Now I have the privilege to help showcase the creative talents of artists from the same streets I walked as a school girl.

It’s the art exhibition that has everyone talking. Over 40 street artists from Port Moresby will be showcasing their contemporary artworks embracing a wide selection of art media.

Several of the artists will be in attendance during the exhibition to greet and share their talents, culture and life stories with visitors to the gallery.

The Royal Queensland Art Society is a not for profit organisation established in 1885 to be a broad church for all forms of art, hold exhibitions displaying a wide variety of styles, themes and media, provide networking opportunities and education for artists, support emerging artists, and encourage the appreciation of art.

As a community space, the commission on sales is 11% including GST to cover costs, while curator Don Wotton does not take any commission—leaving the majority of proceeds from sales to be sent back to the artists.

The opportunity to have their work shown in Brisbane and media promotion in their home town of Port Moresby respectively opens doors to a wider audience and encourages the art practice of these self-taught established and emerging artists.

A key feature of the exhibition will be a display of decorative tapa cloth from Oro Province, situated along the northern route of the infamous Kokoda Trail.

Learn the process of tapa cloth manufacture, and the cultural importance and significance of the tribal designs that adorn the cloth, from Rodrick Vana who will be presenting regular demonstrations during the course of the exhibition.

Come and be energised by the vibrancy and momentum captured in the paintings produced by Albert Ipu, Gima Segore, Gigs Wena, Peter Wena, Morgan Lavapo, Elisabet Kauage and Ambane Siune among others.