Canvas of Cairns Community Artwork CallOut
Cairns Festival 2026 | Creator Callout!
Have your artwork shine inside Cairns Festival’s illuminated sculptures.
As part of Cairns Festival and the Cairns Celebrates 150 Years program, we’re inviting artists, creators, dreamers and rule-breakers to see their artworks displayed within a series of light-filled sculptures that will transform the Esplanade during Cairns Festival.
This is a unique opportunity to see your creativity re-imagined into a large-scale light experience viewed by thousands. We’re taking artwork off the walls and showcasing it in the wild.
We’re seeking work that is bold, thought-provoking, visually striking and responds to the brief (as outlined in the application)! Best of all, it’s open to everyone. We want artwork that celebrates the people, cultures, histories and unique energy of Cairns both past, present and future.
All designs are welcome. No gatekeeping. No playing it safe.
Further information on the creative brief and how your artwork should respond can be found below.
*The image above provides a mock-up of the figurine structures and demonstrates how selected artworks/designs will be integrated as the central visual element within each sculpture
Criteria
In 2026 Cairns will Celebrate 150 Years (Cairns 150). In honour of this celebration, Cairns Festival Light Sculpture Figurines are aligning to the C150 theme/s.
Cairns Celebrates 150 Years - a city-wide celebration of Cairns, honouring our stories, our people and our shared future.
Throughout 2026, events and activities across the region will reflect on the themes of:
- Recognising Cairns’ Past: Honouring the stories, traditions, and achievements that built the foundations of the city - from First Nations histories to pioneering industries and iconic moments.
- Celebrating Cairns Today: Showcasing the vibrant, diverse and creative spirit of modern Cairns - its people, schools, communities, businesses and natural beauty.
- Looking Forward to the Next 150 Years: Imagining the future we want to create - through innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and bold community vision.
Cairns Celebrates 150 Years is a community-driven milestone that invites everyone to share stories, creativity and pride in our city. Find out more on the website and download the Cairns Celebrates 150 Years Prospectus( PDF, 3.52 MB )
Key Dates
- Applications open now
- Applications close Sunday 28 June 2026 (11:59pm)
- Successful applicants notified early July 2026
- Unsuccessful applicants notified early July 2026
- Cairns Festival 2026 will run from Friday 28 August - Sunday 6 September
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