Our Legacy

Each year, the Shine on Gimuy Festival audiences from across the region, Australia and the world experience “Cultural immersion” like nowhere else. All our events take place beside the glistening coral sea, girt by emerald mountains, along the foreshore of Gimuy/Cairns Esplanade, set beneath a boulevard of fig trees.

OUR GOALS

Shine on Gimuy is focused on presenting and showcasing First Nations creativity and building audiences in the visitor economy - locally, domestically and internationally. Shine on Gimuy Festival connects artists, community and business with audiences in a visitor economy that has an impact on the multiplier economy of hotels and accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism by;

  • Elevating and showcasing First Nations unique art and culture and sharing knowledge.

  • Building long term collaborative partnerships.

  • Creating opportunities to drive economic development.

  • Creating jobs and building skills in the festivals and events spaces (in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games).

  • Strengthening community connections.

  • Fostering wellbeing by building an accessible, safe and family-friendly atmosphere, where education, equality and joy are centred.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Shine on Gimuy are committed to growing our base of local artsworkers artists, businesses, and creative practitioners, and to working with all First Nations/Bama, arts and community stakeholders to build crucial pathways so as to advance the networks and skills of emerging First Nations/Bama arts workers. The success of Shine On Gimuy Festival 23/24 demonstrates that markets/audiences have a continuous and great thirst for First Nations arts and cultural expressions and experiences, showing that there are still many untapped economic and artistic opportunities for First Nations/Bama artists, and, for all players to operate in this space—where Blak Excellence in the arts is paramount.

TOURISM

In showcasing esteemed First Nations talents—across art forms, disciplines and sciences, Shine On Gimuy Festival in only its first two years, has attracted audiences of over 40,000 people annually. It is an event which creates safe spaces for inspired community engagement and participation while contributing to over $2,500,000 each year into the economy and expanding economic opportunities. Shine on Gimuy Festival attracts domestic tourists from other parts of Queensland and we will continue to engage new audiences from around Australia and internationally to encourage them to visit TNQ to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the region and explore the unique First Nations/Bama arts and cultures.