E X P R E S S I O N   O F   I N T E R E S T

ARTWORK CALLOUT

Have your artwork shine inside Cairns Festival light-filled sculptures.

ARTWORK CALLOUT

As part of Cairns Festival and the Cairns Celebrate 150 Years program, we’re inviting artists, creators, dreamers and rule-breakers to see their artworks displayed within a series of light-filled sculptures that will transform the Esplanade during Cairns Festival. 

This is a unique opportunity to see your creativity re-imagined into a large-scale light experience viewed by thousands. We’re taking artwork off the walls and showcasing it in the wild.

We’re seeking work that is bold, thought-provoking, visually striking and responds to the brief! Best of all, it’s open to everyone. We want artwork that celebrates the people, cultures, histories and unique energy of Cairns both past, present and future.

All designs are welcome. No gatekeeping. No playing it safe.

Further information on the creative brief and how your artwork should respond can be found below.

CREATIVE BRIEF

About your design:

• Refer to the example imagery provided as a guide to the artistic intent and application for your artwork.
  

• Artworks featuring smaller elements, patterns, textures, or repeatable motifs are more likely to adapt successfully to the sculpture format.

• Consider how your artwork will sit inside the sulptures form.

• Artwork must be original, owned by the applicant, and free from AI-generated or reproduced material.

Artwork Theme:
In 2026 Cairns will Celebrate 150 Years (C150). In honour of this celebration, Cairns Festival Light Sculpture Figurines are aligning to the C150 theme/s.

What is C150? 

C150 stands for Cairns Celebrates 150 Years - a city-wide celebration of Cairns, honouring our stories, our people and our shared future.

Throughout 2026, events and activities across the region will reflect on the themes of:

• Recognising Cairns’ Past: Honouring the stories, traditions, and achievements that built the foundations of the city - from First Nations histories to pioneering industries and iconic moments.

• Celebrating Cairns Today: Showcasing the vibrant, diverse and creative spirit of modern Cairns - its people, schools, communities, businesses and natural beauty.

• Looking Forward to the Next 150 Years: Imagining the future we want to create - through innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and bold community vision.

C150 is a community-driven milestone that invites everyone to share stories, creativity and pride in our city. Find out more on the website and download the Cairns Celebrates 150 Years Prospectus( PDF, 3.52 MB ) 

Key Dates

• Applications open now

• Applications close Sunday 28 June 2026 (11:59pm)

• Successful applicants notified early July 2026

• Unsuccessful applicants notified mid July 2026

• Cairns Festival 2026 will run from Friday 28 August - Sunday 6 September

Please provide the following details as you would like them to appear in promotional materials.

ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS:

Final supplied artwork must be supplied as per the following criteria: 

• Resolution -  150 DPI high-res digital image 

• Pixels - no larger than 2700 x 3600 

• File formats  - PNG, PDF or AI
  

Disclaimer: Failure to meet these specifications may result in your artwork being unable to be used.

Please note the following important details before submitting

By submitting this application you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Submitted artwork must be original work and respond to the creative brief and be suitable for public display (all ages, inclusive, non-offensive).

• Selection is at the discretion of the curatorial panel and not all submissions will be selected.

• All ages are eligible to submit artwork.

• If successful, you grant permission for Cairns Regional Council and Laservision to reproduce the artwork for application inside the sculptures and for public display during Cairns Festival on the Esplanade.

• If successful, you grant permission for Cairns Regional Council and Laservision to use the artwork for promotional purposes relating to the installation and the broader festival program (with appropriate artist credit where possible).

• This is an unpaid opportunity. It is a community-informed project offering  the opportunity to be part of a large public art installation at Cairns Festival 2026.
  

Cairns Regional Council – Information Privacy Statement

Your personal information has been collected for the purpose of assessing your application. The collection of your information is authorised under the Local Government Act 2009. You are providing personal information which will be used for the purpose of delivering services and carrying out Council business. Your personal information is handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and will be accessed by persons who have been authorised to do so. Your information will not be given to any other person or agency unless you have given Council permission to or the disclosure is required by law.