Townsville City Galleries
EXHIBITIONS
July – December 2026
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Townsville City Council acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of this land. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders, past and present – and all future generations.
Rurik Henry and Jordan Wyles, Crocodile [detail], 2013, Jezzine Barracks, Gurambilbarra / Townsville. Photography by Andrew Rankin.
Townsville City Galleries
EXHIBITIONS
July – December 2026
Image courtesy of Townsville City Galleries. Photography by Andrew Rankin.
Image courtesy of Townsville City Galleries. Photography by Andrew Rankin.
THE PERCIVALS 2026
23 MAY UNTIL 30 AUGUST
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
Townsville City Galleries is proud to present the 2026 Percivals Portrait Prize exhibition. This biennial competition is Northern Australia's premier portrait prize. This year, The Percivals features exceptional artworks across three categories in painting, photography, and the depiction of animals.
The Percivals celebrates contemporary approaches to the centuries-old genre of portraiture. It showcases diverse subjects, bodies and settings. Some of the sitters are known intimately to the artists, some are self portraits, while others may be recognised as more public figures.
Beginning in 2007, The Percivals has since been showcasing the best artists from the region, the state of Queensland, and across Australia.
A Townsville City Galleries exhibition.
Jim Filmer, Aunty Rhonda – Stolen, Strong, Resilient [detail], 2024, digital photographic print on translucent fabric, 180 x 145 cm. Finalist in the Percival Portrait Photographic Prize 2026. Image courtesy of the artist.
INTIMATE IMAGINARIES
20
JUNE UNTIL 4 OCTOBER 2026
PINNACLES GALLERY
Intimate Imaginaries is a group exhibition featuring artists from Arts Project Australia (APA), a leading gallery and studio in Melbourne that champions neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disabilities. The exhibition showcases the work of 13 artists whose practices have developed within APA’s vibrant studio over the past five decades.
Featuring Fulli Andrinopoulos, Samraing Chea, Alan Constable, Wendy Dawson, Bronwyn Hack, Julian Martin, Chris O’Brien, Anthony Romagnano, Lisa Reid, Mark Smith, Cathy Staughton, Georgia Szmerling and Terry Williams.
Intimate Imaginaries is a TarraWarra Museum of Art exhibition, in partnership with Arts Project Australia, touring with NETS Victoria. Curated by Anthony Fitzpatrick.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program and by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Terry Williams, Untitled, 2011, cotton, marker, stuffing, vinyl, 21 x 43 x 14 cm. Collection of Norman Rosenblatt.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Arts Project Australia.
71 ST TOWNSVILLE ART
SOCIETY ART AWARDS
19 SEPTEMBER UNTIL 18 OCTOBER 2026
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
The Townsville Art Society Inc. is delighted to announce the 71st Townsville Art Society Art Awards. Since its founding, the Townsville Art Society has hosted an annual or biennial art exhibition, and the Art Awards exhibition has become a significant event in the city's cultural scene. Taking place at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, this exhibition offers North Queensland artists affiliated with an Art Society a chance to showcase their work in a prominent gallery setting while vying for various prizes.
Lisa Ashcroft, I always almost never really knew [detail], 2025, handstitched fabric, paint, gold leaf, glass, plastic & fibre on canvas. Winner of the non-acquisitive Works on Canvas / Board Prize 2025, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville. Photography by Through the Looking Glass Studio.
2026 BIENNIAL NORTH QUEENSLAND CERAMIC AWARDS
19 SEPTEMBER 2026 UNTIL 17 JANUARY 2027
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
The biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards has long aimed to increase public exposure to a high standard of ceramic artwork from around the nation. A showcase for both well-known and emerging artists, this competition displays the diversity of ceramics currently being produced in Australia.
The City of Townsville Art Collection Award of $10,000 continues to provide the opportunity for artists to become a part of one of the nation’s most significant ceramic collections, as well as ensuring the continued growth of this important subsection of the City of Townsville Art Collection.
A Townsville City Galleries exhibition.
Presenting Partner Sponsors
Yu-Lu Yeh, Of
,
Ruby
Motherhood
2024, stoneware with iron oxide calligraphy and sprayed glaze, 70 x 45 x 46 cm. Winner of the acquisitive 2024 biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville. City of Townsville Art Collection.
EMU SPORTSWEAR, SHORT FAMILY COLLECTION
19 SEPTEMBER UNTIL 17 JANUARY 2027
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
The Short Family Collection brings together ceramic works acquired through sponsorship of the North Queensland Ceramic Awards between 1980 and 2024. First presented in 1973, the Awards have long celebrated excellence in Australian ceramics, with the Short Family’s contribution since 1980 playing a defining role in shaping its acquisitive legacy.
Through successive sponsorships, from the Fourex Clothing Acquisitive Award to the Emu Sportswear Award, the family has built a four-decade collection that reflects the breadth and evolution of Australian ceramic practice. This selection highlights diverse forms, techniques and approaches, while their continued support through 2026 ensures the ongoing growth of this significant regional collection and the enduring strength of this cultural tradition.
Pru Morrison, A tribute to a Holy Man, 2023, earthenware and terra sigillata, 50 x 21 cm. Winner of the EV2 Sportswear Award, North Queensland Ceramic Awards 2024. Image courtesy of Townsville City Galleries.
THE BROTHERS GRUCHY
16 OCTOBER 2026 – 31 JANUARY 2027
PINNACLES GALLERY
Exhibition of selected works by Tim and Mic Gruchy, titled The Brothers Gruchy, in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Galleries. The Brothers Gruchy is an engaging new media exhibition that features 10 key artworks from Tim and Mic Gruchy's practice that focus on recurring themes of human perception, artificial intelligence, synaesthesia, memory and cultural identity. Nature and our human impact is a strong thread of this exhibition.
The Brothers Gruchy is a touring exhibition curated by Bundaberg Regional Galleries and presented in partnership with Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program, and is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Tim Gruchy, Dissolving World, 2021, image still of single-channel video, 00:14:30. Image courtesy the artist.
IN THE HEART OF THE NORTH PART 3 – THE KAGI GIFT
31 OCTOBER – 17 JANUARY 2027
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
Part 3 of the In the Heart of the North exhibition celebrates a significant moment in the cultural life of our region: the 2014 Doug Kagi Gift, a generous donation of 467 artworks to the City of Townsville Art Collection. This remarkable gift represents a diverse and far reaching survey of artistic practice, spanning both national and international artists. The selected works on display highlight the breadth of the donation—ranging from contemporary explorations of form and colour to acclaimed works by recognised figures in global art. Together, they offer visitors a rare opportunity to encounter the depth and variety of this important collection, and to appreciate the legacy of the Kagi Gift within Townsville City Art Collection.
Euan MacLeod, Frontwards, 1992, woodcut and lithograph printed in colour, from three plates on paper. Gift of Dr Douglas A. Kagi, 2014. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program. Accession number: 2014.0305.000 Image courtesy of the artist.
YOUNG INDIGENOUS PRINTMAKERS
31 OCTOBER 2026 – 17 JANUARY 2027
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
Young Indigenous Printmakers is a collaborative outreach project run in partnership between Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts and Townsville City Galleries. The free education program gives First Nations senior students the opportunity to learn and experience lino carving, printing and editioning, and gain exhibition experience. The initiative seeks to engage, foster and promote artistic development. School groups participate in a two-day intensive workshop facilitated by a printmaking expert and a First Nations artist. Participants are introduced to printmaking techniques and assisted to explore their Indigenous Culture/s and identity. The first day of the program is held at the school and the second is spent in The Studio at Umbrella. The students’ prints are exhibited in Umbrella’s gallery or at Townsville City Galleries once a semester.
Tai Ahmat (Townsville Grammar School), My heritage, 2025, linocut on paper, 15 x 30 cm.
Image courtesy of Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts.
TRANSITIONS
31 OCTOBER 2026 –
17 JANUARY 2027
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
Transitions is a mentorship-driven program showcasing the creative development of emerging visual artists and arts writers from the Townsville region. Delivered in partnership between Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts and Townsville City Galleries, the program supports five early career practitioners with one on one mentorship, professional development sessions, networking opportunities and group critiques. Mentees deepen their understanding of contemporary arts practice while refining their individual artistic or writing voices.
To celebrate Transitions and its outcomes, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is pleased to present an end of program exhibition displaying works created by the artist mentees Drosera (Michael Klekar), Matilda Mathieu, Carly Sheil and Ekam Tra (Kate Fulton), alongside writing mentee Sonia Zabala. The exhibition presents new works developed during the mentorships and alternates annually between Umbrella and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, celebrating the growth, experimentation and ambition of North Queensland’s next generation of arts practitioners.
Matilda Mathieu, Renée, Studying No. 1, 2026, graphite on paper, 29.5 x 21 cm. Image courtesy the artist.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA – SHARING THE NATIONAL COLLECTION
ON LOAN UNTIL 13 FEBRUARY 2028
PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY
This work of art is on long term loan from the National Gallery of Australia with support from the Australian Government as part of Sharing the National Collection.
Arthur Streeton is one of Australia’s best known and most influential landscape painters. A key member of the Heidelberg school of Australian impressionism – the first distinctively Australian school of painting, Streeton and his contemporaries including Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Jane Sutherland, and Frederick McCubbin were among the first to paint outdoors en plein air, in front of their landscape subjects.
Travelling widely in Australia and abroad, this work depicts Yunbenun/ Magnetic Island. He wrote to Tom Roberts on 13 August 1924 from Townsville:
Your letter of 30 July came to me yesterday and was very, very welcome. I had just returned by launch from Magnetic Island where I spent three or four days. I slept in a hut… called ‘Arcadia’, and, though ‘tis midwinter, found it very warm except in the shade of cocoa-nut [sic], tamarind, and mango trees.
Presented by Supported
Arthur Streeton
Duneed, Victoria, Australia 08 April 1867 – 02 September 1943, Magnetic Island [detail], 1924, oil on wood panel.
National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra. Purchased 1961.
STRAND EPHEMERA 2027
CALL FOR ARTISTS
24 JULY – 8 AUGUST 2027
THE STRAND
Strand Ephemera is the North’s leading temporary public art festival. Now in its 14th iteration, this beloved and highly anticipated biennial event will again bring local, national and international audiences to The Strand, Townsville-Garuambilarra.
Strand Ephemera 2027 invites artists to inspire imagination through our stories. Using art to spark imagination and wonder, this iteration’s theme invites artists to celebrate Queensland’s unique stories and transform them into bold, contemporary expressions. Creating powerful moments of connection with a lasting sense of inspiration long after the encounter.
This year, Strand Ephemera welcomes the return of the young artists category, open competitive category and the newly introduced Environmental Advocate Award!
Selected competitive works will be on display along Townsville’s picturesque 2km beachfront – The Strand – from 24 July to 8 August 2027. These will be exhibited alongside a selection of invited public artworks.
APPLICATIONS OPEN
LATE JULY 2026!
ENTRIES CLOSE
10AM TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2026
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NOTIFIED
5PM THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2026
Reef Revolution, Coral Garden, 2025, Ephemera 2025 competitive entry. Image courtesy of Budd Photography.
$10,000 ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD*
$1,000 YOUNG ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD*
$1,000 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE AWARD*
$1,000 PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD*
*Terms and Conditions apply. Visit strandephemera.com.au for more information.
Light Forms, Kraken 2025. Ephemera 2025 competitive entry. Image courtesy of Budd Photography.
FRIENDS OF THE GALLERIES
Our Friends of the Galleries membership program will keep our members up to date on gallery opportunities and news, as well as offering discounts and advanced bookings on our programs.
Friends of the Galleries can engage in a range of activities that go beyond just visiting and viewing, offering opportunities to engage with local artists, art enthusiasts, volunteers, and supporters of the arts in our region.
Benefits include:
• Invitations to all opening functions throughout the year
• Advance invitations to Townsville City Galleries events including artist talks, workshops, tours and lectures
• Monthly e-newsletter to keep up to date on the latest galleries news
• Membership exclusive events at the galleries
• 30% discount on paid events
• 10% discount on all items available in our Gallery Shop
• 10% discount on Townsville City Council’s Theatre Season at the Townsville Civic Theatre.
The membership season runs from 1 November – 31 October* .
Our Friends of the Galleries play an important role in our galleries with their ongoing support for our exhibitions, events, and activities, and we look forward to sharing our new and exciting programs with you!
Single membership price is $45, or $30 with a Concession card.
*All memberships commence 1 November and run until 31 October the following year.
Image courtesy of Townsville City Galleries.
GALLERIES E-NEWSLETTER
Free monthly email updates are available with specific information on exhibitions, workshops, events, and more. Scan the QR code and select Galleries as the e-news you would like to receive.
WALKING TRAIL
AUGMENTED REALITY EDITION
Discover the many amazing street art murals Townsville has to offer by taking a self-guided walking tour of the city using the Street Art Walking Trail: Augmented Reality edition map.
Watch out for augmented reality stickers near the street art murals and use your smartphone to transform the artworks into an augmented reality dreamscape.
Collect your FREE copy of the map available at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery or scan the QR Code.
The city’s street art scene is constantly evolving, so keep your eyes peeled for new works not on this map and follow Townsville City Galleries on social media to stay up to date.
Townsville Street Art Walking Trail
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to explore the arts? Look no further, as Townsville City Galleries offers a wide range of education opportunities and public programs in conjunction with our gallery exhibitions, including educational programs, gallery tours, workshops, launches, and events. Scan the QR code below to find out more about what we have on offer!
Townsville City Galleries
TownsvilleCityGalleries
What's On Townsville
Image: Seniors Outreach Workshops facilitated by artist,
Photography
Baylee Griffin.
by Townsville City Galleries.
GALLERY SHOP
Experience an exciting selection of exhibitions at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery showcasing works of artists from North Queensland, Australia, and all over the world. Discover the talent from the Townsville Region in our Gallery Shop which offers a range of unique artworks and handmade items from North Queensland and Australia.
Photography by Budd Photography.
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Cnr Denham and Flinders Street, Townsville QLD 4810 (07) 4727 9011
CONTACT US STAY
CONNECTED
Townsville City Galleries
TownsvilleCityGalleries townsville.qld.gov.au galleries@townsville.qld.gov.au
Pinnacles Gallery
Riverway Arts Centre 20 Village Boulevard, Thuringowa Central QLD 4817 (07) 4773 8871
Cover image:
Greg Daly, Images on platter [detail], 1985, Winner of the Caltex North Queensland Ceramics Award, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville, 1985. City of Townsville Art Collection. Accession number: 1985.21
