Public Curators Building
Ground Floor (Lady Norman Gallery)

Cairns Art Society is one of the region’s oldest and most respected community arts organisations, maintaining a proud and enduring legacy of fostering creativity in Far North Queensland. In 2026, the Society celebrates an impressive milestone — the 78th Annual Art Exhibition, a much-anticipated showcase that highlights the diverse talents of its member artists. This event has long been a cornerstone of the local arts calendar, drawing audiences from across the region who come to admire the creativity and innovation of the community’s finest visual artists.

Founded in 1931, the Cairns Art Society was established with a clear and passionate mission: to promote an interest in art and, where possible, to help individual artists achieve their aims. Nearly a century later, this vision remains at the heart of the organisation’s activities. As a not-for-profit association, the Society continues to nurture the artistic spirit of the region by offering a range of opportunities for both emerging and established artists — including regular exhibitions, social gatherings, workshops, and professional development programs. Through these initiatives, the Society provides a vital platform for connection, inspiration, and artistic growth.

The Cairns Art Society Annual Art Exhibition celebrates excellence across a broad spectrum of artistic styles and mediums. Each year, a panel of independent judges carefully evaluates the submissions and selects the most outstanding works for inclusion in the exhibition.

A variety of acquisitive and non-acquisitive awards are presented on opening night, recognising exceptional achievement in categories such as Best Oil Painting, Best Acrylic Painting, and Best Digital Art. These awards not only honour artistic excellence but also reflect the strong community spirit that underpins the event, with prizes generously sponsored by local businesses and individual patrons who share a commitment to supporting and celebrating the arts in Cairns and the wider region.