Entertainment
18 October, 2026
Artists all set to show work
TWO established First Nations artists are showcasing their work at UMI Arts’ Jensen Plaza Gallery in Manoora, with an exhibition exploring cultural identity, community life and contemporary social issues.
Hope Vale artist Shane Gibson (Aka Dhuga) and Torres Strait Islander artist Robert Tommy Pau have unveiled 12 new works as part of UMI Arts’ ‘Exhibition Ready’ 2026.
The exhibition opened on 2 October and marks the culmination of an artist development program designed to help artists build the skills and professional experience needed to present their work publicly.
Mr Gibson, of the Bulgu Thuubi and Bindhi clans, presents four acrylic works on canvas exploring cultural memory, fishing, community life and connection to Country.
Mr Pau, of the Erub Samsep clans, presents eight acrylic works on mounted board responding to news, current events and contemporary social issues through a Torres Strait Islander perspective.
UMI Arts artistic director Lisa Michl Ko-manggén said the program supported artists in developing their professional careers.
“Exhibition Ready is an initiative that gives artists the practical knowledge, professional support and experience to take that next step in their creative careers,” she said.
“Creating the work is only one part of presenting an exhibition. Artists also need to think about how a body of work comes together, how it is presented, priced and interpreted, and how they position themselves and their practice for future opportunities.
“Shane and Robert bring two very different perspectives to this exhibition, but both have strong and distinctive artistic voices grounded in culture, experience and their own ways of seeing the world.”
Exhibition Ready 2026 is presented alongside Culture Through Our Eyes 2026, featuring 44 works by 26 First Nations student artists from St Mary’s Catholic College, Trinity Bay State High School and Djarragun College.
The exhibitions conclude UMI Arts’ 2026 exhibition series during its 21st year, following ‘You & Me’, ‘The Summer Series and ‘Freshwater Saltwater’.
Both exhibitions will remain on display at the gallery, Shop 4, 1 Jensen Street, Manoora, until 26 February 2027.
UMI Arts will also host its annual Big Talk One Fire celebration at Munro Martin Parklands on Saturday 24 October, featuring First Nations arts, culture, music and performance at a free community event.
