Entertainment
28 June, 2025
Gallery adds to its collection
THE Cairns Art Gallery attracted more than 160,000 visitors last year, nearly 70 per cent from outside the region, as its foundation marked 25 years of building a legacy for the city’s cultural identity.
The milestone was marked with the launch of the foundation’s new ‘give and commit’ campaign, a three-year fundraising initiative to secure significant new acquisitions for the gallery’s permanent collection. Among them is a major painting by the late Mornington Island artist Sally Gabori.
Sally Gabori (1924–2015) was a celebrated Kaiadilt artist from Mornington Island who began painting in her 80s. Known for her bold, abstract depictions of Country, her work gained international acclaim and brought global attention to Kaiadilt culture and identity.
Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has helped acquire 79 works by 28 artists, all through philanthropic support. The collection, now valued at more than $7 million, is recognised for reflecting the unique cultural identity of Far North Queensland.
Foundation chairwoman Sarah Mort said the campaign invited supporters to become part of the region’s ongoing cultural story.
“For 25 years, the foundation has helped build a collection that reflects the identity, stories and creative excellence of our region,” Ms Mort said.
“This campaign is about ensuring we can continue to secure and preserve works that belong here and speak to this place.”
As part of the campaign, a new short film ‘Behind the Artists’ produced by Fancy Films, premiered at the gallery, featuring the voices of prominent Australian artists including Tony Albert, Patricia Piccinini and Grace Lillian Lee. The film aims to thank current donors and inspire new ones.
Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker, one of the new patrons, said supporting the gallery was about backing both cultural and economic growth.
“A vibrant arts sector is essential to Cairns’ identity, liveability and future prosperity,” Mr Barker said.
“The gallery plays a key role in drawing visitors and enriching our local economy. Supporting it is an investment in the stories we tell and the community we’re building.”
Behind the Artists will be screened again in September and made available online.
