Legacy Archive

Cairns Art Gallery was established in 1995 as an independent public art gallery to promote the unique heritage and living culture of North Queensland in the context of the world’s tropic zone and the Asia Pacific region.  

Over the past three decades the Gallery and its reputation have grown exponentially. Today it is nationally recognised for its outstanding programs, scholarly research and breadth and diversity of its Permanent Collection. 

2025 is the Gallery’s 30^th anniversary. To mark this milestone the Gallery has developed an online Legacy Archive that draws on and connects important initiatives and programs that the Gallery has undertaken over the years to create a significant and enduring cultural legacy for the community and future generations.

The online Legacy Archive is guided by the Gallery’s inclusive strategic goals that support its vision and mission. These goals include building the Permanent Collection as a significant research resource; bringing great art to the region from across Australia and internationally to engage and inspire diverse audiences; supporting and growing aspirations of the region’s artists through all stages of their careers; undertaking scholarly research to contribute to Australian art scholarship; and presenting and promoting our unique cultures to the world. 

Three culturally significant themes underpin the online Legacy Archive.

Header image: 
Segar Passi
Mam edge (detail)  2012
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
76.0 x 100.0 cm
Purchased Cairns Regional Gallery, 2012
Commissioned Cairns Regional Gallery
Photographer: Michael Marzik