Programs & Art Fairs
NOW ACCEPTING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST!
UMI Arts invites our talented First Nations member artists from Far North Queensland to apply for the 2026 Exhibition Calendar, Pathway Programs, and Art Fair season.
We support our members through a vibrant calendar of group and solo exhibitions in our Manunda gallery, as well as by showcasing fine art, crafts, artefacts, and contemporary designs at prestigious interstate Art Fairs and local Art Markets. There are opportunities for artists at every stage of their creative journey — from emerging artists just starting out to established artists ready to take their practice to the next level.
Applications are open to UMI Arts Members only (except for youth applications for the Culture Through Our Eyes exhibition).
💬 Need help or more information?
Our friendly team is here to support you!
📞 Call (07) 4041 6152 or ✉️ email exhibitions@umiarts.com.au
The Summer Show
‘The Summer Show’ is a carefully curated exhibition hosted at the UMI Arts Gallery, welcoming all UMI Arts members regardless of their artistic experience. The theme of this exhibition is “Portable and Affordable”, aimed at offering a diverse range of price points to allow both locals and visitors the opportunity to support our members by purchasing art and giftware.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
EOI APPLICATIONS OPEN: 1 DECEMBER 2025
EOI APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 30 JANUARY 2026
Freshwater Saltwater
‘Freshwater Saltwater’ is UMI Arts signature annual group exhibition showcasing major new artworks by our mid-career and established member artists. The title reflects a metaphorical ideology of mainland Aboriginal custodians, reliant on and connected to freshwater, and Torres Strait Islanders who are surrounded by and connected to saltwater. The constant movement and flowing adaptability of watercourses also reminds us of the strength and endurance of the people of the First Nations, who work to keep culture and connection to country alive in an ever-changing world. Open to work in any medium.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
EOI APPLICATIONS OPEN: 1 DECEMBER 2025
EOI APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 29 MAY 2026
PATHWAY PROGRAM: Exhibition-Ready
The UMI Arts ‘Exhibition Ready’ program is a skills-development program for Far North Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who want to gain skills and experience in preparing art works for exhibition and sale. The ‘Exhibition Ready’ program mentors artists through each step of gallery exhibition preparation, presentation and promotion, whilst working towards a 6 week long exhibition at UMI Arts Gallery in Cairns, celebrated with an official opening event. Through participation in skills workshops, ‘Go-See’ excursions and with the use of the UMI Arts studio, the participant will prepare a complete body of work, according to their chosen exhibition theme/rationale. With the assistance of the Exhibition Officer or Curator, the participant will be guided through the process of delivering the exhibition. By the end of the program, as an Exhibition-Ready graduate, the participant will have held their first professional exhibition.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
EOI APPLICATIONS OPEN: 1 DECEMBER 2025
EOI APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 30 JANUARY 2026
You & Me
UMI is a Creole word that means ‘You and Me’. This is significant as we believe that we need to work together to keep our culture strong. The ‘You and Me’ exhibition is an annual group members exhibition at UMI Arts, open to artists at any level of artistic practice (emerging, mid-career, or established). It is designed to showcase the rich artistic diversity of UMI Arts member artists.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
EOI APPLICATIONS OPEN: 1 DECEMBER 2025
EOI APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 30 JANUARY 2026
Culture Through Our Eyes
‘Culture Through Our Eyes’ is a First Nations Youth Exhibition which provides an opportunity for young First Nations creators to showcase their artworks in a professional gallery setting. Students are encouraged to create artwork which shares how they view their Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Culture – through their eyes. The completed projects will be exhibited for six weeks in a dedicated exhibition at the UMI Arts Gallery in Manoora. UMI Arts will hold an official opening event which all participating students and their families are encouraged to attend. Open to First Nations students enrolled in Year 7-12 in Cairns and surrounding area, accepting works in any medium.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
EOI APPLICATIONS OPEN: 1 DECEMBER 2025
EOI APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
2026 ART FAIRS & MARKETS
Expression of Interest in submitting art, giftware, crafts or other unique products to be toured at 2026 Art Fairs and Markets.
All dates and participation to be confirmed
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF): 9 – 12 July
National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF): 5 July – 6 July
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF): 7 August – 10 August
Tarnanthi Art Fair: 15 – 18 October
NAARM Indigenous Art Market
AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market (IAM): December 2026
NAIDOC in the Park: June 2026
Big Talk One Fire Festival – separate application form, please contact UMI Arts
APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 30 JANUARY 2026
Having trouble downloading or viewing EOIs? Get in touch with our friendly Exhibition Officer at exhibitions@umiarts.com.au to request a copy directly.