Artists at Work, a long-running artist studio and gallery in Cairns, Australia, faced closure as its lease at 51 Lake Street was ending. However, support from the property owners provided a lifeline, allowing the space to remain open. To celebrate this new chapter, Artists at Work and the Cairns Art Society are presenting the AAW Phoenix Exhibition, opening on June 5, 2026, featuring works that explore resilience, creativity, and renewal.
This story matters because it highlights the fragility of community art spaces and the critical role of property owner support in sustaining local arts infrastructure. The gallery’s survival ensures that artists in Cairns continue to have a dedicated place to create, exhibit, and connect, reinforcing the importance of grassroots arts organizations in regional areas.