ARTNOW FNQ is a biennial initiative of the Gallery that aims to explore and reflect the inspiring range of activities that drive contemporary art and creative practice in Far North Queensland.

The exhibition brings together emerging and established, Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in a dialogue about ideas relating to nature, place, environments, identity, politics and history. 

Max Delany, CEO and Artistic Director of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne selected thirty-four of the most inspiring and outstanding artists in the region to participate in the ARTNOW FNQ 2019 exhibition.

Most of the artists created new works of art specifically for the exhibition. Together the artists present a breadth of work that demonstrates a range of influences drawn from the local context and further afield.

ARTNOW FNQ provides the opportunity for the Gallery to acquire outstanding works by leading artists from the region for its permanent Collection and is an important way that the Gallery can further its support for and commitment to local contemporary artists.