ARTNOW FNQ is a biennial exhibition that showcases the best and most inspiring art being produced by emerging to established artists in Far North Queensland. Launched in 2015, it is an opportunity for contemporary artists from the region to submit proposals for inclusion of new or recent works in the exhibition at the Gallery. Through an application process, artists are selected by a nationally recognised arts professional working in partnership with the Gallery.

This year, Ellie Buttrose, Curator of Contemporary Australian Art at the Queensland Art Gallery|Gallery of Modern Art, selected 18 artists from more than 60 submissions. In announcing the selected artists, she commended them on pushing the boundaries of contemporary arts practice across a range of mediums.

ARTNOW FNQ is an acquisitive exhibition with a number of works purchased for the Gallery Collection. In a new development, the Gallery’s partnership with the Cairns RSL Club will support the selection of three artists from the exhibition who will each receive a $7,500 Fellowship to produce new works for a future exhibition at the Gallery.