Cairns Vibrance - Issue 16 - Oct Nov 2023

Cairns Regional Council acknowledges the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji peoples who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we work.

Vibrance promotes the arts and cultural programs of Cairns Regional Council.

Don’t miss the hundreds of other things to do around Cairns, from dog parks and beaches to walking tracks and playgrounds.

Download the My Cairns App now to find all events delivered by Cairns Regional Council and more.

Cover image: (L-R) Understory Film Festival, Short Stack, Bangarra Dance Theatre - SandSong

Cairns Regional Council

Customer Service PH: 1300 692 247

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

@CairnsArtsAndCulture

In This Issue

Lights, camera, action - North Queensland filmmakers… It’s your turn for the spotlight!

Rolling from one festival into another, the light on Cairns’ creativity continues to shine. Welcome to Understory Film Festival’s 10th anniversary - ten years of celebrating masterful, creative, and impactful storytelling in the original voices of filmmakers from across the region.

The smorgasbord of snack-sized cinema screened under the stars at Munro Martin Parklands also introduces Understory High, a separate event developed especially for school students which will run alongside our flagship event.

From film festivals to incredible First Nations dance performances and a bumper program of music, exhibitions, and theatre, we endeavour to highlight the creative current that continues to thrive in our gorgeous city.

Busby Marou

Short Stack

Vika & Linda

Waru - journey of the small turtle

Bob Evans

Christmas with Karen Knowles

SandSong

Understory Film Festival

Saturday 18 November at Munro Martin Parklands

+ $5,000 in cash to be won

For more information: cairns.qld.gov.au/understory

2023 marks the 10th edition of Understory Film Festival, and we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate this monumental milestone. We’ve been on an incredible journey, pushing the boundaries of screen culture in our region.

With each passing year, our festival has grown, embracing new and exciting elements to captivate a diverse audience, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It continues to evolve and boldly be, not your average film festival.

This year, we’re taking things up a notch. Introducing Understory High, a brandnew addition to our program specifically tailored to young, aspiring high school filmmakers, in a stand-alone event in Tank 5 on Friday, 6 October. A finalist shortlist chosen by a distinguished judging panel will be screened, featuring awards across various specialised skills instead of traditional film award categories, enabling filmmakers to unleash their full creative potential.

Film screenings equipped with producer talks that take us behind the scenes to discuss the craft of filmmaking kick off the Understory Film Festival program on Thursday, 16 November and noted local artist Ricky Beresford will share his art-house feature, Life Sounds Like, which traces 50 years of Australian music on Friday, November 17th, at the Tanks Arts Centre.

Stand by for film labs and panel discussions with industry professionals on Saturday, November 18th, in Tank 5 before the Understory Film Festival’s 10th birthday celebrations commence in Munro Martin Parklands at 6pm.

Experience short film masterpieces across a vast selection of genres, including comedies, documentaries, music videos, animations, experimental and more at the Understory Film Festival Screening and Awards presentation. The selected finalist shortlist will be screened and the winners announced,

with the final category, the People’s Choice Award, to be determined by the audience on the night.

Projection installations and expanded cinema experiences presented by Bonemap will be a highlight on the program throughout the evening. Local musicians will perform to enhance the party vibe, and a selection of fine food options will be on site to tempt your tastebuds, as we celebrate 10 years of Far North Queensland filmmaking under the tropical night sky.

With the continued support from our screen industry partners, Screen Queensland, Regional Arts Development Fund, CQUniversity, Essential Screen Skills and Screenworks, the Understory Film Festival is unique to the region and builds a stronger screen culture and more cohesive screen industry in Far North Queensland.

SPOTLIGHT ON PAST HIGH SCHOOL AWARD WINNERS

Jasmine Bryan

2020 Best High School Student Film & Best Film for Daydreamer’s Pursuit.

Whilst attending Trinity Bay State High School, Jasmine wrote, filmed, directed and produced Daydreamer’s Pursuit. The film follows main character Nutmeg, who along with her walkman, decides to escape the mundane and follow her daydream.

Jasmine devised the project to “expand my career development as an aspiring director, whilst showcasing the true beauty of the Far North region through my artistic expression to an extensive online and festival audience.”

Continuing to follow her dreams of a film career, Jasmine is now studying a Bachelor of Arts Screen Production at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

LEROY BUTTON

2016 Winner Best High School Student Film & People’s Choice. Runner Up Best Film for Sense.

Leroy produced Sense whilst attending Cairns State High School. Sense went on to win the KickArts Curator Award, Cell Art Space Energy Exhibition Award, Creative Generation Award, and later ‘Best Film’ at the Stuffit Film Festival. Because of the Creative Generation Award, Sense was put on display at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane in 2017.

Continuing his path into the film industry Leroy completed the Filmmaking Program at New York Film Academy Australia in 2018. He has since gone on to work on feature films Mission Impossible, Dead Reckoning, Aquaman, Fast and Furious 9, Dora the Explorer, Godzilla Vs Kong, Monster Problems, and Bloody Hell.

Leroy manages the Gold Coast office of aerial cinematography company XM2 Pursuit, and is a camera operator, drone technician and co-ordinator.

BEST HIGH SCHOOL FILM

2022 Fynn Nielsen

We talk about least what we think about most

2021 Maia Oates

Vox

2020 Jasmine Bryan

Daydreamer’s Pursuit

Also won: Best Film

2019 Vasco Gonsalves Greed

Also won: Best Eco Short

2018 Angus Linley

The Date

2017 Martha Smith

Finn with the Fins

2016 Leeroy Button

Sense

Also won: People’s Choice & Runner Up Best Film

2015 Elizabeth Cullen Alone

Also won: Emerging Filmmaker

2014 Sebastian Marsden

Looking Back

BANGARRA: DANCES OF HISTORY AND HOPE

Acclaimed around the world for its distinctive theatrical voice, powerful choreography, unique soundscapes and design, Bangarra Dance Theatre is Australia’s leading First Nations performing arts company. Heading to Cairns this November with two shows and a new generation of breathtaking dancers, Bangarra brings incredible spirit in the telling of old stories in different ways.

Waru - the journey of the small turtle is Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children. Our story’s heroine, Migi, is a small green turtle who must navigate her way under the stars of the Torres Strait back to the beach where she was born. From the laying of eggs in the sand and the struggle to get to deeper water, to fighting off fishing nets, underwater plastic rubbish and giant lizards on land, Migi faces many challenges all along the way.

While this might sound a little grim, the style of presentation is beautiful, storytelling in hopeful ways that illustrate how humanity can help. Written by Hunter Page-Lochard and directed by his father, the esteemed Stephen Page, Waru is a tale drawn from Torres Strait Islander culture and dance specifically designed for 3 to 7-yearolds (but equally as wonderful for the grown ups).

Bangarra’s second performance, SandSong, is set in the Great Sandy Desert, telling the unique story of the Kimberley and Great Sandy Desert regions, and the survival of its People.

Between the 1920s and 1960s, many Aboriginal people were removed from their Country and onto pastoral stations where they were forced into hard labour, usually for no wages and only minimal rations. Despite this displacement and cultural disruption, the Traditional Peoples of the Western Desert have maintained unbroken connection to Country – keeping songs, stories, kinship and lore strong.

SandSong is a journey into ancient story systems framed against the backdrop of ever-changing government policy and of the people determined to hold strong to their Culture. It is a glimpse into another world, and an inspirational story of survival.

This extraordinary piece has been choreographed by former Artistic Director, Stephen Page, a descendant of the Nunukul people and Munaldjali clan of the Yugambeh Nation, and Bangarra Artistic Director, Frances Rings, a descendant of the Wirangu and Mirning Tribes from the West Coast of South Australia.

WARU - JOURNEY OF THE SMALL TURTLE

Friday 3 November

SANDSONG

Saturday 11 November

CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Tickets from ticketlink.com.au

AND THAT’S A WRAP! An incredible 10 days of live music, culture, art, and community events saw all of you enjoying the magnificence of life in the tropics.

Thank you to all the artists for sharing their talents and stories with us, and to all our supporters, staff and volunteers who have dedicated these 10 days (and then some!) to creating the magic.

To our sponsors Pacific Toyota, Xplosive Art Fireworks, and Crystalbrook Collection, thank you.

#cairnsfest

IT’S A WRAP!

To everyone who danced under the stars, played in the lights, laughed, smiled, sang, and lived the energy of Cairns Festival, rest up2024 Cairns Fest is going to be big.

SAVE THE DATE

FRI 23 AUG - SUN 1 SEP 2024

OUR MAJOR VENUES PRESENTING THE ARTS

TANKS ARTS CENTRE

46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill tanksartscentre.com

@TanksArtsCentre

COURT HOUSE GALLERY

38 Abbott Street, Cairns City

cairns.qld.gov.au/thecourthouse

@TheCourtHouseGallery

CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

9-11 Florence St, Cairns City cairnsperformingartscentre.com.au

@CairnsPerformingArts

MUNRO MARTIN PARKLANDS

Corner Florence and Sheridan streets, Cairns City

cairnsperformingartscentre.com.au

@mmpcairns

The Tanks, nestled amongst lush rainforest at the base of Mount Whitfield, is surrounded by the Cairns Botanic Gardens just four kilometres north of the heart of Cairns city. The centre was originally the World War II Royal Australian Navy Fuel Installation depot. Three of the original five tanks have been repurposed into an acclaimed live music venue and unique arts centre.

OPENING HOURS

Tank 5 Live Music: Generally Thursday - Saturday nights (tickets required)

Tank 4 Gallery: Free Entry.

Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm

Weekends and public holidays: 10.00am - 2.00pm

Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre:

Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm

Weekends and public holidays: 10.00am - 2.00pm

This carefully restored heritagelisted venue presents a vibrant program of shared arts experiences suitable to a diverse audience with maximum engagement in mind throughout the year.

The dynamic program of performances, events and exhibitions at Court House Gallery is experimental in nature, topical and relevant to community and culture of our Far Northern region.

OPENING HOURS

Free Entry.

Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm

Monday and Sunday: Closed

Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) is an award-winning, world class theatre and performance space in the heart of Cairns. With multiple performance spaces, the versatility of the venue enables the creation of a vibrant entertainment program including theatre, dance, concerts, contemporary circus, opera, film, and comedy.

OPENING HOURS

The foyer opens one hour before the show start time. Hot food and cold drinks are available from Florence Social in the foyer.

Situated in the same precinct as CPAC, Munro Martin Parklands is the number one outdoor event space in Cairns. Come for a day-time stroll amongst the flowering vines, birds and butterflies, explore the fairy light covered trees at night or experience world-class performers on stage under a tropical night sky.

OPENING HOURS

Free Entry.

6.00am - 8.30pm, seven days a week except on ticketed event days.

If there was ever a time to shop local, it’s always. Whether you’re fossicking for one-of-a-kind fashion or vintage vinyls, wanting to fill your bags with fresh produce or tummies with delicious snacks all alongside a soundtrack of live tunes, a good market is good for the soul.

The Tanks Arts Centre Markets stand as a testament to the vibrant cultural and artistic scene of Cairns. As one of the longest-running markets in the region, it has evolved into a beloved institution, fostering a unique community spirit and exploration of tropical culture.

The historical significance of the Tanks provides an idyllic backdrop for these markets. Originally fuel storage facilities during WWII, the Tanks is a repurposed cultural hub, creating an atmosphere where history and art blend harmoniously.

This calendar staple is held on the fourth Sunday of every month from April to November, with the exception of August/September. This month’s market is supersized with the Father’s Day tradition of Carnival on Collins - the annual street party celebrating life in the tropics. So grab your green bags and get shopping for your food, art, crafts, fresh produce or just a Sunday stroll.

TANKS MARKETS

FLAME.ARTS

Flame.Arts is Cairns Regional Council’s arts program for young and emerging creatives in the arts, artists with a disability and First Nations artists.

The program spans a broad spectrum of arts and culture, with opportunities in dance, music, visual arts, design, film and community arts, across the whole year.

Through workshops, skills development, grants, mentoring, performance and exhibition opportunities, Council’s Creative Life team – who are established creatives and arts workers themselves – are committed to igniting creative expression in Cairns.

If this sounds like you, get in touch, get involved and ignite your creative expression.

WE.MOVE

Cairns Festival’s biggest annual youth dance event We.Move made a spectacular return to Tank 5 in September. Under the choreographic guidance of Cairns’ own Kuku Yalanji choreographer Tahlia Burchill, twenty-two young and emerging dancers took to the stage, impressing an enthusiastic crowd of festivalgoers with breakdancing, African and contemporary dance. The performance highlight finished with a dance jam featuring young performers from around Cairns and Far North Queensland showing off their very best skills and tricks.

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

LAUNCH PAD

Launch Pad is BACK! Creative Life’s open stage for music, performance art, spoken word, stand up, dance – you name it! FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE PAGE 43

QMUSIC

The annual Qmusic industry weekend returns in 2023. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE PAGE 47

DREAM BIG

Learn the ins and outs of producing, funding and presenting new works. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE PAGE 30

INTRODUCING...

Introducing… has become a staple of the Cairns Festival in recent years, showcasing the work of Cairns’ most talented up-and-coming musical acts. The artists are provided with Flame.music mentorship throughout the year, to prepare them for the big event. Hosted by local legend Morganics, Introducing… was headlined by crown prince of FNQ chill-out music Jelly Oshen, and solo indie rock rising star Tenni. Other musical acts included the Congolese grooves of OG Band and the soaring solo voice of Tausala Rae. The concert was viewed by a full audience at the Cairns Festival Esplanade Main Stage.

cairns.qld.gov.au/flame.arts

Tenni is one of the brightest emerging stars of Cairns’ indie-rock scene, composing lyrically intricate songs forged from her own life experiences and perspectives. Tenni has been playing music since she was 10, and at the age of 16 already has an impressive list of achievements. She has been supported all the way, through Cairns Regional Council’s Flame.Arts program. In 2023 alone, she has played at the Court House Gallery Music in Sessions, Tank 5 for Local and Vocal, and ECO Fiesta at Munro Martin Parklands, returning to Tank 5 to play support for Katie Noonan, culminating in a featured support slot on the Cairns Festival Esplanade Main Stage for Introducing...

Tenni released her second single Bad Things in August this year. Tennimusic.com

ARTIST VS ARTIST

Local chart-topping chanteuse LT chats to Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell ahead of his upcoming Tanks gig, ‘When Kev Met Bob’. Okay. Two names. I get it – I’ve changed from Leanne Tennant to a stage name LT. But you have different names for different musical projects, your solo work and being in Jebediah. What made you do this?

I’ve been considering it for a long time. I originally started Bob Evans as a separate project to Jebediah, almost as a disguise, and over time I developed an audience which is quite different to Jebs. It got to the point where I felt that it wasn’t that relevant anymore – the whole separation thing has totally done its job. In reality, everybody now knows and there’s no great secret about Bob Evans and that separation doesn’t feel necessary now. I always saw myself bringing the music back together, but was just waiting for that moment for it to feel right.

The music industry has changed and morphed a lot during your career. What do you feel the biggest change is in the current music industry?

In almost every other respect the music industry and the landscape today is almost unrecognisable to how it was in the 1990s when I first started, but one thing, just one thing, has not

changed… when you rock up to a rehearsal room on Wednesday night, there’s going to be a metal band in one room, a wedding band in another playing Sweet Home Carolina; there’s going to be a room where a drummer has rented a room just because he’s not allowed to make any noise at home, and then there’s going to be a bunch of kids who sound terrible but are having a great time. The sound of a rehearsal room on a weeknight is the same as it was 30+ years ago. It’s the one thing that hasn’t changed when everything else has.

What can fans of Bob Evans and Jebediah expect on this tour?

It’s a Bob and Jebs duet! I’ll be mixing Bob Evans and Jebediah songs into the show, and playing songs that have never been heard live before. For Jeb fans they’ll get to hear some classics, and re-interpretations of those songs, and also deep cuts that they’ve not heard before, while Bob Evans will just do his things at the same time!

‘When Kev Met Bob’ - The Anthology Tour Tanks Arts Centre, Saturday 25 Nov Tickets from ticketlink.com.au

Kevin Mitchell

Leanne Tennant

BEHIND THE ARTS

We shine a spotlight on roles within the Creative Life team that nurture the thriving arts and culture scene here in Cairns, making it accessible to every person everywhere. We talk to First Nations Curator, Peggy Kasabad Lane.

So, how did you end up here?

Pure luck! Just kidding. I am a proud Saibai Koedal Awgadhalgal woman from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), and I grew up on an Island called Muralag (Prince of Wales Island). I was blessed to have Elders, my mum, aunties, uncles and family members passing down their cultural knowledge. Culture was a part of my upbringing and remains a huge part of my identity today. My father was a music teacher with a passion for the arts. He taught me about art, as well as how to play piano, guitar and read and write music. How could I not end up with a job in the arts?

I formally studied a Bachelor of Creative Industries at James Cook University learning about art, art history and design as well as curatorial practice. I worked at Cairns Art Gallery as an Assistant Curator of Australian Indigenous Art before arriving here as the First Nations Curator with the Creative Life team. What makes a good curator?

For me, it’s to create emotion and elicit a response from the public, while providing artists an opportunity to showcase their work and extend their arts practice. Indigenous artists sometimes draw on cultural stories, practices, myths and legends. As the First Nations Curator, it’s my role to help them tell those stories while maintaining and respecting cultural lore. What’s the most inspiring moment on the job so far?

The Court House Gallery was originally the location of many historical atrocities that have affected First Nations people. The building still holds deep trauma preventing many from entering the space. The opening of Cairns Festival 2023 with Carl Fourmile and Minjil consisting of a Smoking Ceremony for healing and truth telling, along with Merindi Schreiber and her sister Naurita Briscoe singing a song in Kuku Yalanji, echoing

the exhibited artworks to create reclamation and healing was incredible. This is what I love about my job, bringing together the power of culture and art.

Describe a moment when a piece of art moved you.

My Dad took me to a Surrealism exhibition at GOMA in Brisbane when I was 8 years old. As a young child I was intrigued by the paintings - in particular the works of Salvador Dali. My dad and I stood together and looked at the work Le Sommeil (Sleep), 1937 by Dali. He asked me what I thought about the painting and I remember talking about the crutches in the painting and him explaining to me the frailty and instability it created within the work. Dad shared his thoughts and we discussed this and other works in the exhibition. Even though I was only young, that memory sticks in my mind.

When I was at University, I went on a study tour to New York and visited MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). I immediately went to look at the Dali works being exhibited. I saw The Persistence of Memory, 1931 and I burst into tears! Looking at this artwork took me back in time, standing next to my Dad as a young child discussing Dali and Surrealism art. What made it even more emotional was that my Dad had just been diagnosed with dementia which, like the painting, distorts reality and creates confusion.

What advice would you offer anyone wanting to break into this area?

I think having a good base of understanding of art and art history really helped me. If you are not able to obtain formal qualifications from tertiary studies, read as much as you can from as many different sources. Look at art from not just a Western lens, and go to as many exhibitions as possible! Meet like minded people, have conversations and develop a plan to achieve your career path goals.

For employment opportunities at Cairns Regional Council, head to cairnsqld.mercury.com.au

6 Ways To Fund Your Art

Are you an artist or are you working with artists on a creative project in Cairns?

Is there a professional development opportunity on the horizon that would help you improve your skills?

Cairns Regional Council may be able to help you achieve your goals, with support available in the form of cash or through the in-kind provision of space such as galleries, concert stages, and performance spaces.

Funding ranges from $500 to $25,000, and there are a range of different opportunities available throughout the year.

1

MAJOR ROUND

When: Closing Sunday 22 October, for projects commencing January 2024

What: Cash support is provided for projects and programs of arts and cultural experiences, such as performances, exhibitions, professional development, community arts and cultural development, and initiatives to strengthen cultural tourism. Two Major Grant rounds occur annually, closing in Apr/May and Sep/Oct.

How much: Up to $10,000

2

3

SMALL ARTS GRANT

When: Open all year round

What: Access to resources to support arts practice, such as art materials, consumables, catalogue, and marketing materials, is available all year.

How much: Up to $500

4

INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

5

FLAME.ARTS ACCESS - LEG UP GRANTS

When: Open all year round

What: All year round, artists with disabilities, young people (aged 12-15), and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people can apply for funding to develop projects that benefit them, such as professional development opportunities, project costs, or materials.

How much: Up to $1000, or up to $1500 (for people with a disability).

CITY OF THE ARTS HERO PROJECT OTHER GRANTS AND SUPPORT

When: Closing April/May 2024

What: This grant round is for a highcalibre project with a major public outcome for any artforms, including exhibitions, music concerts, theatre productions, film, and community arts and cultural development projects.

How much: Up to $25,000

cairns.qld.gov.au/radf

When: Open all year round

What: Funds are available all year round to attend professional development opportunities, including mentoring, conferences, arts markets and tours.

How much: Up to $1000 (within Queensland), up to $1500 (for interstate or international travel)

Before submitting an application, you must discuss your idea with the council’s Arts and Cultural Grants Coordinator, who can provide assistance and advice. Contact radf@cairns.qld.gov.au or (07) 4032 6603.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in Regional Queensland.

6

Support is available for the use of council venues for all arts and cultural activities with a public outcome.

Up to $10,000 in value. Visit cairns.qld.gov.au/online /apply/grants

“The Regional Arts Development Fund stands as a testament to the partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council, consistently championing the regional arts and culture of Queensland”

Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Leeanne Enoch MP

RADF Major Round One

Arts and cultural enthusiasts are invited to apply for a share in grant funding to aid their creative projects.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Major Round One is now open offering assistance of up to $10,000 to support local artists.

Facilitated by the collaborative efforts of the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council, the RADF initiative strives to enrich the regional arts and culture landscape of Queensland.

Since its inception within the Cairns Regional Council, RADF has been instrumental in launching over 450 local initiatives. Cairns Mayor Bob Manning highlighted the significance of these grants. “Our regional artists play a pivotal role in enhancing Cairns’ socio-cultural and economic fabric,” said Cr Manning.

“Through initiatives like the RADF, we aim to equip these talented individuals and groups with resources that further elevate our standing as the arts and cultural capital of northern Australia.”

Annually, RADF initiatives captivate over 500,000 individuals across Queensland, spanning public art showcases, community events and cultural workshops.

For eligibility, projects should display professional excellence and add to the dynamic tapestry of arts in the Cairns region.

Full application guidelines can be found on Council’s website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/radf.

Applications for Major Round One close at 11.59pm on Sunday 22 October 2023.

The Ironing Maidens World Premiere at Cairns Festival

The Ironing Maidens performed at Tanks Arts Centre for their hotly anticipated world premiere of Hot & Heavy on August 25 & 27 as part of Cairns Festival. Part installation, part performance and part banging dance party, The Ironing Maidens invited audiences to break free, step out of the doom and gloom of climate change, and create a vision for a new utopia inspired by their immersive, interactive fabulation.

Cairns Regional Council provided support from the RADF Major Round and Arts and Cultural In-Kind Assistance Grants totalling $14,689. Facilitated by the collaborative efforts of the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council, the RADF initiative strives to enrich the regional arts and culture landscape of Queensland.

Melania Jack and Patty Preece of The Ironing Maidens worked with a climate specialist and engaged a virtuoso team to help develop the new world to explore. They included choreographic director Leigh-Anne Vizer, and Auslan performance interpreter, Alison Toft, to help break down inclusivity barriers.

SPACES FOR ARTISTS

Inspirational creative works are developed in inspiring and interesting working spaces. In Cairns, there are several ways to track down access to spaces. The Cairns Arts and Culture Map website lists both Cairns Regional Council and private spaces with listings ranging from galleries and halls to outdoor stages and arts centres. If you have a space for hire, create a free listing on the site.

Council offers affordable and accessible spaces for artists, community, and cultural groups throughout the city for production, meetings, events, and rehearsals. Spaces for hire include halls, meeting rooms, a theatre, and galleries. Grants are also available to help cover hire costs and resources for eligible people and groups. Search online for ‘Cairns Council grants’.

APPLY FOR AN ARTIST’S RESIDENCY

Cairns Regional Council hosts a multi-Arts Residency program open to visual artists, musicians, writers, performers, multimedia artists and community cultural developers. Applications are invited for short or long-term projects.

Residency accommodation is walking distance from Cairns Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre in Edge Hill. Studio, workshop, and presentation spaces are available at Tanks Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, Cairns Performing Arts Centre, and The Court House gallery.

Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Expressions of interest information can be found on our website: cairns.qld.gov. au/experience-cairns/arts-and-culture/arts-venues/artsresidencies.

ABOUT COUNCIL VENUES

Hold a meeting, rehearsal or workshop

Cominos House - Rose Blank Gallery cominoshouse.com/room-bookings

Cairns Junior Choral Society - Main Hall cjcsoc@hotmail.com

School of Arts – The Meeting Room, Veranda and School Room cairnsmuseum.org.au

Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and Amphitheatre cairns.qld.gov.au/tanks/venue-hire/botanic-gardens-visitor-centre

Host a community event, performance or conference

Cairns Performing Arts Centre cairns.qld.gov.au/cpac/hire

Tanks Arts Centre - Tank 3 and Tank 4 cairns.qld.gov.au/tanks/venue-hire

Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and amphitheatre cairns.qld.gov.au/tanks/venue-hire/botanic-gardens-visitor-centre

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

Natalia Mann - Multi Arts Residency, Tank 3

Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre

Tank 4 Gallery, Tanks Arts Centre

Australian Watercolour Muster, Court House Gallery

ARTISTS AT WORK

BONEMAP

What makes us feel like we belong? Bonemap, producer of the epic Lake Placid

‘Light Moves’, aims to explore belonging by hosting ‘Untethered’, an international art residency from 1-20 November at the iconic Tanks Arts Centre.

Known for creating high-quality mixed-reality productions, Russell Milledge and Rebecca Youdell of Bonemap, Indigenous artist Zane Saunders, Mariana Verdaasdonk and Tetsutoshi Tabata of Cell66/b, and Martinique-based David Gumbs are to collaboratively explore each of their relationships to the tropics through hybrid and innovative approaches to screen and performance culture.

Interwoven themes of place-based, cultural, social and ecological belonging will traverse the residency, laying a trail for the artists to explore, as will connection, trust, perspectives and purposeful storytelling. Community engagement and mentoring opportunities are an undercurrent that feeds and directs the new work.

The Untethered creative development residency has two creative approaches. The first half of the residency will focus on work in dance/movement and media art installations for internal environments, leading to three free public performances in Tank 3 on 9-11 November.

The second half of the residency will prototype interactive light and expanded cinema projection installations for

external environments. A partnership with Understory Film Festival to landmark its 10th year will see residency outcomes untethered and transferred to the festival site at Munro Martin Parklands for the 18 November open-air Screening and Awards Presentation event.

During the creative development, rigging of large projection surfaces and projectors within Tank 3 will utilise cameras with activation from computer vision systems for body tracking performers. Video, photography and locationbased creative media captured within the Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre precinct highlights the environment’s wonder while reflecting on the tropical surroundings. It is envisioned that discussion and testing of collaborative ideas will create innovative artistic outcomes through peer dialogue and co-creation, leading to the research of artistic and cultural developments.

Generous support for the residency comes from James Cook University Tropical Urbanism and Design Lab (TUDLab) and the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

SO MUCH MORE

Discover an unlimited world of possibilities at Cairns Libraries

Books & magazines

Clubs

Computer Access Copy & Print

DVD’s

eAudiobooks

eBooks

eLearning for all ages

eMagazines

eNewspapers

Events, Activities & Workshops

Free WIFI

Meeting Room Hire

Creative Life Volunteers!

Do you love the arts? Do you want to meet new people who also love the arts?

Are you excited about community events?

If you answered ‘YES!’ then the Creative Life Volunteer Team want you!

GET INVOLVED!

We’re looking for enthusiastic people with an interest in the arts and an ability to interact with the general public to help us present vibrant events and art experiences for the Cairns community.

There’s not a lot our volunteers DON’T do - they help with ushering, they’re workshop assistants, information booth attendants; they’re helping at Cairns Festival and are gallery attendants.

FREE FIRST 5 FOREVER PROGRAM

It’s never too early to talk, read and share stories with your child. First 5 Forever is a family literacy program aimed at supporting stronger language and literacy environments for children aged 0–5 years and their families. Visit our website for more information about session dates, times and locations.

FREE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Read, learn, create and discover at Cairns Libraries. Offering a wide range of events for all ages, Cairns Libraries provides you with opportunities to connect with ideas, themes, and personalities. Visit the What’s On page on our website for more information and to discover what’s coming up at your local library.

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES

Discover how easy it is to acces the library from home 24/7. Our eLibrary collection includes ebooks, eaudiobooks, movies, TV shows, magazines, and learning resources, such as online newspaper and family research archives. Visit the Cairns Libraries website to learn more about eLibrary collections.

www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library

There are tons of reasons to put your hand up to volunteer, mainly because you get to work with a fantastic team to deliver some of the wonderful community events that form the heart of our City...

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR VOLUNTEERS. SEE OUR CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES BELOW:

Gallery Attendants

Tank 4, Tanks Arts Centre & Court House Gallery

Promote the space, the artists and the exhibitions while mingling with visitors.

Time requirements: 10am - 1pm Thursday to Sunday and public holidays. Minimum 1 shift per month.

If you’re interested in volunteering please email J.Aird@cairns.qld.gov.au or phone 4032 6656.

Around the Tanks

BOTANIC GARDENS VISITOR CENTRE & GIFT SHOP

A range of gifts, souvenirs and books from local designers and artists.

Open 8.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday 9.30am - 2.00pm Weekends and Public Holidays.

WORKSHOPS

Various days

Community workshops range from Botanical Drawing and Basketry Weaving to Ecstatic Dance and Resin Art.

See tanksartscentre.com for details

FREE GUIDED HERITAGE TOURS

Tours are conducted every Thursday at 10.00am, departing from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre. Discover the history and significance of the Tanks Arts Centre.

FRIENDS OF THE BOTANIC GARDENS TOURS

Tours leave from the Friends Shop in the Flecker Gardens

Garden Tours Monday to Friday 10.00am Bird Tours Tuesdays 8.30am

Tanks Markets

The Tanks presents a series of Sunday Markets at the Tanks Arts Centre. The markets are held every month from April to November

2023 TANKS MARKET DATES

29 October Sunday Market

26 November

Last Sunday Market for 2023

TIME: 9.00am – 2.00pm

EXHIBITIONS

Court House Gallery

AUSTRALIAN WATERCOLOUR MUSTER 2023

Continues until Saturday 28 October

See page 34 for details

VESSELS, VEHICLES, VELOCITY (VROOM, VROOM, VROOM) BY IAN

WHITTAKER

Continues until Saturday 28 October

See page 35 for details

ACCESSORISE

BY SIXFOLD PROJECT

Thursday 2 November - Saturday 6 January

See page 37 for details

Tanks Arts Centre

CAIRNS PRIDE ART EXHIBITION 2023

Tuesday 10 October - Sunday 5 November

See page 31 for details

MACHANS BEACH: ITS COMMUNITY, KIDS, AND THE BRIDGE BY MARITA D’ARCY

Friday 10 November - Sunday 10 December

See page 38 for details

PERSONA:

BY CONTEMPORARY VETERAN ARTISTS

Friday 10 November - Sunday 10 December

See page 41 for details

SOUNDTRACKED (50 YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN MUSIC)

BY REGULAR RICK (RICKY BERESFORD)

Friday 10 November - Sunday 10 December

See page 42 for details

CONVERGENCE

BY TAFE QLD DIPLOMA GRADUATES OF 2023

Friday 17 November - Sunday 10 December

See page 43 for details

Father’s Day around Cairns

Celebrating

Radical Reels Tour 2023

Faster, steeper, higher, deeper! The most adrenalineinducing mountain sport films from around the globe will thrill and inspire you with big-screen adventures.

The Radical Reels Tour is the Banff Mountain Film Festival’s more outrageous, adventurous little sibling and is characterised by ‘Oh my God’ moments as elite athletes and adventurers conquer their challenges and dreams.

This year’s tour promises to get your pulse racing, from the comfort and safety of your cinema seat. Watch death defying feats of pure genius, verging on insanity, shot in some of the planet’s most spectacular settings.

Featuring a collection of short films from around the globe including the winner of the Best Snow Sport film at the recent Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival in Canada.

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Adult $35 : Concession $32 : Child (3-17 years) $27 Group (10+) $31

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.00pm | Show 7.00pm

RATING: PG

FESTIVAL

Understory High Film Festival

2023

Introducing Understory High, the brand new subsidiary film festival that accompanies the Understory Film Festival, exclusive to high school students.

As the sun sets over this iconic venue, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse selection of short films. These cinematic gems represent the creative voices and visions of our region’s young filmmakers, each film telling a unique and compelling story.

Understory High is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, passion, and the boundless potential of youth in storytelling.

Cairns Pride Art Exhibition

2023

Cairns Pride Festival brings to light the incredible talent of folk from diverse backgrounds in tropical Far North Queensland. Experience the talent of our communities through a display of spectacular vibrance and colour with a tropical twist.

Art from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Sistergirl and Brotherboy people has been displayed in Cairns by artists from all over the region for well over a decade now at Pride, and we continue the tradition.

SATURDAY 19 MARCH

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Admit one $18 : Child (under 10) Free Group (10+) $16

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.00pm

RATING: PG

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER - SUNDAY 5 NOVEMBER

LAUNCH: 6PM FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

VENUE: Tank 4, Tanks Art Centre

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 9:00am - 4:30pm weekdays 10:00am - 2:00pm weekends

INFO: info@tanksartcentre.com

IMAGE DETAILS: Dreaming Pool, acrylic on canvas by Sheran Barton, 2022 People’s Choice

BUY TICKETS

Short Stack

REGIONAL(ISH) TOUR

Short Stack, the pop-punk band from Budgewoi whose hair once touched heaven and hearts, are back. Playing their first shows since their sold-out capital city comeback tour, Short Stack will take on regional Australia for the first time in over a decade.

The fun pop-punk trio that never took things too seriously and always rioted with a ridiculous amount of energy, opening for The Veronicas, Simple Plan, and Good Charlotte, are now armed with more powerful songs than hairspray, working their way around the country this October with support from Hevenshe.

These shows are not to be missed for new and old fans alike, proving again the Stack is well and truly back.

BUY TICKETS

Son BY CIRCA CAIRNS

Son is a cultural circus work about the relationship between Fathers and Sons. Percolated through the classical tales of the Odyssey, Oedipus and Pinocchio; Son wrestles with the importance of the father in shaping the identity and masculinity of the son.

Inspired by the lived experience of Circa Cairns’ Artistic Director, Harley Mann, growing up in a single mother household, and how it informed his masculinity, Son detaches itself from the Western model of family to celebrate Culture and Queerness.

Accompanied live by female First Nations quartet Kardajala Kirridarra, the work is sung into existence with striking acrobatics and tempered cultural dance. We see four masculine First Nations acrobats for who they are, their physical strength and guarded vulnerabilities.

Part odyssey, part coming of age story, Son is pioneering circus on the cusp of tradition and revelation from First Nations circus company Circa Cairns.

FRIDAY 20 & SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER

VENUE: CPAC Studio

PRICE:

Adult $40 : Concession $30

Child (3-17 years) $25

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Adult $43 : Concession $35

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: 15+

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.00pm | Show 7.00pm

RATING: PG

Busby Marou

BLOOD RED ALBUM TOUR

Busby Marou. Two lifelong mates from Rockhampton in North Queensland, with seamless harmonies and effortless acoustic guitars, best known for their distinctly Australian storytelling and gifted musicianship.

On this tour showing off their 5th studio album Blood Red, the chart-topping, award-winning duo bring a genuine sense of ambition and maturity to the mix. Blood Red finds Busby Marou at their most personal, with songs that speak of hardship on the land, personal human connection and a longing for being home around friends and family.

They have been nominated for multiple ARIA awards and have won 4 X APRA awards, Triffid Album of the Year, multiple QLD music and Deadly awards. They have millions of global streams across the four album releases and are now the face of Tourism and Events QLD. This Blood Red tour sees Busby Marou playing special intimate shows all around the country delivering songs that underline why they started making music together in the first place.

Sleeping Beauty

Following their 2022 performances of Swan Lake, the Royal Czech Ballet return to Australia with their presentation of the classic masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty follows the story of Princess Aurora. When the bad fairy Carabosse is not invited by the King to the Princess’ christening, she casts a spell on the Princess that will mean she will die if pricked by a needle from the age of 16.

The King tries to protect his daughter by banning all needles in the Kingdom, however Princess Aurora accidently pricks her finger on her sixteenth birthday. 100 years later, a handsome prince stumbles upon the Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora, where she is awoken from her sleep and witchcraft is defeated.

The Royal Czech Ballet’s performances of Swan Lake in 2022 were acclaimed by theatre goers and critics alike and will feature international soloists Cristina Terentiev and Nikolay Nazarkevich.

FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: One Price $50 : Concession $45

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: 15+

SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Adult $95 : Concession $85 : Youth (3-17 years) $65 : Family (2Ad + 2Ch) $280 : Group (10+) $85

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 1 hour prior | Show 2.00pm & 7.30pm

RATING: PG

BUY TICKETS

Thirsty Merc

Thirsty Merc are unquestionably one of Australia’s finest live acts. Celebrating 20 years in the music industry is no mean feat, and with a brand new song ready for release and an extensive tour lineup it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for Merc fans.

Having released four critically acclaimed albums, over 250,000 album sales under their belt, a finalist in the APRA Song of the Year for 20 Good Reasons, and five ARIA Award nominations, Thirsty Merc have found their way into the fabric of Australia’s musical landscape.

Thirsty Merc formed in 2002 in Sydney and consists of Rai Thistlethwayte (vocals/guitar/keyboards), Phil Stack (bass guitar), Karl Robertson (drums), and Matt Smith (guitarist), and their music has received extensive national airplay and they have been consistently touring since the mid-2000s.

On their national 20 Good Years Tour, Thirsty Merc will treat their live show audiences to a sneak peek of their new material, offering fans a unique opportunity to hear the band’s latest work alongside their beloved classics.

MORE INFORMATION

Australian Watercolour Muster 2023

The Australian Watercolour Muster features an exhibition of watercolour paintings by artists from around the nation, and a five-day public program of workshops and events.

The goal of the Australian Watercolour Muster is to create a broader platform for Australian artists to engage with the international arts community, and specifically for the watercolour community to take their work into new and creative fields of endeavour, creating opportunities to share studios and exhibition spaces where possible in this world.

This year, curator of FabrianoInAcquarello, Anna Massinissa, will join us in Tropical North Queensland and will be running two workshops.

THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Adult $45 : Concession $40

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: 18+

UNTIL SAT 28 OCT

VENUE: Court House Gallery, Abbott St

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday - Saturday

INFO: australianwatercolourmuster.com

IMAGE DETAILS: A Bowl of Porridge, watercolour by Michael Solovyev

Ian Whittaker

VESSELS, VEHICLES, VELOCITY (VROOM, VROOM, VROOM)

Ian Whittaker is a Far North Queensland artist with passions for cultural adventure, ceramic sculpture, and creative, electronic media:

In the terminology of the radical metaphysics of Robert Pirsig (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Lila), Ian Whittaker sees his life as a quest to embrace dynamic quality over static quality; to seek change, growth, and new understanding.

Vessels, Vehicles, Velocity (vroom, vroom, vroom) is a collection of reminiscences – some real, having actual coordinates in the space-time continuum, and others fantastical.

Menopause The Musical®

The original New York and Las Vegas hit Menopause The Musical® is coming to Cairns this October!

Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra, memory loss, hot flushes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex, and more.

Inspired by a hot flush and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical® is a celebration for women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change”.

This sidesplitting musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles!

See what millions of women (and brave men) have been laughing about for 22 years. It’s the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!®

All tickets include a Menopause The Musical® souvenir program.

UNTIL SAT 28 OCT

VENUE: Court House Gallery, Abbott St

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday - Saturday

INFO: cairns.qld.gov.au/courthousegallery

IMAGE DETAILS: Autorickshaw, 3D modelled render, digital object, 2022.

SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Adult $79.90 : Concession $69.90

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 1 hour prior | Show 2.00pm & 7.30pm

RATING: M

A Taste Of Ireland

A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation returns with a performance that is ‘Celtic - for this decade’. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a show that has entertained thousands.

After performing over 200 shows since 2019, A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation returns to Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Experience the performances that have brought the house down night after night around the world as A Taste of Ireland wows audiences in 2023. Featuring acclaimed Irish dancers, dazzling folk musicians and contemporary vocalists, experience the raw, rhythmic passion that is the original story of the Celtic motherland.

Featuring the Irish tunes that we all know and love, the show’s live, energetic blend of well-known tunes, jaw-dropping acapella tap battles, world-class dancing, melodic folk music mash-ups and craic galore transports you through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history, complimented by stunning production and lighting.

Grigoryan Brothers

THIS IS US: A MUSICAL REFLECTION OF AUSTRALIA

Acclaimed guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan have created a suite of music inspired by 18 objects personally selected from the National Museum of Australia’s vast collection, which traces our diverse and complex history.

This Is Us takes audiences on a journey from the deep past of early Indigenous Australians to the making of contemporary Australian society. The compositions are accompanied by high-definition moving projections, with various artifacts including ancient 65,000 year old ochre of the Madjebebe rock shelter, a convict love token, a lifebuoy from the Tampa, and Sir Donald Bradman’s famed cricket bat.

Incorporating all their influences from classical to jazz and contemporary music, performed on a variety of guitars (electric, 8-string tenor ukulele, 12-string and classical), audiences will see and hear the Grigoryan Brothers like never before.

SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: A Reserve $89.90 : Concession $85.90

Members $82.90 : Youth (3-17 years) $74.90

Group (10+) $79.90 : VIP $109.90

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Adult $38 : Concession/Youth (3-17 years) $33

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

Accessorise

SIXFOLD PROJECT

Accessorise is an opportunity for creative play from Australian artist collective, Sixfold Project. Walking the line between rigorous studio practice and notions of commercial ‘success’, the artists dabble in creative baubles, wearable art, and sculptural works to enhance our bodies, lives, and spaces.

Following the thread of creative experimentation, Accessorise delivers an array of work expanding our understanding of art making, art collecting and the fluidity of studio practice.

Taking art off the walls and onto the streets, Accessorise features work from Raewyn Biggs (Cook Islands), Barbara Dover (FNQ), Louisa Ennis-Thomas (VIC), Julie Poulsen (FNQ), Rose Rigley (FNQ) and Jennifer Valmadre (FNQ).

Accessorise PUBLIC PROGRAM

Sat, 4 Nov 10 AM – 11:15 AM

Creating textile hand puppets with Louisa Ennis-Thomas (Child)

Sat, 4 Nov 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Creating textile hand puppets with Louisa Ennis-Thomas (Child)

Sat, 11 Nov 10 AM – 2 PM

How to process pandanus for weaving and how to weave with pandanus with Raewyn Biggs (Adult)

Sat, 18 Nov 10 AM - 1 PM

Monoprinting - using clay as a print plate and clay as printing inks with Jennifer Valmadre (Adult)

Sat, 25 Nov 10 AM - 1 PM

Bookbinding - Single needle cotic binding with Rose Rigley (Adult)

WORKSHOPS:

THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Court House Gallery, Abbott St

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday - Saturday

INFO: sixfoldproject.com

IMAGE DETAILS: Allsorts, Barbara Dover, Found objects 2023

EACH SATURDAY FROM 4 - 25 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Court House Gallery

PRICE: Adult’s workshops $40

Children’s workshops $10

See Court House Gallery for workshop and ticketing information INFO: cairns.qld.gov.au/thecourthouse

Waru

-

Journey of the Small Turtle

BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE

Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle will be Bangarra’s first dedicated work for early learning up to stage 2 (ages 3 - 7). A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazl (Island Children) story inspired by the Torres Strait Islander totemic system of the green turtle, Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle is an opportunity for children to learn about the vitality of the natural world and what it can teach us, through the eyes of one turtle as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival.

Our heroine, Migi the green turtle, will face many challenges during her life’s journey. From the first moment she hatches and embarks on the epic race to the ocean, to her eventual return to the same beach to complete the cycle and lay her own eggs, the children will join her as she battles ghost nets, engages with hunters, and befriends other sea life including an inquisitive dugong.

FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Studio

PRICE: Adult $25 : Concession/Youth (3-17 years) $20 Group (10+) $20

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 1 hour prior | Show 10.00am & 6.00pm

RATING: PG

Marita D’Arcy

MACHANS BEACH: ITS COMMUNITY, KIDS, AND THE BRIDGE

Over the last twelve months, artist Marita D’Arcy has been making portraits of exceptional individuals and community role models of that tight knit little suburb, Machans Beach.

Marita herself does not live in Machans, but her son and grand children do. Starting with the school community, and then through to the long-term residents, Marita has met, gathered stories from, and painted portraits of the most extraordinary and inspiring people in the community.

The exhibition also features works by the primary school kids, made during workshops with Marita, plus audio recordings of their conversations about their art journey, their community, and the bridge.

FRIDAY 10 NOV - SUNDAY 10 DEC

LAUNCH: 6PM FRIDAY 10 NOV

VENUE: Tank 4, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 9:00am - 4:30pm weekdays 10:00am - 2:00pm weekends

INFO: maritadarcy.com.au

IMAGE DETAILS: Mary and the Bush Turkeys, acrylic on paper 2023

TANKS wORKSHOPS

HELD AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS VISITOR CENTRE

SALTWATER CREEK BASKETRY

Join for a fun morning of basketry and other weaving craft using natural products from the Botanic Gardens. Suitable for all skill levels. Book early as spaces are limited!

WHEN: 28 OCT | 25 NOV

TIME: 9:30am - 12:30pm

COST: By donation

THE SEA AND ME! WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP.

Create a beautiful, ocean-inspired watercolour painting using watercolour techniques, with internationally renowned artist and creative wellness specialist Adie McDermott.

WHEN: 5 OCT

TIME: 11:30am - 3:00pm

COST: $150 per person includes all materials and light refreshments

FLORAL DESIGN

Do you love flowers but not quite sure how to get them to look their best in that vase. Then our upcoming “A Florist’s Table” floral workshop is just for you. Create a stunning table centrepiece using foam free design techniques. All flowers, vases and materials are supplied.

WHEN: 27 OCT

TIME: 10:00am – 12:00pm

COST: $130 per person

RESIN ART

Learn fundamental skills of working with Resin while creating your very own 40cm round wall art. Perfect for beginners, everyone welcome!

WHEN: 18 NOV

TIME: 9:00am – 11.00am Resin Homewares

12.30pm - 2.30pm Wall Art/Lazy Susan

4.00pm - 6.00pm Intermediate

COST: $155 per person

BUY TICKETS

Dance Force Tour 2023

Dance Force Tour is an event that promises to have you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more.

From soul-stirring contemporary pieces to modern glamorous commercial pieces, you will find it hard to stay in your seat. With an eclectic array of music and dynamic lighting, this show will appeal to all. You can expect to see elite dancers pushing the possibilities of the human body as they set out to perform a show like you’ve never seen before.

Choreographed and directed by the most incredible group of leading choreographers, Dance Force Tour is a unique experience not to be missed.

TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Adult $79.50 : Child (3-13 years) $59.50

Group (10+) $59.90

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.00pm | Show 7.00pm

RATING: PG

BUY TICKETS BUY TICKETS

Bangarra Dance Theatre

SANDSONG: STORIES FROM THE GREAT SANDY DESERT

Under the vast Kimberley sky, the red pindan dust stretches across the desert homelands of the Walmajarri, where the ancient knowledge of People and of Country is preserved through Songlines that have endured for hundreds of generations.

At the heart of this land is the Living Water - Jila – that resides in desert waterholes across the region and is the basis of cultural beliefs and practices. SandSong tells the unique story of this Place and the survival of its People.

SandSong is a journey into ancient story systems framed against the backdrop of ever-changing government policy and of the survival of people determined to hold strong to their Culture.

This work honours the legacy of Ms N. Lawford-Wolf and her family - past, present and future.

Vika and Linda 2023

The glorious voices of Vika and Linda Bull have been the soundtrack of iconic Australian music for over three decades. Since their multiplatinum conquest of pop radio with the Black Sorrows in the late 1980s, the sisters have traversed diverse pathways into soul, rock, gospel, blues, country and the island music of their Tongan ancestry.

A highlight reel of their career includes: three classic albums with Australian rock legends Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, six studio albums, two live albums and a charttopping anthology. They have sung on ARIA #1 albums with Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, and John Farnham, toured with C.W. Stoneking and Deborah Conway, performed for the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and the King of Tonga, and have been nominated for four ARIA Awards.

Vika & Linda’s prominent vocals have captivated massive audiences, here and worldwide, their faultless and emotionally charged harmonies alongside powerful, soulbending solos are a beacon of warmth to music lovers everywhere. Vika & Linda are the uncontested most loved vocal duo of their generation, and experience one of their live shows is one that’s full of soul, harmony, and joy.

SATURDAY

11 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Adult $60 : Concession $55 : Child (3-17 years) $55 Group (10+) $55

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

THURSDAY 9 & FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Adult $60 : Concession $55

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

VIBRANCE IS NOW DIGITAL

Don’t miss out on what’s happening around Cairns. Download Cairns Vibrance from your app store now

MORE INFORMATION

Persona:

CONTEMPORARY VETERANS ARTISTS

A touring exhibition curated by the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM)

Persona: Contemporary Veteran Artists is a photography portrait project highlighting the value of veteran artists while challenging perceptions.

Persona is a commemorative project featuring the cultural & creative engagements of Australian contemporary veteran artists. A chance meeting of Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) founder, Tanja Johnston, & photographer, Michael Christofas in 2017, Tanja & Michael brought their interests in showcasing who veteran artists are together to form Persona

FRI 10 NOV - SUN 10 DEC

LAUNCH: 4PM FRI 10 NOV

VENUE: Tank 4, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 9.00am - 4.30pm weekdays 10.00am - 2.00pm weekends

INFO: anvam.org.au

IMAGE DETAILS: Madame Butterfly, acrylic on board

Music in Session

Everybody rise! The Music is now In Session…

Bringing musical magic to the Court House Gallery. Merging local talent with some of the best and most diverse outof-town talent we can muster, it’s fresh, fun, and free... and right in the centre of town!

Gather your friends and loved ones, and settle in for an evening where art and music meet.

Head to the Court House Gallery website for full artists lineup.

Soundtracked (50 YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN MUSIC)

REGULAR RICK (RICKY BERESFORD)

Soundtracked explores 5 decades of Australian music through the eyes and ears of a 50 year old music tragic who can’t hold a tune or play an instrument.

A visual soundtrack of personal memories linked to songs that start with small town AM 70’s radio, progress to 80’s pub rock, embrace the 90’s indie scene and stumble through the 2000’s to adulthood.

“For me music is a powerful trigger of memory. It is uncanny how a song can instantly transport you back in time. Whether it be a moment of joy or despair, love or heartbreak, frustration or peace.“

FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER - SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER

LAUNCH: 6PM FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Tank 4, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 9.00am - 4.30pm weekdays

10.00am - 2.00pm weekends

FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Court House Gallery

PRICE: Free

TIME: Show 5.00pm

RATING: PG

INFO: cairns.qld.gov.au/thecourthouse

INFO: tanksartscentre.com

IMAGE DETAILS: The Power and the Passion, acrylic on paper Regular Rick 2023

Convergence

TAFE QLD DIPLOMA GRADUATES OF 2023

Presenting the graduate artists of TAFE Queensland, Convergence is a refined selection of work, covering a wide array of fine art mediums.

Witness the fusion of styles, mediums, and perspectives as these seven emerging artists come together to celebrate the completion of their CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts studies through TAFE Queensland.

Featured Artists:

Allysha Sordelli, Amanda Rowen, Bianca Sordelli, Elaine Murray, Eva Surmova, Kristilea Oliveri, Naomi Evans.

Launch Pad

Launch Pad is BACK!

Creative Life’s open stage for music, performance art, spoken word, stand up, dance – you name it! If you have an idea you want to test out on a generous audience, with full tech support, then register to get involved.

Be quick as programmed slots fill up fast – but you can also walk in and try your luck on the day. And if you don’t have the urge to perform, come on and enjoy it from the comfort of the audience, in a relaxed environment.

FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER - SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER

LAUNCH: 6PM FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Tank 4, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Free

OPEN: 9.00am - 4.30pm weekdays 10.00am - 2.00pm weekends

INFO: tanksartscentre.com

IMAGE DETAILS: No Self Control, kinetic sculpture, Elaine Murray, 2023

SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Studio

PRICE: Free

TIME: Doors 3.30pm | Show 4.00pm

RATING: PG

The Beatles 50 Years On Beatlemania COMING SOON

Exclusively come and relive all the Beatles Classic hits in one sensational two hour concert experience presented by the world’s premier Beatles band, the sensational Beatle Boys.

Direct from sold out concerts in Canada & North America, South Africa and Asia, the Beatle Boys will transport audiences back to those incredible days when the Beatles dominated the music charts with as many as 7 songs in the Top 10 starting at No1.

Hear every classic Beatles song that ever made it to No 1 and relive the magic and unique sound that made the Beatles the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band the world has ever known. No less than 35 chart toppers that made the four ‘mop tops’ so much a part of our lives back in those heady days of the 60’s together with the timeless hits of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr.

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE:

Adult $69.90 : Concession $64.90

Youth (3-17 years) $49.90 : Group (10+) $59.90

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

Aloe Blacc

ACOUSTIC

LA soul singer and superstar Aloe Blacc, of I Need A Dollar The Man and Wake Me Up fame, heads to the Tanks Arts Centre for an unmissable celebration of soul, hip-hop, folk, and contemporary pop.

Growing up around the sounds of salsa, merengue, and cumbia, Aloe Blacc threw himself into hip-hop before trying out his soulful voice to other ends.

Across three albums, his sound has evolved, finding a pocket that reflects the long and beautiful history of American soul with timeless, descriptive songwriting that speaks to the broad range of human experience, from platonic love to love for humanity, from politics to aspiration.

Versatile and compassionate, Blacc’s lyrics have been paired with dance music and country - always to stirring effect.

If you want a great storyteller, look no further than Aloe Blacc.

SOLD OUT

The Teskey Brothers

THE WINDING WAY TOUR

ARIA winners and Grammy Award nominees The Teskey Brothers are thrilled to announce The Winding Way Tour –13 huge shows across Australia and New Zealand!

Currently conquering the UK and Europe, part of a comprehensive tour run which sees the Warrandyte band performing their biggest international venues to date, The Teskey Brothers have continued to garner international acclaim for their soulful, timeless sound.

Their electrifying new album - The Winding Way - sees Sam and Josh Teskey soar to new sonic heights, delivering all the exhilarating spontaneity the Teskeys are famous for with monumental new production and energy.

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Adult $51

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: 18+

FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Reserved Seating $89.90 SOLD OUT

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

SUPPORT: WILSN

RATING: PG

BUY TICKETS

Bob Evans

‘WHEN KEV MET BOB’ THE ANTHOLOGY TOUR

For the first time ever, Kevin Mitchell and Bob Evans come together live on stage to create a massive show encompassing four decades of music!

Beginning with the formation of Jebediah in Perth in the 1990’s, through to the emergence of Bob Evans in the 2000’s and the Jebs comeback in 2011, When Kev Met Bob is a veritable time machine that travels across 11 Jebediah and Bob Evans albums over almost 30 years!

Of course, interwoven through the music are the never before told stories behind the songs.

BUY TICKETS

Elvis

ONE NIGHT IN VEGAS

Come and experience what it would have been like to see Elvis Presley Live In Concert.

Internationally renowned Mark Anthony who has been regarded as the very best Elvis Presley tribute artist in the world today will transport you to that very time when Elvis Presley ruled the world and dominated the record charts in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s with his unique raw energy, dynamic voice and sensational stage presence.

All the glamour, all the costumes, all the greatest hits, all in one big night to remember as The Chosen One Mark Anthony takes you on a journey with a full live band to experience why Elvis Presley was known as The King Of Rock n Roll.

Presented by: Ben Maiorana Entertainment

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Adult $40 : Concession $35

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Adult $79 : Concession $74 : Child (3-11Yrs) $49

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

QMusic

TWO-DAY INDUSTRY EVENT

The annual QMusic industry weekend returns in 2023, to be held at CPAC Studio 25-26 November. Emerging and established bands, artists, producers, publicists and anyone else with skin in the game of the local music industry is invited to take part.

There will be panels, workshops, jams and networking. To find out more about the program and register, scan the QR code below.

SAT 25 & SUN 26 NOV

VENUE: CPAC Studio

Urzila Carlson

Urzila has become one of the biggest names in comedy in Australia and New Zealand. Her regional tour arrives hot on the heels of the Just No! sold out metro tour.

Urzila says “It’s happening Australia, I’m saying YES to take JUST NO on a regional roadie! I’m boiling the eggs and getting packing the picnic basket as we speak so I can hit the road this November.

In Just No!, Urzila has discovered our frustrations are what brings us together – not sport, not love, not peace – but people who do us wrong or get on our tits. Even Urzila’s chart-topping premiere podcast That’s Enough Already! sees her discussing everything that frustrates them, and after three seasons, Urzila is yet to find one that she disagrees with!

We live in trying times where we’re acutely aware of each other’s opinions and shortcomings, making us the most frustrated population in the history of humankind. If you’ve ever queued up and someone blatantly cuts in front of you, past generations may have let that slide, but us, NO – JUST NO! Are you taken over at a community picnic and thinking everyone will let it slide? NO – JUST NO!

Don’t miss the powerhouse that is Urzila Carlson!

SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER

VENUE: Tank 4, Tanks Arts CentreCPAC Theatre

PRICE: One Price $56.90

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 1 hour prior

Shows 7.00pm SOLD OUT & 9.15pm

RATING: GM

Christmas with Karen Knowles

A special Christmas concert from one of Australia’s most popular singers. Star of the musical Big River and lead singer with The Seekers in the early 1990s, Karen started her career on Young Talent Time

Her first smash hit single Why Won’t You Explain achieved gold-selling status, and was followed by the Platinum awardwinning album You Are the Reason. Her second album, also gained gold status, making Karen one of Australia’s most successful female recording artists. Karen recently released her 7th studio album Solid Ground and 8th studio album Sanctuary

Well known for her carols and Christmas repertoire join Karen for a wonderful selection of her hits, standards, new music and your favourite Christmas songs as she returns to CPAC to celebrate with you. Through song, Karen will spread joy, peace, unity and connection bringing you into the true Spirit of Christmas.

The War on 2023

ANNUAL COMEDY GALA

Some of the biggest names in Australian satire are once again joining forces for their annual assault on politics, current events and the absurdity of modern life.

Join Mark Humphries (from ABC’s 7:30 satirical sketches), Charles Firth (from The Chaser), James Schloeffel (founder of The Shovel) and musical comedy genius Gabbi Bolt (as seen on Spicks & Specks) as they dissect the best and worst bits of 2023, live on stage.

Featuring a non-stop barrage of one-liners, satirical sketches, musical numbers and the best headlines from The Chaser and The Shovel, the War on Gala has become one of the must-see shows of the year.

VIP tickets include the best seats in the house, plus a copy of The Chaser and Shovel Annual 2022

MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Admit one $22 : Group (6+) $20

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 9.00am | Show 11.00am

RATING: PG

SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER

VENUE: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

PRICE: Adult $49 : Concession/Youth (15-17 years) $39 Group (10+) $42.50 : VIP Adult $79

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.00pm

RATING: 15+

School Holiday Workshops

Creative Life’s Holiday Workshop series returns in December, providing a week of fun, inspiring, practical and educational day-long workshops, for young people between the ages of 8 and 17. The theme for these holidays is Wet Tropics – with a range of Arts workshops responding to Cairns’ environment and the unique setting of the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

All sessions are FREE, but bookings are essential. More information, including bookings and accessibility details, available at https://www.tanksartscentre.com/participate

Marina Prior & David Hobson

2023 ENCOURE TOUR

After 6 years of selling out 180+ shows around the country and over 85,000 tickets, Soprano and Tenor powerhouse legends of Musical Theatre and Opera, Marina Prior & David Hobson embark on their Encore Tour, The 2 Of Us in up close and personal mode. Brand new songs, back-stage and life stories, and including the classics from their vast repertoire spanning 35 years in a 2 hour spectacular show.

Accompanied by renowned pianist David Cameron, in a twohour intimate performance, Marina and David will perform their classics from productions such as The Phantom of The Opera, Cats, 9 TO 5 The Musical, Evita, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and La Boheme, to name but a few, as well as favourites from their award-winning albums.

Hear the classics, their recorded favourites with a hint of humour thrown in! Definitely a show not to be missed!

MON 11 - FRI 15 DEC

VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre

PRICE: Free

TIME: 9.00am-4.30pm weekdays 10.00am-2.00pm weekends

RATING: PG

SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER

VENUE: CPAC Theatre

PRICE: Adult $69.95 : Concession $64.95

Child (3-16 years) $34.95 : Group (10+) $64.95

All ticket prices include booking fee.

TIME: Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

RATING: PG

CAIRNS

TANKS ARTS CENTRE

Tanks Arts Centre is located next to the remarkable Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and surrounded by the tropical botanic gardens, walking trails of Mount Whitfield and nearby restaurants and cafés.

46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill

MUNRO MARTIN PARKLANDS

Located directly opposite CPAC, MMP is open from 6.00am to 8.30pm, seven days a week except on ticketed event days.

123 Sheridan St, Cairns

CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

CPAC is a comfortable stroll from the heart of the city and only 5km to the Cairns domestic and international airport.

9-11 Florence St, Cairns

COURT HOUSE GALLERY

Court House Gallery is right in the heart of the city, next door to the Cairns Art Gallery. Just a short stroll from The Esplanade and the new dining precinct. Free to enter and open 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday to Saturday.

38 Abbott St, Cairns

BOOKINGS

All tickets for Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands events are sold through Ticketlink.

ONLINE ticketlink.com.au

PHONE

1300 855 835

IN PERSON

Box Office

Cairns Performing Arts Centre Corner of Sheridan & Florence streets

BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS

Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm

BOOKING FEES

All advertised tickets prices include a booking fee of 5% capped at $2.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Gift vouchers are available to purchase at the box office, over the phone or via ticketlink.com.au

CONCESSIONS

Please check for available discounts when purchasing your tickets. Concession cards and ID must be shown when collecting tickets or the full price may be charged.

VENUE INFORMATION

TANKS ARTS CENTRE CPAC (Theatre and Studio) MMP COURT HOUSE GALLERY

Contact Number 4032 6600

Ticketlink 1300 855 835 Ticketlink 1300 855 835 4032 6620

Drop off point 46 Collins Avenue Cnr Florence and Sheridan Streets. Entry from Florence Street

Six gates surrounding the park. Main is Florence Street, this is the entrance for ticketed events

38 Abbott Street

Weather cover Short uncovered walk Sheltered drop off point Outdoor venue Short uncovered walk

Bicycle racks Located near Tank 64 Cafe Located on the Sheridan Street side of the building Located at Florence Street Main Gate entrance

Parking Collins Avenue, Tank 1 car park (close to Sheridan Street entrance)

Seating Standing only / Seated* A viewing platform is available in Tank 5

Public parking for 122 vehicles Sheridan, Florence, Minnie and Grafton streets, as well as at CPAC

Street parking or 350 metres from Lake Street multistorey car park

Fully seated Not seated Not seated

Refreshments Bar snacks, food van, fully licensed bar# Antipasto & cheese boards. Hot Food. Bar Snacks. Barista coffee. Bar snacks. Fully licensed bar **

Cameras Phone only

Food Vans#, fully licensed bar# Nil

None allowed Phone only

Not permitted in exhibition spaces

Cloak room Nil Nil - however there is storage for umbrellas Nil Nil

Smoking Outdoor designated area Outdoor designated area Outdoor designated area Outdoor designated area

Capacity 650 Standing. 450 Seated 941/388 3000

Bathrooms Accessible, located beside Tank 5 and in the Visitor Centre

Accessible, located on each level Accessible, located on the Sheridan Street side, under the main vine arbour

Accessible, located on inside

Dress code Casual, shoes required Smart casual, shoes required Casual, shoes required Casual, shoes required ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

If you have any accessibility queries for ticketed shows please contact Ticketlink on 1300 855 835, if you have a venue or event query related to non-ticketed events please contact the venue numbers above.

Access parking Three in front of Main Entrance (front of Tank 4); one on Collins Avenue and two at Tank Sixty Four Café

Wheel chair accessibility

Wheelie walker

Fully accessible with compliant graded paths and access points. Tank 3 has a compliant graded ramp

Keep with you

Level access Compliant graded paths

Hearing system

Four in car park Sheridan, Florence, Minnie and Grafton streets, as well as at CPAC

Fully accessible with seating available upon booking. Accessible lift available for transport to 1st/2nd levels of building

The park has been designed to be fully accessible

Usher will mind and return Keep with you

Fully accessible with compliant graded paths and access points

Keep with you

Level entry and lifts Level ground entry Compliant graded paths

Hearing loop - Telicoil software Hearing loop

Companion Card Accepted Accepted Accepted Not required

# Event days only

* Some Tanks shows require fully standing to allow for higher ticket numbers to ensure a financially viable show.

** Opening times are show dependant. Check the event on Ticketlink for details.

Our venues are committed to making our programs and venues accessible for all people. If you require specific assistance in any way please let us know when you book your tickets. At the venue, our friendly front-of-house staff are there to help you.

Please see venue websites for the latest venue guides

Please have your tickets ready on your phone

This publication is written, designed and produced by Creative Life, a branch of Cairns Regional Council. Where indicated, content such as reviews, interviews and outcome reports are contributed by third parties and should not be considered as the official view of Cairns Regional Council. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole in any way without permission. All images are copyright Cairns Regional Council unless otherwise credited. All information is correct at time of printing but may be subject to change.