UMI ARTS
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts
PROUDLY Supporting independent aboriginal and torres strait islander artists across FAR North QUEENSLAND
Our Story
UMI Arts is the incubator Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander cultural organisation for Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Established in 2005 UMI Arts mission is to operate an Indigenous organisation that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in the maintenance, preservation and protection of cultural identity.
UMI Arts is a not-for-profit company managed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors.
For over 15 years UMI Arts has developed innovative, community-driven arts and cultural programs delivered to members in communities across Tropical North Queensland. Our programs are designed to take participants on a learning journey where they can access a wide range of tools and resources suited to their skills and career level. Starting in their youth with exposure to arts and cultural workshops, and progressing through the emerging, mid-career and established phase of their arts career, our members are on a lifelong journey of skills development and cultural learning.
We support our members who are independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artists from across Tropical North Queensland. We showcase their creative works through exhibitions and events, as well as supporting their professional development through workshops and training seminars.
At the broadest level, UMI Arts’ goal is to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices, including visual arts and crafts, dance, ceremony, story telling and music.
UMI is a Creole word that means ‘You and Me’ – for UMI Arts this is significant as we believe that we need to work together to keep our culture strong.
Online Shop
In buying an authentic artwork created by a First Nations artist, you assist in keeping culture and stories alive.
UMI Arts Gallery and Gift Shop in Cairns showcases the unique products, fine art and gifts created by our member artists,
all living and working across Far North Queensland.
In the UMI Arts online shop, you can browse through a variety of fine art and gifts,
and know that you are making an ethical purchase
that continues to support the maintenance and protection of culture.
Bestseller Product
Kulaps
Woven from rope and made with seeds from Matchbox Bean, Kulaps are used as a musical instrument (rattle or shaker) in the Torres Strait during traditional Island dancing.
Video Gallery
Browse through our videos and view the work of our Artists
JOIN UMI TODAY
There are two ways you can join UMI Arts. One is as a member (voting or non-voting),
the other is to become a Friend of UMI Arts. To join, please fill in the relevant form and return it to us.
Non-Voting
Member Application
This FREE membership level is for Indigenous individuals 15+ years who have a blood-line connection to Far North Queensland.
Friends
Member Application
This level of support is for all organisations, and for individuals who do not have a blood-line connection to Far North Queensland. As a Friend of UMI Arts you will receive information about all UMI Arts activities, exhibition openings and events. Your support in this way is very special to us.
Voting
Member Application
This is a paid ANNUAL membership level for Indigenous individuals 18+ years who have a blood-line connection to Far North Queensland.