Young creatives and professional artists are being invited to sign up to an acclaimed program that ignites opportunities for aspiring artists.
Now in its milestone tenth year, Cairns Regional Council's FLAME Visual program is looking for emerging artists aged 15-25 and creative mediators to take part in the 2026 program.
Delivered in partnership with NorthSite Contemporary Arts, FLAME has grown over the past decade into one of North Queensland's leading pathways for aspiring artists.
The program helps young people build creative skills, industry connections, and a lifelong appreciation for creativity.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said programs like FLAME equip young people with skills that go far beyond the art studio.
"For ten years, FLAME has been more than an art program. It is a place where young people can develop their skills, connect with mentors and take their work from the studio to real world opportunities."
"When young people see their ideas brought to life, it changes how they see themselves and what they believe they can do next. FLAME has built a decade long legacy of creative leadership in Cairns and continues to open pathways for the next generation of artists to shape our city's future."
"What makes FLAME special is how real it feels. These young people are not working on hypothetical projects; they are producing exhibitions, engaging with audiences and learning the discipline that comes with being a practicing artist. That is what turns talent into opportunity."
"Creativity is part of who we are in Cairns. Programs like FLAME do more than nurture artists; they help define our city's identity and remind us that opportunity and imagination go hand in hand," Cr Eden said.
Participants will have access to a dedicated studio space at Tanks Arts Centre, attend facilitated workshops and industry excursions, and receive professional support from Council's visual arts and curatorial teams.
The program culminates in a major exhibition at Tank 4 Gallery, running from 27 February to 29 March 2026.
FLAME has grown over the past decade into one of North Queensland's leading pathways for aspiring artists and is delivered in partnership with NorthSite Contemporary Arts.
Since 2015, FLAME has nurtured dozens of young artists, supported by the ongoing generosity of benefactor Paul Matthews, whose $10,000 annual donation funds art making materials and artist fees.
Past participants reflected that the program had been invaluable in fostering their development and creating opportunities in the art industry.
"Getting to connect with mentors and others who work at Tanks gave me industry connections I never thought possible," Elina Passant, a 2025 participant, said.
"The program fosters a 'creative life' approach and encourages holistic development," Jacques Baruani, a 2025 participant, said.
Creative mediator, Jamie Cole, also praised the program for its collaborative spirit.
"Seeing the early sketches evolve into polished works hanging in Tank 4 is just magic."
The three-month summer program runs from December 2025 to March 2026, giving participants hands-on experience in professional art making, exhibition preparation, and community engagement.
Expressions of interest for both Young Creatives and Creative Mediators are open until 31 October 2025.
