Nine First Nations artists selected for BLAK Camp 2026 residency

Delivered by Munimba-ja Arts Centre with support from Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and NorthSite Contemporary Arts, the program supports artists in developing new work through shared studio access, cultural exchange, and mentorship, culminating in creative outcomes presented at CIAF 2026.

The selected artists represent a diverse range of cultural knowledge, practice and geographic connection, reflecting the residency’s emphasis on peer exchange, cultural grounding and professional development pathways through Munimba-ja, CIAF and NorthSite networks.

CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn said the residency will strengthen pathways for emerging and mid-career First Nations artists.

“BLAK Camp provides 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 program builds connections across regions and creative communities.

“BLAK Camp creates an opportunity for artists living in South East Queensland to come together on Gimuy and focus on cultural and creative development in a collaborative setting,” 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.”

Munimba-ja Arts Centre and are based on Kabi Kabi language-speaking region (Sunshine Coast), delivering programs and supporting artists living throughout South East Queensland.

Selected Artists

• 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
• Sylvia Nakachi: From the Eastern Islands of Erub in the Torres Strait, with blood ties to the Yupangathie Aboriginal peoples from Western Cape York

Creative Team

• Matilda Nona: Lead Artist. Argun woman from Badu Island in the Maluilgal Sea Country. Totems: Thupmul (stingray) and Koedal (crocodile). Wind: Sagerr Gub (North Easterly)
• Darren Blackman: Creative Associate, Munimba-ja Arts Centre Proud Gureng Gureng / Gangalu man from Queensland’s Central Coast, with Kanak South Sea Islander heritage from Vanuatu
• Sam Tupou: NorthSite Technician. Gimuy/Cairns-based artist with Tongan and Polynesian heritage

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.

CIAF 2026: What you need to know
Theme: Reclamation & Regeneration
Dates: 9–12 July 2026
Location: Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy (Cairns)

This project is proudly supported by Creative Australia, Arts Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council and City of Gold Coast.

Image (top): NorthSite technician, artist Sam Tupou guides resident artist Rachel Bywaters through the printing process at NorthSite Studios this week in Gimuy/Cairns. Photo by Pandemonium Films.