Cairns Art Gallery Foundation

Art shapes cities. It inspires, challenges, and leaves a legacy that lasts for generations.

The Cairns Art Gallery Foundation plays a vital role in supporting one of regional Australia’s leading public galleries. As the philanthropic arm of the Gallery managed by a separate Board of Directors, the Foundation contributes to the growth of the Permanent Collection, helping ensure that significant works by Australian and Indigenous artists from Far North Queensland can be acquired and kept in the region. 

A shared commitment to art and culture

Established in 2000, the Foundation’s primary role is to raise funds to acquire significant works by Australian and Indigenous artists, with a strong focus on those from Far North Queensland. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed, through purchase and donation, more than $840,000 to the Collection. This sum has facilitated the acquisition of 79 works by 28 artists, building an impressive Collection that reflects the region’s heritage, diversity, and evolving creative landscape.  

How you can be part of it

Philanthropy is at the heart of the Foundation’s impact. Whether you choose to make a donation to our Give & Commit Legacy Collection Fundraising Campaign, or include the Foundation in your will, your support helps ensure that culturally significant works are acquired and kept in our region. It will fill gaps in the Collection and strengthen existing representations of work by artists who have achieved national and international significance.

The Foundation is a registered charity, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Our legacy campaign

This year the Foundation marks the milestone anniversaries of Cairns Art Gallery and the Foundation as they celebrate their 30th and 25th years respectively. The Give & Commit Legacy Collection Fundraising Campaign is an ambitious move to secure major acquisitions—beginning with a significant painting by renowned Bentinck Island Kaiadilt artist, Sally Gabori (c.1924-2015) to coincide with the first major exhibition of Gabori's art in the region. 

Your support will help shape the Collection for generations to come.