For Artists of the North 2026, Cairns Art Society is proud to present the theme, Celebrating Cairns, Honouring History. Commemorating Cairns’ 150-year milestone and celebrating the exhibition’s 20th anniversary, this marks the beginning of the Cairns Art Society’s five-year countdown to its 2031 Centenary.
Artists were invited to journey into our past, reflect on the humble origins of the Far North and our society – from the ancient rainforests, reefs, and Indigenous heritage that shaped this land, to the industries of fishing, gold, and agriculture that transformed a settlement into the vibrant tropical city we cherish today – or find inspiration in the diverse landscapes and architectural beauty that captivated Cairns Art Society’s foundation members.
Image: Rainforest Waterfall, oil on canvas by Andrew Hedges, winner of People's Choice, Artists of the North 2025