UMI Arts

03/09/2026

Thanks for the shout out Entertainment Cairns! 🤩🧡

‘𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝑶𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌’ 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒏𝒔! 🎉

https://www.entertainmentcairns.com/newsletters/newsletter-20260109-5953.html

⭐️ Opera Queensland’s cast of young Australian singers will perform with soaring harmonies, masterful musicianship, and an irresistible energy. The result? A foot-stomping, heart-stirring performance that bridges two musical worlds in a way that feels fresh, exciting, and downright fun. 🤩 Catch one of their two shows at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre this Sunday!

Come in your jeans and boots or your tuxedos and ballgowns, this is opera like you’ve never seen it before – bold, adventurous, and full of heart.

The Regional Tour of Are You Lonesome Tonight is supported by Creative Australia and Queensland Government through Arts Queensland
🎟️ Tickets on sale via Ticketlink

⭐️ This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Andrea ! One of FNQ’s most adaptable entertainers! Find her gracing locals and tourists alike with her signature music style at some of our best local venues, or maybe you’ll see her as the singing celebrant at your next wedding! 🎤

⭐️ This week, we’re celebrating UMI Arts !! UMI Arts is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural members-based organisation for Cairns and Far North Queensland. Established in 2005, UMI Arts mission is to operate an Indigenous organisation that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in the maintenance, preservation and protection of cultural identity. ☀️

Want to be Featured? Pop on over to our website and learn how to join our listings!

https://www.entertainmentcairns.com/register

01/09/2026

🎶 Don’t miss David Hudson at Carnival on Collins!

Looking for something to do this Father’s Day? Don’t forget to check out UMI Arts member artist Dr David “Bindi” Hudson, performing live at Carnival on Collins.

Known for his didgeridoo artistry, music, storytelling and humour, David brings a unique blend of sound, culture and connection to every performance. With an international career spanning stages around the world, his work continues to connect audiences with Country, culture and community.

Catch David on the Carnival Main Stage for an afternoon of music, stories, rhythm and soul at the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

📅 Sunday 6 September
⏰ 12pm–12.45pm
📍 Carnival Main Stage, Flecker Lawn, Cairns Botanic Gardens

01/09/2026

🔥Help keep the fire burning for First Nations art and culture! 🔥

Big Talk One Fire is more than a festival. It’s a gathering of community, culture and creativity, and a place where people come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, stories, music, dance, language and connection to Country.

Your support helps create opportunities for Far North Queensland artists, Elders and cultural practitioners to share their knowledge, build cultural confidence, create income and connect with new audiences.

It also helps support the transfer of knowledge from Elders and cultural leaders to younger generations, through story, song, dance, art, language, and shared practice.

When you give to Big Talk One Fire, you’re helping keep culture active, visible, viable and strong. ❤️‍🔥

Every contribution helps keep the fire burning.🔥🧡

🔥 Spark Supporter: $50–$499
🔥 Kindling Contributor: $500–$2,499
🔥 Flame Builder: $2,500–$7,499
🔥 Fire Circle Partner: $7,500–$19,999
🔥 One Fire Principal Partner: $20,000+

Help us keep the fire burning. Donate today.

Head to the Big Talk One Fire HQ or email [email protected] for more info.

UMI Arts is the lead Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts and Cultural organisation for FNQ

28/08/2026

🐦🪼 Happy Friday from the creatures of Freshwater Saltwater! 🌊

We thought we’d wish everyone a very happy Friday with a few of the wonderful creatures currently inhabiting the UMI Arts Gallery as part of Freshwater Saltwater. 💙

🪶 Birds of a Feather — Kassandra Savage
🐠 Manta Ray — Connie Rovina
🌿 Where All Life Gathers — Dorothy Edwards

Come and discover these works and so much more, celebrating the incredible connections between people, Country and the natural world.

📍 Freshwater Saltwater | UMI Arts Gallery
🗓️ Open Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm
📅 On display until 9 September
🎟️ Free entry | All welcome!

Come say hello to the creatures before they swim, fly or wander away! 🐦🌊✨

26/08/2026

🎁 Looking for a gift with meaning? Make it count with something truly special from UMI Arts. 🧡

Skip the ordinary and give a gift that supports First Nations artists, celebrates culture, and tells a story.

The UMI Arts Gift Shop is packed full of fine art, jewellery, ceramics, prints, books, toys, homewares and more, all unique created by our talented member artists! 🎨✨

Every purchase is an opportunity to support our artists and their creative practices, with sales helping to provide income directly to artists while also contributing to the ongoing work of UMI Arts — including future exhibitions, workshops, cultural programs and opportunities for our members.

Whether you're looking for something small and meaningful, a beautiful piece for the home, a gift for a little one, or something special to treasure for years to come, there's plenty to discover.

🎁 Give something unique.
🌿 Support First Nations artists.
❤️ Take home a story.

Come in and explore the Gift Shop at UMI Arts, or browse our collection online!

🧡Desert Country, Shirley (Yumala) Collins
🧡Kaizi's Traditional Coconut Oil & Essential Blends
🧡Eco Towels, Jedess Hudson
🧡Emu Feather Neck Jewelry, Sandra Scott

25/08/2026

🎨 MEET THE ARTISTS OF UMI ARTS

Every artwork has a story. And behind each story is an artist, a culture, a community and a connection to Country.

With more than 2,000 First Nations member artists, UMI Arts is home to an incredible community of artists working across visual art, craft, dance, music and more.

Our Artist Stories page is your chance to get to know some of the talented artists behind the work — from emerging artists to some of our most senior and established members. ❤️💛🖤

✨ Explore Artist Stories
📖 Take a virtual journey through past exhibitions with our Exhibition Catalogues
🎨 Browse the Alumni Artist Guide
🌿 Discover the stories, practices and inspiration behind the artists of UMI Arts

Whether you're an art lover, collector, or simply curious to learn more, come and meet the artists behind the art.

👉 Explore Artist Stories online now!

24/08/2026

🔥 VOLUNTEERS WANTED! 🔥

Help us make Big Talk One Fire Festival 2026 our biggest and best yet! 🙌🏽

Join the friendly UMI Arts team, be part of an awesome cultural event, gain valuable festival and event experience, and help us celebrate the incredible First Nations culture of Far North Queensland. ❤️💛🖤🤍💚💙

Whether you love chatting with guests and helping people find their way, or you’re happy to get stuck in behind the scenes (yes… there are plenty of chairs to move! 😂), we’ve got a volunteer role for you!

✨ Different shifts and times available
✨ Plenty of time to enjoy the festival
✨ Get hands-on event production experience
✨ Meet great people and be part of the UMI team
✨ Help celebrate FNQ First Nations arts and culture

📞 (07) 4041 6152
📧 [email protected]

Or simply comment below and let us know you’d like to be involved!

Come along, lend a hand and be part of BTOF2026! 🔥

14/08/2026

Explore new works by artists from Hopevale Arts & Cultural Centre, online now! 🎨

At the heart of Guguu Yimithirr culture, the Hopevale Arts & Cultural Centre provides a space for artists and community to share, learn and continue cultural traditions. The Centre supports the teaching and use of the Guguu Yimithirr language, as well as the passing on of cultural knowledge and skills — from gathering and weaving local fibres and using traditional bush dyes, to exploring contemporary practices including printmaking, etching and painting.

Discover these beautiful works by Hopevale artists, available to explore and purchase online:

WANDA GIBSON
Guugu Yimithirr / Nugal Warra
‘Cooktown Sunset’

DOREEN HART
Guugu Yimithirr / Binthi Warra / Bulgan Warra
‘Moonthaa Lagoons’

SHANE GIBSON
Guugu Yimithirr / Thuubii, Bindhi and Bulgun warra
‘Ngowiya burr-Bi’

PEARL DEEMAL
Guugu Yimithirr / Thiithaar, Ankamuthi, Bargaarrmugu
‘Binirrigu (mountain at Cape Bedford)’

✨ Explore the collection online now.

11/08/2026

🗣️A reminder to our member artists that there are lots of opportunities currently open and available at umiarts.com - Exhibitions, Pathway Programs, Art Fair touring and lot's more! We have opportunities for emerging and established artists alike - wherever you are on your arts journey, UMI Arts can assist!

📩Download your EOIs and submit to our friendly Exhibition Officer.
📞Or got questions? Give us a call!

(pssst... don't forget about Big Talk 2026! Still taking applications for participation...🔥)