Welcome to Pop Up North Queensland (PUNQ) 2026—a place-based festival of public art, performances, exhibitions and immersive experiences popping up across the state’s north this spring.

The Crisafulli Government is proud to support this biennial festival presented by Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, which platforms and celebrates Queensland artists and delivers on our 10 year arts and culture strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine.

Through PUNQ, local audiences and visitors to Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook and Charters Towers, are invited to see the north anew—with natural and built environments transformed through art, offering unique insights into the stories, histories and communities of this extraordinary region.

In 2026, Mari Hirata’s site-responsive installation The House of Floating Flowers reimagines The Japanese House in Ingham, Squeak and Bubble’s Life Support will provide quiet moments of reflection on Magnetic Island and billboards across the region will rise with work from six North Queensland artists, creating an expansive open-air gallery.

Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, PUNQ 2026 is proudly championing local artists, providing them with space to experiment, evolve and exhibit their work.

Sharing art from historic buildings to the foreshore, PUNQ 2026 promises to be a highlight on Queensland’s cultural calendar.

- Hon John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education and the Arts  

Welcome to Pop Up North Queensland (PUNQ) 2026. Townsville City Council is proud to support this unique festival, which continues to showcase the creativity, talent and innovation that exists throughout North Queensland.

Events like PUNQ play an important role in strengthening our community, supporting local artists and contributing to the region's cultural and economic success.

This year is an important milestone for Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts as it celebrates 40 years of championing contemporary arts in regional Queensland. Over four decades, Umbrella has provided opportunities for artists to create, collaborate and share their work, helping build a strong and vibrant creative sector across the North.

Creative experiences bring people together, activate public spaces and foster a strong sense of community pride. They also attract visitors, support local businesses and contribute to a diverse and thriving economy. That's why Council continues to invest in opportunities that strengthen our city's cultural offering and enhance our reputation as a major arts destination in Northern Australia.

One of the great strengths of PUNQ is its ability to connect communities across the region. By presenting work in galleries, public spaces and unexpected locations, the festival encourages people to explore, engage and experience North Queensland in new ways.

I congratulate Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, the artists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have brought this year's festival to life.

I encourage everyone to get involved, explore the program and enjoy all that PUNQ 2026 has to offer.

- Cr Nick Dametto, Mayor, Townsville City Council