Flame.Arts for emerging creatives

Flame.Arts is Cairns Regional Council’s program for young and emerging creatives in the arts, artists with a disability and First Nations artists. It is underpinned by our Young Creatives Strategy.

The program offers projects and opportunities for capacity-building and professional development through workshops, skills development activities, grants, mentoring, performance, and exhibition platforms. There are programs across a broad spectrum of arts and culture, with activities across the year.  Flame.Arts projects are embedded within Council’s arts and culture program and we are committed to igniting creative expression in Cairns.

The Flame.Arts program is focussed on developing pathways for creatives in Far North Queensland and building regional capacity, working towards our goal to see the Cairns region become the Arts and Cultural Capital of Northern Australia.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact the team on (07) 4032 6603 or email flameprojects@cairns.qld.gov.au

Music

Live performance and development opportunities include gigs at Tanks Arts Centre, Tanks Market, Tank 4 Up late and Cairns Festival.

Visual arts

Find exhibitions, residencies and mentorship opportunities including the Tanks Curator Award, the Pump House Residency or a Flame mentorship.

Workshops & artist opportunities

Find out about upcoming workshops, professional development and opportunities to participate in mentoring.

Music In Session at Court House Gallery

Regional Arts Development Fund grants

A partnership between Arts Queensland and Council to support local artists, cultural practitioners and arts organisations through grants.

Screen & film

Aspiring film-makers can enter the Understory Film Festival or attend film-making courses for young people.

Local Cairns Artist performing on the Tanks Arts Centre stage

Live + Local program

A partnership with Live Music Office and APRA AMCOS to develop strategies to build and support local live music industry growth in the region.

The Flame.Arts program responds to priorities identified in consultation with the local arts and cultural sector including the development of pathways for further education and employment in the cultural industries, which is recognised as one of the top five challenges in our region. Flame.Arts has been created to align with Cairns Regional Council's Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022.


Residencies, murals and other creative opportunities

Local Cairns Artist performing on the Tanks Arts Centre stage

Live + Local program

A partnership with Live Music Office and APRA AMCOS to develop strategies to build and support local live music industry growth in the region.

Community murals in Cairns

Community murals & public art

Council supports a range of community-based mural projects that contribute to revitalising and restoring our neighbourhoods and public spaces.

Cairns Arts & Culture Map

Do you want to know who created a sculpture you saw on the Esplanade? Or hire an artist for a performance or portrait? Visit the Cairns Arts & Culture Map for a directory of Cairns creatives and creativity.

Festival volunteers smiling

Arts volunteers

Volunteer in the arts at one of our galleries, festivals or events. Share your skills as an arts mentor.

Cairns Festival (AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER)

Cairns Festival is an annual 10-day celebration of art, culture and the beauty of living in Tropical North Queensland. Cairns Festival proudly hosts a kaleidoscope of culture, arts, music, comedy, visual arts, and family events celebrating the beauty and rich cultural heritage of living where the sun and sand meet the city.

Our arts venues

Our unique and renowned arts venues in Cairns include Tanks Arts Centre, Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns Performing Art Centre and the Court House Gallery. Find out more about booking, visiting or programming at these Council venues.

Last Updated: 3 October 2025

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