Step into the strange with Fever Dreams as part of Cairns Festival

A fluorescent fantasy of texture, sound and subversion will take over Tank 4 at the Tanks Arts Centre this Cairns Festival, as Fever Dreams transforms the gallery into a surreal, sensory playground of contemporary art.

Running from 22 August to 7 September, the free large-scale installation features four of Far North Queensland’s most dynamic visual artists.

Hans Ahwang, Jamie Cole, India Collins and Melania Jack will each bring a distinctive perspective to the dreamlike collision of aspiration and reality from pop-art mixed media to soft sculptural, sound and digital art forms.

While Fever Dreams invites introspection, the experience continues just outside the gallery with Fever Lounge, the Festival’s social hub nestled under the iconic fig tree near Tank 4.

Fever Lounge invites visitors to relax with a drink, connect with friends and soak up tropical DJ sets under the trees.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the Cairns Festival program continued to evolve, with 2025 showcasing one of the most diverse line-ups yet.

“Cairns Festival continues to be the biggest event on our city’s calendar, and we are excited to see such a celebration of our local arts community in this year’s program,” Cr Eden said.

“I am especially excited for the launch of Fever Dreams and the Fever Lounge, something fresh and bold that runs the entire duration of Cairns Festival.

“It’s edgy, it’s different and it’s thought provoking. Not only that it introduces us to the work of four incredibly talented local artists and is just another example of how Cairns Festival continues to support creative opportunities in our region.”

Cairns Festival kicks off on Friday 29 August and runs through to Sunday 7 September.