Uncovering the Story Behind Cairns' Vibrant Cultural Scene and the People Who Created It

Cairns has just been named as one of the top cultural destinations in Australia, with over 1.5 million visitors attending cultural events and exhibitions in the past year alone.

This matters now because the city is undergoing significant development, with new venues and attractions popping up along the Esplanade and in the CBD. The $40 million redevelopment of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, for example, is set to boost the local arts scene even further. But as the city looks to the future, it's also important to acknowledge and celebrate its rich history and heritage, which has been shaped by the people who have lived and worked here over the years.

In Cairns, this history is still visible in the city's many heritage-listed buildings, such as the Cairns Museum on Shields Street and the Old Courthouse on Abbott Street. The Cairns Historical Society, based in the society's headquarters on Minnie Street, is also working to preserve the city's history, with a collection of over 10,000 artifacts and photographs. Meanwhile, organisations like the Cairns Regional Council's Arts and Culture department and the Tropical North Queensland TAFE's arts program are supporting local artists and providing opportunities for them to develop their skills and showcase their work.

Delving Deeper into the Data

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the cultural sector in Cairns is worth over $100 million to the local economy each year, with over 1,000 people employed in the industry. The city's cultural events, such as the Cairns Festival and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, attract visitors from all over the world, with the festival generating over $10 million in revenue in 2022 alone. The average price of a ticket to a cultural event in Cairns is around $25, making it an accessible and affordable activity for locals and visitors alike.

So what happens next for Cairns' cultural scene? As the city continues to grow and develop, it's likely that we'll see even more new and exciting cultural attractions and events popping up. In the meantime, locals and visitors can support the city's cultural sector by attending events, visiting exhibitions, and getting involved in local arts programs. The Cairns Regional Council's Arts and Culture department, for example, offers a range of grants and funding opportunities for local artists and organisations, with applications closing on August 31. By getting involved and showing our support, we can help to ensure that Cairns' vibrant cultural scene continues to thrive for years to come.