The 19th Artists of the North exhibition, 2025.

The Artists of the North exhibition is a presentation of the talent and formidable skills of our region’s artists.

This year’s dynamic theme, Living Colour captures the essence of Cairns as a vibrant, tropical city, brimming with life and colour. Situated near the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns offers a stunning natural palette that can inspire a celebration of the vibrant interplay between nature, culture, and human creativity. This theme invites artists to explore the concept of Living Colour in a broad sense, from literal interpretations of vivid tropical hues to metaphorical representations of vitality, diversity, and connection.

Artists of the North attracts some of our region’s top artists – painters, sculptors, potters, and photographers – who will display their work in this annual celebration of all things Queensland. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will find something that delights or intrigues you within this exhibition.

Artists: This year - due to space limitations - we will be accepting the first 180 entries only, with a maximum of two works per artist. This will be on a first in best dressed approach, with entries closing March 20th, or once the 180 entry limit has been reached.

Entries open: February 15th

Entries close: March 20th (midnight)

Bump-in: March 31st, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Open to public: April 5th

Official launch: April 11th, 6pm – all welcome.

Bump-out: May 12th, 9am to 12pm