2026 Artist & Creative Call Out
Cairns Festival 2026 - Artists & Creatives Expression of Interest is closed.
Each year, Cairns Festival showcases vibrant, original and progressive arts and cultural experiences from across our region and the nation. We prioritise locally connected work that brings fresh perspectives and offers new encounters for our audiences. As a curated festival, programming includes our Main Stage on the Esplanade, along with site-responsive projects at the southern end of the Esplanade, Munro Martin Parklands, Tanks Arts Centre and the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
The Brief
Cairns audiences have an appetite for creative excellence, and we’re seeking artists and creative practitioners who can offer something fresh, bold, original or transformative.
We want to elevate authentic stories and experiences through works that speak to who we are, how we live, and the environment that shapes us, or that introduce audiences to exciting new encounters.
We’re inviting proposals across all artforms: music, dance, visual arts, comedy, circus, cabaret, theatre, puppetry, projection, film, literature, workshops, roving performance and more. If it’s imaginative, contemporary and genuinely compelling, we want to hear from you.
Your application is your pitch, so please include as much clear and relevant detail as possible. We want to understand what you’re proposing, why it matters, and how it will elevate the Cairns Festival experience.
Key Dates
Putting together a ten-day festival is a B!G bold adventure with many moving parts! We ask for a little patience while we review applications, so unless it’s essential (like part of a bigger tour), please hold off on status enquiries about your application. Don’t worry, the festival team has it covered and will be in touch when the time is right.
- Expressions of interest are open Dec 2025
- Expressions of interest close Sun 1 Mar 2026 (11.59pm)
- Successful applications notified May - Jun 2026
- Unsuccessful applications notified early Jul 2026
- Cairns Festival 2026 dates Fri 28 Aug - Sun 6 Sep 2026
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