Experience the spirit of rugby league in the heartland of footy country with the launch of the brand-new exhibition Leagues tomorrow.
The Pinnacles Galleries exhibition features artworks from nine Australian artists and has been curated by Queensland-based curator Bradley Vincent.
Mr Vincent said the exhibition was a celebration of the spirit and energy of rugby league in the heartland of footy country.
"We wanted to create an exhibition that celebrates the best of the game and the various roles it plays in North Queensland life. From the dynamism of the North Queensland Cowboys and the NRL through to the importance of community football," Mr Vincent said.
"The artists were each inspired by different aspects of the game, and what they have created is a surprising and refreshingly unique look to the modern game."
The exhibition lines up with the North Queensland Cowboys' 30th birthday, a milestone that has been celebrated across the region throughout the year.
"Townsville is a rugby league town, you can feel it in the air, and with the 30th year celebration of the North Queensland Cowboys this year, Townsville felt like the perfect place for this exhibition," Mr Vincent said.
"Having the Cowboys involved in the commissioning of three brand-new artworks was an incredible opportunity, and it means that the exhibition feels rightfully dedicated to the region.
"With artists from across the country, it feels great to bring their work together for Townsville audiences, while also demonstrating the region's commitment to celebrating arts and culture."
The exhibition promises surprises for all gallery visitors.
"This is an exhibition for football lovers and contemporary art lovers. It shows that art can be so many different things and that it can talk directly about our daily lives," Mr Vincent said.
"Footballers give us entertainment, joy and heartbreak on a weekly basis. Hopefully, when they see this exhibition, we can give a little something in return - a fresh take on the game we all love."
Councillor Liam Mooney said Council was proud to work with Mr Vincent and nine Australian artists to debut this brand-new exhibition at Pinnacles Gallery.
"Townsville is the sport, arts and events capital of Northern Australia, and what better way to showcase this than with the launch of Leagues. This free exhibition brings together our city's great loves: football, community and team spirit," Cr Mooney said.
"I'd like to thank Bradley for his vision and dedication in curating this stellar exhibition and to all of the artists and our Townsville City Galleries team members for bringing the vision to life."
Leagues launches tomorrow from 6pm. The exhibition runs from Saturday July 5 to October 19 and is free to visit.
