The new QUAMPI Arts & Culture Centre will be officially launched during the 2025 Quandamooka Festival; a significant milestone for Indigenous culture.
The two-day event will take place on 13 and 14 September, featuring performances, workshops, markets and cultural activities across Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
Located at Dunwich and overlooking Deanbilla Bay, QUAMPI is the first Indigenous-owned and operated arts and culture centre on the island.
The facility was designed by Cox Architects in collaboration with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), with support from the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
Quandamooka man and QYAC Chair Cameron Costello said the centre represented a long-held community vision.
"Under the Minjerribah Futures program, we successfully pitched an upgrade from the original concept of a local $4M community cultural centre to a $17M world class regional gallery," he said.
"Not only will QUAMPI put us on the map in terms of recognising our growing arts and cultural programs, it will be a real economic driver for the region, creating secure jobs and career pathways for our people and the wider community."
Nunukul woman and QUAMPI Director Avril Quaill said the centre would be an important platform for artists.
"QUAMPI is a facility of the highest art museum standards. It will host inspiring exhibitions by Quandamooka artists and other First Nations artists from Australia and around the world," she said.
The inaugural exhibition, 'ngaliya ngajagu wagari (ours to carry)', will run from September 2025 to February 2026, featuring works and cultural objects from Quandamooka artists, the Redland Art Gallery collection and QYAC's cultural heritage collection.
The festival program includes Kunjiel (corroboree), live music, dance performances, weaving, kids' activities and food stalls.
Artists Emily Wurramara, Roger Knox, Fred Leone, Joe Geia, Jungaji, Sachem, and local band Birren will perform, with Sean Choolburra as host.
Dance groups include Yulu Burri Ba, Nunukul Yuggera, Goodjinburra, Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi and the Wagga Torres Strait Islander Dance Company.
Queensland Music Festival (QMF) is a key partner in the event.
QMF chief executive Daryl Raven said the partnership would continue for three years.
"We're honoured to be partnering with QYAC to support the 2025 Quandamooka Festival," he said.
"This partnership reflects QMF's ongoing commitment to uplifting First Nations voices and working alongside communities across regional and remote Queensland to platform their stories, creativity, and leadership."
Tickets are free but registration is required.
The site is a short walk from the Dunwich ferry terminal, making the festival accessible to visitors from Magandjin (Brisbane).