Entertainment
9 July, 2026
Art brings region together
SOMETHING big is happening in Tully this July and it’s putting the region’s creative heartbeat firmly in the spotlight.
Thirty one artists from seven Far North Queensland communities have come together for ‘Tradition, Ritual, Community,’ a major exhibition transforming the Tully Masonic Centre into a vibrant hub of culture, storytelling and shared identity.
Presented by Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct Inc (TA&CP), the exhibition celebrates the remarkable depth of artistic talent that has long existed quietly across the region. Painting, printmaking, embroidery, weaving, woodwork, photography and installation works fill the space, each piece offering a personal response to what tradition and community mean in the artists’ lives.
The show draws inspiration from the Tully Masons themselves, whose century-long commitment to community service began with their first ball on 1 October 1926. That enduring spirit of gathering and shared ritual threads through the exhibition, connecting artists from Tully, Cardwell, Innisfail, Murray Upper, Mission Beach, Port Douglas and Townsville.
Among the standout works are Gulngay traditional owner Clarence Kinjun’s ‘Birrbu Birrbu – Cross Boomerang’, a printmaking exploration of cultural identity, Dian Darmansjah’s layered mono prints reflecting memory and belonging, Kerry Robertson’s contemplative textile forms and Valerie Keenan’s installation ‘A geography of belonging’, which traces nostalgic rituals of collecting and gathering.
The exhibition runs until Saturday 1 August, open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Artwork is available for purchase and exhibition catalogues are on sale.
TA&CP has packed this month’s calendar with more community events. Running alongside the exhibition is the popular Tully Book Fair, one of the precinct’s major fundraisers, held from 29 July to 1 August (10am–2pm). Visitors can browse and purchase pre-loved fiction and non-fiction books, CDs, board games, jigsaws and videos starting from just 50 cents. A children’s lucky dip, pop-up shop and tea, coffee and cake add to the fun. Donations of pre loved items are now welcomed.
Adding a playful twist to the month, TA&CP will host a murder mystery night with an arty flavour on Friday 17 July at the Tully Masonic Lodge. With a maximum of 20 players, guests are asked to arrive by 6.45pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are $20 and include a glass of bubbles or beer on arrival, finger food and access to a cash bar.
Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Christine Fittock at enquiries.tacp@gmail.com or via SMS on 0401 763 767. For information on any of these events, contact Valerie Keenan on 0484 282 888, or via email tullyprecinct@gmail.com.
Read More: Tully