Cairns Sketchfest 2022 Exhibition

Former Central Hotel, Cairns pen and watercolour by Sid Kleemann

14 September – 29 October

Cairns Urban Sketchers & Scottsdale Artists’ School, A Sister Cities Exchange


Urban Sketchers is a global network working to connect the world, one sketch at a time. Cairns Urban Sketchers is one of 335 chapters in over 360 countries.

This exhibition and workshops program celebrates the 35th anniversary of our sister cities relationship with Scottsdale, Arizona, and will feature sketches of the two cities and surrounding areas by artists working in the environment. The subject matter and media used is as diverse as are our climates and environments.

The sketchers of the sister cities have never met, but they are linked by their mutual desire to sketch and paint outdoors in all weather and show Cairns, Scottsdale and the world how we interpret the beautiful place where we live!

On closing in Cairns, the exhibition will fly to Scottsdale to be shown at the Scottsdale Artists’ School.


The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Last Updated: 4 March 2023

Latest News > All News

Queensland Budget delivers funding boost to Cairns water security

The Miles Government is strengthening water security for Cairns, using the recent state budget to increase funding toward the Cairns...

Council statement on recent media coverage

Council statement in response to recent media coverage on the appointment of the interim CEO....

Have your say on Cairns’ future aquatic facilities needs

Residents are being invited to provide their views on the future aquatic facility needs of the Cairns region....