What’s Happening?
The Straddie Arts Trail returns from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August 2026, marking its fifth year on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
Studios, galleries and community venues will host exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, film screenings, photography and cultural activities. Visitors can also enjoy island markets, High Tea, lunch, whale watching and Minjerribah’s coastal scenery.
The program connects visitors with artists while showing how island histories, landscapes and culture influence their work.
Why It Matters
The Arts Trail gives established and emerging creatives a shared platform across Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). First Nations artists, cultural spaces and Island stories remain central to the program.
By connecting studios, galleries and community venues, the event brings visitors closer to the people behind the work. Its growth also reflects the range of creative talent found across the island.
Local Impact
Creative Director Cath Carroll said the event continues to grow because it reflects Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)’s creative community.
“The Straddie Arts Trail is about more than art,” Carroll said. “It’s about sharing stories, creating connections and celebrating the people and places that make this island so special. Whether you’re meeting an artist in their studio, joining a workshop or finding an emerging creative, the trail offers a uniquely Straddie experience.”
The community focus continues at the Hidden Treasures Art Show, where original artworks will be sold anonymously for $20. Established artists, students, families and first-time creators can contribute, with proceeds supporting Dunwich State School.
By the Numbers
- More than 70 creatives will participate, giving the fifth annual event its largest and most varied line-up so far.
- The trail links 33 stops, including studios, galleries, cultural centres and community venues.
- Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout form the three-township trail across Minjerribah.
Zoom In
The 2026 program brings established island names together with emerging artists, visiting practitioners and creative collaborations.
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins
Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins leads this year’s program as artist-in-residence at North Stradbroke Island Museum. Her work draws from family histories and objects held within the museum’s collections. Throughout the weekend, she will share her creative process with visitors.
Elisa Jane Carmichael and Renata Buziak
Celebrated Ngugi artist Elisa Jane Carmichael joins Renata Buziak for their collaborative exhibition, Held in Blue. Using cyanotypes, biochromes and textiles, the artists examine Island stories through different materials and creative methods.
Visitors can also see the final weekend of QUAMPI’s current exhibition. QUAMPI is Minjerribah’s new First Nations-owned arts and cultural centre.
Lauri Anderson and Kieron Anderson
Following Regional Arts Australia’s Wild Clay program, emerging artist Lauri Anderson will present new work at Seventeenth Door Studio. She will share the exhibition space with fellow artist Kieron Anderson during the three-day event.
Robyn Olsen
Long-time island painter Robyn Olsen will be artist-in-residence at Soul Lodge Gallery in Amity Point. Her vibrant landscapes reflect more than two decades of living on Minjerribah and observing its natural surroundings.
Michaela Kloeckner
Internationally awarded ceramic artist Michaela Kloeckner will join the artist residency at Dunwich Apartments during this year’s trail.
Michele Kordic
Michele Kordic will present her richly layered landscape paintings at the Taproom inside Straddie Brewing Co.
Cath Carroll, Sarah Van Der Ryst and Melany Cordier
The Tidal Archive 2026 brings together island designer Cath Carroll and Sunfolk Swimwear’s Sarah Van Der Ryst. Ceramicist Melany Cordier completes the collaboration, combining ceramics, textiles, swimwear and collected objects inspired by the sea.
More Creative Stops
Returning favourites include Paula Boo Studios, Starfish Studio’s Jess Scott, artist Chris Hooper and the Straddie Markets.
North Stradbroke Island Golf Club will host the 2026 Minjerribah Photography Awards, creative activities and a Straddie Arts Trail High Tea. The club will also serve lunch throughout the weekend.
Opening Night Film
The opening-night screening of Subdivision will take place at the Straddie Brewing Co Rooftop.
The Hervey Bay comedy will include a question-and-answer session with members of its creative team before the screening.
Special guests include media presenter Ashley Bradnam and actor Aaron Fa’aoso from Black Comedy and Strait to the Plate.
Guests can also meet screenwriters Jan Bradnam, Ashley Bradnam and Terry McCann, who are long-time Straddie visitors. Producers Trish Lake, an island resident, and Dan Lake will also attend.
Zoom Out
The trail combines exhibitions with film, food, cultural experiences, whale watching and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)’s island setting. Accommodation partners include Whale Watch Ocean View Apartments, Discover Stradbroke and Dunwich Apartments. Other island providers will also welcome Arts Trail guests.
SeaLink vehicle ferry promotional offers will be available for visitors travelling to Minjerribah.
What To Look For Next?
Program details, accommodation offers and trail maps are available on the Straddie Arts Trail website.
Updates will also be shared through @IAMStraddie on social media before the event begins.
