Entertainment
21 March, 2026
‘You and me’ this summer
UMI Arts is launching their 2026 exhibition season later this month with two concurrent group exhibitions: ‘The Summer Show 2026’ and ‘You & Me 2026’, featuring 21 First Nations artists and almost 60 artworks.
The exhibitions will run from 24 March to 17 June 2026, with an official opening scheduled for 6pm on Friday 27 March at UMI Arts gallery and shop, at 4/1 Jensen Street, Manoora.
The exhibitions bring together artists from across Far North Queensland and Cape York, with cultural connections to Hope Vale, Yarrabah, Mossman, Cooya Beach, Thursday Island and Gimuy/Cairns. Represented clan groups include Guugu Yimithirr, Kuku Yalanji, Yidinji, Gunggandji, Waanyi, Kurtijar and Kokoberrin peoples.
The Summer Show 2026 features 13 artists and 38 artworks exploring the colours, textures and seasonal rhythms of tropical Far North Queensland.
Works span ceramics, paintings, prints and ornamental objects, reflecting connections to Country and changing wet-season landscapes.
Artists in The Summer Show 2026 include Connie Rovina, Cecelia Slade, Devinia Wainwright, Doreen Hart, Dyrrin Murgha, Edna Ambrym, Gertie Deeral, Kassandra Savage, Lila Creek, Paul Bong, Philomena Yeatman, Salome Yeatman and Shane Gibson.
You & Me 2026, UMI Arts’ annual members’ exhibition, showcases eight artists and 21 artworks across artefacts, Madagascan raffia weaving, baskets, paintings, prints and polymer works.
Artists in You & Me 2026 include Daisy Hamlot, Dyrrin Murgha, Erin Jia, Ganomi Barsa, Kassandra Savage, Lisa Michl Ko-manggén, Wanda Gibson and Shane Gibson.
Established in 2005, UMI Arts is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland, supporting more than 1000 members across the region.
The exhibitions mark the start of the organisation’s 2026 program, highlighting the diversity of artistic practice and cultural expression across the region.
