Entertainment
20 March, 2026
Arts residency creating pathways
NINE First Nations artists have taken part in a 10-day contemporary artist residency in Gimuy/Cairns as part of the BLAK Camp 2026 program.
The residency, delivered by Munimba-ja Arts Centre with support from Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and NorthSite Contemporary Arts, ran from 1-10 March and brought together artists for an intensive period of creative development.
Artists were provided with shared studio access, mentorship and opportunities for cultural and creative exchange. The residency will culminate in exhibition outcomes presented at CIAF 2026 in July.
CIAF artistic director Teho Ropeyarn said the program helped strengthen pathways for emerging and mid-career First Nations artists.
“BLAK Camp provided space for artists to step outside their everyday practice, connect with peers and mentors and explore new creative directions within a culturally supportive environment,” he said.
Munimba-ja Arts Centre director Libby Harward said the residency encouraged connection between artists across regions and communities.
“BLAK Camp created an opportunity for artists living in Southeast Queensland to come together on Gimuy and focus on cultural and creative development in a supportive and culturally grounded environment,” she said.
“Through residencies like this, artists are able to deepen their practice, expand networks and build lasting relationships that continue well beyond the program.”
The nine selected artists included Beth Thompson (Wulli Wulli heritage, with Celtic, Germanic and Nordic ancestry), Bianca Bond (Kabi Kabi, Da’la peoples), Brenda Mau (Mandubarra and Torres Strait Islander woman of Waiben, with connections to Kalkadoon and Wuthathi/Mutjati), Clea North (Mithika and Gunggari woman), Kerry Klimm (Gugu Yalanji and Koko Lamalama woman from Far North Queensland), Lyndon Davis (Kabi Kabi and South Sea Islander man), Malinda Flynn (Dungibara and South Sea Islander woman), Rachel Bywaters (Goomeroi woman) and Sylvia Nakachi (from the Eastern Islands of Erub in the Torres Strait, with blood ties to the Yupangathie Aboriginal peoples from Western Cape York).
The residency’s creative team included lead artist Matilda Nona, creative associate Darren Blackman from Munimba-ja Arts Centre and NorthSite technician Sam Tupou.
BLAK Camp forms part of CIAF’s broader commitment to strengthening professional development pathways for First Nations artists and fostering collaboration across regions and cultural networks.
Read More: Cairns