UMI Arts

12/06/2026

👀 Still haven't seen You & Me and The Summer Show?

Don't worry — there's still time! But not much...
✨ Come and explore your local First Nations cultures, give your eyes a treat, enjoy our comfy couch and have a yarn with the friendly UMI team. Our current members exhibitions close next Wednesday 17 June, so if you've been waiting for the perfect moment to visit, this is it!

(in fact...why not finish work a little early and swing by this afternoon? 😉🎨🛋)

See you soon! 🧡

10/06/2026

Thanks for the shoutout Entertainment Cairns! 🤩🧡

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

⭐️ Come along to hear the best school ensembles from across Far North Queensland performing as part of the Regional Final at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre 🎶

Instrumental Fanfare is the biennial statewide festival of bands and orchestras from Queensland state schools. It showcases the exciting music-making that occurs in school-based ensembles across the state. The emphasis for Instrumental Fanfare is on improving the quality of ensembles, promoting the highest possible standard of performance, striving for excellence, and encouraging participation.

⭐️ Claiming the spotlight as this week's featured performer we have Pyrotechnique - Fire Dance Theatre ! 🔥 From spectacular solo fire performances to fire dance troupes accompanied by live tribal drummers, whether it’s a corporate event, wedding, or private party, indoors or outdoors, our stylish shows will add a touch of enchantment to your special evening and leave your guests with a night to remember. ✨

⭐️ Claiming the spotlight as this week's featured venue we have 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

09/06/2026

Hi all, the Gallery and Gift Shop will be closed today, we apologise for any inconvenience!

📩 Members can still get in touch with the UMI team - give us a call on 07 4041 6152 or email [email protected].

🎨Just wanted to explore our current exhibitions? You can find our exhibition catalogues available to view online - a great way to explore the gallery from the comfort of your own couch! 😉🛋

08/06/2026

🌟Thanks for the shoutout, Welcome to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef! 🙌🏾

Our two current exhibitions, 'You & Me' and 'the Summer Show' are open for one more week only!
Free entry and all welcome - come and explore the stories, culture and art of Far North Queensland's First Nations 🧡

08/06/2026

Not a UMI Arts member yet? Joining is free and easy! 🧡🌟

There are a range of membership benefits, including exhibition opportunities, promotion of your artist
profile, access to free skills workshops and pathway program, and lots more!
Full (free!) membership applications are welcomed from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individual with blood-line connection to the Far North Queensland region.

We can assist you no matter where you are on your arts journey! 👣

📩Download the application form online and return to [email protected] or get in touch to find out more!

🌱For non-Indigenous individuals and organisations who would like to keep in touch about current events and support First Nations arts and culture, we welcome you too as Friends of UMI Arts! Complete the Friends of UMI section in the applications form or find out other ways you can support UMI Arts.

05/06/2026

Just a Happy Friday post from the UMI Arts team! 🧡 We thought we'd see you all into the afternoon with these beautiful Julmburran and friends... 😍

1. Dyrrin Murgha, 'Julmburran and Baby (Dugong)'
2. Connie Rovina, 'Bush Stories VIII'
3. Cecelia Slade, 'Scaut'
4. Doreen Hart, 'Burruunh-burruunh'

🌟 All on show now in the UMI Arts Gallery!
👀 'You & Me' and 'The Summer Show' open Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm.
🚪 Closing 17th June, get in quick to see these incredible exhibitions.

Have a great weekend everyone! 🌴🌞🧡

29/05/2026

“UMI” means 'you and me' in Creole — a reflection of the shared responsibility and connection at the heart of UMI Arts, where working together to protect, celebrate and strengthen First Nations cultures is central to everything we do. 🧡 This week is National Reconciliation Week — a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to consider how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in meaningful ways.

The 2026 theme, *All In*, is a call for every Australian to commit to reconciliation not just during this week, but every day. It reminds us that reconciliation is an active journey — one that requires listening, learning, respect and action from all of us.

For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have carried the responsibility of advocating for recognition, rights and truth-telling. Real reconciliation can only move forward when everyone stands together.

Reconciliation doesn’t happen on its own — it happens when we are all in.

27/05/2026

🦋 We had a very small Friend of UMI Arts stop by and explore the gallery today - hope you enjoyed the exhibition, little guy! 🦋

All are welcome at UMI Arts ☺️🧡🧡🧡

25/05/2026

🌟 Meet the Artist 🌟 GANOMI BARSA 🌟

Born on Thursday Island in 1970, Ganomi Barsa grew up surrounded by strong cultural knowledge, creativity and tradition. After completing his secondary education and training in carpentry, he later developed a passion for creating traditional headdresses and sardine cups, learning through close family connections and observation.

As a young man, Ganomi watched his father, grandfather, uncles and brothers craft ceremonial headpieces, with his brother’s work becoming a major influence on his own artistic journey. Today, he continues to share this cultural knowledge through his art and social media, helping inspire and educate younger generations.

Ganomi has exhibited his works at a number of art fairs, proudly showcasing the beauty and significance of Torres Strait Islander cultural practice through his intricate creations.

Pictured: Headdress Dhoeri I (2025)
Feathers (white and black cockatoo), coloured cottons, seeds
44 x 31 cm | $645

Now showing in 'You & Me' exhibition at the UMI Arts Gallery ✨