UMI Arts will begin its 2026 exhibition series with You & Me 2026 - one of two curated exhibitions (opening on March 27) featuring eight First Nations artists and 21 artworks exploring connection to Country, culture, and community through contemporary and traditional artistic practice.
In a celebration of unity and collaboration, characteristics at the core of UMI Arts, You & Me is an annual group exhibition showcasing the culture and craft of member artists, which, true to tradition, is held at the start of each year.
UMI Arts' Exhibitions and Gallery officer Aleksandra Kostic D said the exhibition highlights the collective strength of First Nations artistic practice across Far North Queensland.
"You & Me reflects the strong connections between artists, community and culture," said Ms Kostic D.
"Each artwork carries personal stories and cultural knowledge, expressing identity, family histories and connections to Country through a range of artistic mediums."
You & Me is an exhibition that brings together a diverse collection of artworks, including acrylic paintings, polymer-clay works, monotype prints, headdresses, and woven sculptures, reflecting the breadth of artistic practice among UMI Arts member artists.
Featuring both emerging and mid-career artists, You & Me highlights the role of art as a living cultural practice, in which artists honour their ancestors, share intergenerational knowledge, and continue storytelling traditions passed down through generations.
You & Me 2026 opens alongside The Summer Show 2026 as part of UMI Arts' 2026 exhibition season launch, bringing together 21 First Nations artists across two concurrent exhibitions exploring connection to Country, culture and community.
Participating artists include Daisy Hamlot, Dyrrin Murgha, Erin Jia, Ganomi Barsa, Kassandra Savage, Lisa Michl ko-manggén, Wanda Gibson and Shane Gibson.
The exhibition runs from 27th March to 17th June 2026 and is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm at UMI Arts, Shop 4, 1 Jensen Street, Manoora.
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