NorthSite Contemporary Arts

NorthSite Contemporary Arts A Contemporary Arts company situated within Bulmba-ja Arts Centre in Cairns, Far North Queensland.
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Located in the cultural hub of the central business district of Cairns, NorthSite Contemporary Arts is a key destination for local and tourist visitors alike who wish to experience the vibrant contemporary visual culture of Tropical North Queensland. Established in 1992 as an artists' collective, KickArts developed into a not for profit organisation dedicated to facilitating, presenting and promot

ing contemporary arts and extending the experience and cultural life of northern Australians and previously more than 2.2 million annual visitors to Cairns. Delivering a dynamic and diverse exhibition program of exhibitions and programs each year NorthSite (formerly KickArts) highlights the work of local, national and international artists. The NorthSite Store represents leading art, craft and design by local artists and from the surrounding art centres of Far North Queensland providing clientele with access to high quality and ethical works of art from the region.

YOU'RE INVITED // Elverina Johnson 'Growing up on Country' // Artist Talk & Opening eventJoin us tomorrow for the openin...
19/06/2026

YOU'RE INVITED // Elverina Johnson 'Growing up on Country' // Artist Talk & Opening event

Join us tomorrow for the opening of 'Growing up on Country', a deeply personal exhibition by acclaimed Gunggandji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji artist Elverina Johnson, followed by a special artist talk and afternoon refreshments.

Drawing on memories of her childhood in Yarrabah, Growing up on Country reflects Johnson’s enduring connection to Country, family, culture, and community. Through painting and sculptural installation, the exhibition shares stories of growing up by the ocean and rainforest, living in a tin humpy with her parents and siblings, and the experiences that continue to inspire her artistic practice today.

To RSVP head to northsite.org.au/event/elverina-johnson-growing-up-on-country-artist-talk-opening-event/

To preview more of Elverinas new work visit northsite.org.au/exhibitions/growing-up-on-country/

Buoy oh Buoy // SNEAK PEEK // Elverina Jonson 'Growing up on Country' // COMING SOON!We LOVE when exciting new work arri...
09/06/2026

Buoy oh Buoy // SNEAK PEEK // Elverina Jonson 'Growing up on Country' // COMING SOON!

We LOVE when exciting new work arrives at NorthSite ready to photograph before install, and the bright coloured collection of buoys for Elverina Johnson's new exhibition this month are no exception. Each one documents a chapter of her life growing up as a young child in Yarrabah, and her connection to both Country and the ocean. Stay tuned for exhibition and opening event details!

"This one is called Reef. It's all about growing up in Yarrabah, where the sea was a big part of our everyday life. The sea provided food for our families and taught us about Country and the different seasons. This one really reflects those memories and my connection to the ocean." - Elverina Johnson

Pictured // Elverina Johnson, 'Reef', 2025, painted buoy in acrylic, 114 dia × 41 cm

Carrying Culture, Story and Spirit: The Symbolism of the Ark // 'Navigator Spirit Ark: Arone Raymond Meeks’ // ON NOW!Ac...
09/06/2026

Carrying Culture, Story and Spirit: The Symbolism of the Ark // 'Navigator Spirit Ark: Arone Raymond Meeks’ // ON NOW!

Across Arone Meeks’ practice, the Ark emerges as a powerful symbol of journey, belonging and cultural continuity. More than a boat, the Spirit Ark is a vessel that carries memory, identity and connection to Country. Within it, Meeks gathers recurring elements from his visual language—dilly bags, mangrove men, star maps and marine life—each acting as markers of story, place and ancestral knowledge. Guided by both earthly waters and celestial pathways, the Ark becomes a space for healing, resilience and collective memory, holding not only the artist’s personal experiences but also the stories of the communities he has worked alongside. Through the Spirit Ark, Meeks charts an ongoing voyage between past, present and future, grounded in culture, kinship and spirit.

Find out more about the themes that run through 'Navigator Spirit Ark: Arone Raymond Meeks' at northsite.org.au/exhibitions/navigator-spirit-ark-arone-raymond-meeks/

Pictured // 1. Arone Meeks, 'Navigation Story', 2020, block print coloured ink, 900 x 1490 mm // 2. Arone Meeks, 'Bluewater journey: dialogue into culture', 2016, linocut in coloured ink, hand coloured, Installation View, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, 1920 x 950 mm (paper).

This exhibition was created in partnership with The Arone Meeks Estate, Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative and is presented as part of the citywide Cairns Indigenous Art Fair program. This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Visual Art, Craft and Design Framework—an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.

Handcrafted Stories in Stone, Glass & Gold // ARTIZ NEW DROP IN-STOREFrom the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the tropica...
05/06/2026

Handcrafted Stories in Stone, Glass & Gold // ARTIZ NEW DROP IN-STORE

From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland, ARTIZ Handcrafted Jewellery brings together tradition, artistry and contemporary design.

Founded by the Baldemir sisters in 2010, ARTIZ creates one-of-a-kind earrings, necklaces and rings using carefully selected antique glass, precious metals, gemstones and pearls. Now based in Cairns, local designer Funda Baldemir continues the family tradition of crafting timeless pieces that celebrate individuality and connection.

Each design is handmade with intention, blending natural beauty, skilled craftsmanship and positive energy into wearable works of art.

"I find great joy in merging my heart and mind to designing aesthetically pleasing pieces, as well as sharing them with the world, each infused with positive intentions and affirmations." – Funda Baldemir

Pop in and see Kirsty tomorrow from 10-4 and discover jewellery as unique as the person who wears it - available now in the NorthSite store or online 24/7 at shop.northsite.org.au

CALLING FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS // Build Your Printmaking Practice at NorthSite Art Studios NorthSite Contemporary Arts is...
04/06/2026

CALLING FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS // Build Your Printmaking Practice at NorthSite Art Studios

NorthSite Contemporary Arts is seeking five First Nations artists to take part in an exciting new 7-week Fine Art Print Production Programme in CGimuy. Delivered at NorthSite Art Studios in collaboration with leading printmakers and industry professionals, this hands-on programme is designed to build practical printmaking skills while opening pathways toward sustainable creative careers.

Participants will develop professional techniques in fine art print production, gain experience working in a collaborative studio environment, and explore how printmaking can expand both artistic practice and income opportunities. Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to grow your confidence or an established creative wanting to diversify your practice, this programme offers a rare opportunity to learn, experiment, and connect.

Supported by On Country Productions, the programme is grounded in cultural exchange, creative development, and long-term employment outcomes for First Nations artists across Far North Queensland. Spaces are limited, and artists from across the region are encouraged to apply.

For more information and to apply,visit northsite.org.au/program/artist-callout-northsite-art-studios-fine-art-print-production-program-2026

Carved from Culture, Shaped by Country // Solomon Booth 'Inedible' // ON NOW!Inspired by the beauty of the Torres Strait...
25/05/2026

Carved from Culture, Shaped by Country // Solomon Booth 'Inedible' // ON NOW!

Inspired by the beauty of the Torres Strait Islands, Solomon Booth’s works honour the craftsmanship of Islander ancestors while confronting one of today’s greatest environmental challenges — plastic pollution.

Using the tactile language of linocut, Booth creates finely detailed works that explore contamination, consumption, and the fragile balance between humanity and the natural world.

'Inedible' by Solomon Booth, now showing at NorthSite Contemporary Arts in the Foyer Gallery until 13 June 2026 - find out more at northsite.org.au/exhibitions/inedible. Plus, make sure you see Solomon’s richly layered paintings translated into a large-scale animated projection on the Bulmba-Ja Facade until 22 June 2026.

Pictured: // 1 & 2. Solomon Booth, 'Awareness (xxviii)' detail, 2026, Monoprint on paper // 3. Solomon Booth, 'Awareness (xxi)', detail, 2026, Monoprint on paper.

MEET THE TEAM // 💫 Kirsty💫 // Retail queen, art lover, local business legend If you’ve spent time shopping local in C...
22/05/2026

MEET THE TEAM // 💫 Kirsty💫 // Retail queen, art lover, local business legend

If you’ve spent time shopping local in Cairns, chances are you already know Kirsty’s friendly face! With a Bachelor of Visual Arts from James Cook University, an expansive earring collection and years of experience championing Australian-made creativity, Kirsty brings a wealth of knowledge, style and heart to the NorthSite Gallery Store.

After working at the Cairns Regional Gallery Store, Kirsty co-owned the beloved ‘Makin’ Whoopee’ Gift Shop for a decade — creating a vibrant space dedicated to handmade, unique and locally designed treasures from Australian makers.

Now, Kirsty has brought her incredible eye for beautiful things and passion for supporting artists to NorthSite – and is here every Saturday from 10-4!

If you’re searching for the perfect gift, a special piece for your home, or just love discovering locally-made gems, pop in tomorrow, say hello, and let Kirsty help you find something awesome.

As always, shop any time online at shop.northsite.org.au.

Woven Through Generations: The Symbolism of the Dilly Bag // 'Navigator Spirit Ark: Arone Raymond Meeks’ // ON NOW!Arone...
22/05/2026

Woven Through Generations: The Symbolism of the Dilly Bag // 'Navigator Spirit Ark: Arone Raymond Meeks’ // ON NOW!

Arone Meeks often returns to the image of the dilly bag —woven carryall, repository of sustenance and knowledge—as a feminine vessel that holds and transmits life. The 1987 linocut titled 'Dilly bag' demonstrates how he treats the form not simply as an ethnographic object but as an emblem of kinship and cultural continuity. Through other pieces, woven fibres become lines of connection: between mothers and children, between teachers and students, between Elders and those who carry their teachings forward.

Find out more about the themes that run through 'Navigator Spirit Ark: Arone Raymond Meeks' at northsite.org.au/exhibitions/navigator-spirit-ark-arone-raymond-meeks/

Pictured // 1. Arone Meeks, 'Corridor' (detail), 2009, Synthetic polymer paint on canvas // 2. Arone Meeks, 'Dilly Bag Laura', 2009, Block print in one colour // 3. Arone Meeks | 'Dilly Bag', 1987, linocut in black ink.

This exhibition was created in partnership with The Arone Meeks Estate,
Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative and is presented as part of the citywide Cairns Indigenous Art Fair program. This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Visual Art, Craft and Design Framework—an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.

'Bambara Blanket' // MUNIMBA-JA ART CENTRE - Libby Harward // New IN-STORE!This beautiful blanket is part of the 'Bonyi ...
20/05/2026

'Bambara Blanket' // MUNIMBA-JA ART CENTRE - Libby Harward // New IN-STORE!

This beautiful blanket is part of the 'Bonyi Bajara' product range, which is an expression of Libby Harward's ongoing cultural connections, and tells the stories of her ancestors travelling across country to come together for the sacred Bonyi-Bunya Gatherings.

These gatherings have been a foundational part of Aboriginal governance and kinship from time immemorial – connecting and interweaving for reaching Aboriginal nations, languages and cultures from across the country, for millennia. Libby’s blanket maps a journey from her salt and sand island, Mulgumpin celebrating the abundance of shellfish - yuguri (pippi) and ginyinggara (oysters).

Pictured: Libby Harward | 'Bambara (Pathways) Blanket' | Recycled Cotton Blanket | 157cm x 213cm - available now in the NorthSite Store or online 24/7 at shop.northsite.org.au

NS Store CLOSED TODAY // NS Galleries OPEN FOR INSPO!The NorthSite Store will be closed today as we do some exciting tea...
18/05/2026

NS Store CLOSED TODAY // NS Galleries OPEN FOR INSPO!

The NorthSite Store will be closed today as we do some exciting teamwork behind the scenes, but the NorthSite Galleries will still be open as usual from 10am-5pm showing our incredible Arone Meeks retrospective ,'Navigator Spirit Ark', and 'Inedible' by Solomon Booth.

If you haven't popped in to see either of our current exhibitions, visit northsite.org.au/galleries/ for more info. As always, you can shop online 24/7 at shop.northsite.org.au. We'll be back again tomorrow!

Address

Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, 96 Abbott Street
Cairns, QLD
4870

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 2pm

Telephone

+61740509494

Website

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