Tanks Arts Centre is currently refreshing its Visual Arts Program as we prepare for the release of Cairns Regional Council's Cultural Strategy in 2027.
As part of this exciting next phase, our exhibition opportunities and program guidelines will evolve to align with the vision and priorities of the new Strategy.
Artists interested in exhibiting at Tanks Arts Centre, or learning about future opportunities, are encouraged to join our artists' database to receive updates and information as it becomes available.
Artists' opportunities database
For other enquiries, please contact TanksCurator@cairns.qld.gov.au
Tanks Arts Centre’s Visual Arts Program aligns with Cairns Regional Council’s Strategy for Culture and the Arts. In particular, the program aims to:
1. Building Profile
Does the project help to build the profile of:
a. The featured artist(s) b. Artistic practice c. The Tanks Arts Centre d. Cairns
2. Building Capacity
Does the project help contribute to:
a. Artists’ professional developmentb. Community Cultural Developmentc. Audience Development
3. Creative Development
What is the strength of the project in terms of:
a. Artistic Qualityb. Opportunities for Collaborationc. Community Engagement
4. Relevance
Does the project relate to:
a. Cairns, Far North Queensland, or the Asia Pacific Regionb. Social, cultural or environmental issues facing our communitiesc. Local histories, underrepresented storiesd. The Tanks Arts Centre or Cairns Botanic Gardens (site specificity)
The Tanks Arts Centre is a multi-arts venue and as such, there will undoubtedly be times when other projects and events concur with an exhibition, often in the same space. Tanks staff takes care to ensure that multiple bookings are advantageous to one another and will inform exhibitors of other projects and events during with the exhibition period. Tanks view this continual crossover of audiences to be an advantage to exhibitors, performers and to the larger community.
Tank 4 can be divided and arranged in any number of configurations with movable gallery walls and lighting tracks. Long Gallery and Corner Galleries are nominal spaces and can be hired separately.
Tank 4 Gallery
Tank 3 is a multi-purpose space suitable for art installations, workshops, and events. Tank 3 does not have display walls but is ideal for site specific works that take advantage of its unique architecture and heritage.
Exhibition Loan Arrangements
Artists invited to exhibit at the Tanks Arts Centre under an exhibition loan arrangement:
Exhibition Venue Hire Arrangements
Under an exhibition venue hire arrangement, fees and charges apply to:
Estimates of costs can be provided on request.
Waiving of fees and charges can be granted through Council’s Arts and Cultural Grants Program for eligible applicants and projects to a maximum of $5,000. Apply now for Individuals and Organisations
Sales Commissions
Under venue hire arrangements, 20% sales commission will be deducted from the labelled sale price of each artwork when the Tanks provide the following services:
Under an exhibition loan arrangement, artists will be charged 30% sales commission.