UMI Arts' flagship annual members exhibition, Freshwater Saltwater, will return on Friday 3 July, bringing together 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Far North Queensland in a celebration of culture, Country and contemporary artistic practice.

Opening in the lead-up to Far North Queensland's annual arts and cultural season, including the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) from 9 to 12 July, Freshwater Saltwater returns for its 13th year, showcasing 35 works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists working across painting, textiles, weaving and mixed media. Together, the collection reflects the cultural diversity, creative excellence and place-based stories that define Far North Queensland's First Nations communities.

For the past two decades, UMI Arts has remained grounded in its commitment to supporting artists at every stage of their creative journey while providing opportunities for cultural exchange, professional development and artistic excellence.

UMI Arts Executive Director Lisa Michl Ko-manggén OAM said Freshwater Saltwater is an important platform for First Nations artists to share stories, culture and connection to Country through contemporary artistic practice.

"Freshwater Saltwater reflects the coming together of cultures, stories and creative voices from across Far North Queensland," Ms Michl Ko-manggén said.

"From rainforest to island, Gulf and western communities, the exhibition celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic practice while highlighting the enduring connections our artists maintain with Country, culture and community.

"Freshwater Saltwater is much more than an annual exhibition. For many artists, it represents the culmination of years of creative development, cultural learning, and professional growth, supported by UMI Arts programs and opportunities."

Ms Michl Ko-manggén said the exhibition gives audiences the chance to learn more about the artists, their homelands, cultures, stories and creative practices, and to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art across Far North Queensland.

"Every artwork offers a connection to place, people and story. Whether visitors are discovering an artist for the first time or adding to an existing collection, Freshwater Saltwater creates meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and appreciation," she said.

Now in its 21st year, UMI Arts continues to champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from rainforest, island, Gulf and western communities. The 2026 Freshwater Saltwater exhibition features work by Andrew S Passi, Connie Rovina, Doreen Hart, Dorothy Edwards, Ganomi Barsa, Kassandra Savage, Kevin Edmondstone, Lisa Michl Ko-manggén, Pearl Deemal, Robert Tommy Pau, Sandra Ase, Shane Gibson, Shaud Edwards, Shirley Collins and Wanda Gibson.

Freshwater Saltwater opens at 6 pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, at the UMI Arts Gallery, Jensen Plaza, Manoora.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.