Press Release: Shayher Group and Flying Arts announce three-year partnership

24 August 2026

Flying Arts and Shayher Group have announced a new three-year partnership from 2026-2029, strengthening support for regional artists and the Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAA).

Shayher Group joins Flying Arts as a Partner of Flying Arts and an Award Partner of the Queensland Regional Art Awards, extending its support for Queensland’s arts sector alongside existing partnerships with Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Opera Queensland.

Sales and Leasing Manager of Shayher Group, Craig Hinkins, said the partnership reflected Shayher Group’s commitment to supporting the arts and Queensland communities.

“Shayher Group is passionate about the role the arts play in connecting people and communities. We are delighted to partner with Flying Arts and support the Queensland Regional Art Awards, creating meaningful opportunities for regional artists and bringing their work to communities across Queensland. We look forward to working with Flying Arts over the next three years and building strong relationships through the arts.”

CEO of Flying Arts, Toni Palmer, said the partnership was an important opportunity to build long-term relationships and create greater access to the arts across regional Queensland.

“We are honoured and thrilled to be working with Shayher Group. Their support and confidence in Flying Arts will help strengthen connections between artists, communities and audiences, creating more opportunities to experience and engage with the arts across Queensland.”

The Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAA), established in 2011, celebrates the creativity of regional, rural and remote artists. The QRAA offers Australia’s largest regional art awards prize pool, with opportunities including cash prizes, solo exhibitions, residencies and professional development opportunities.

Last year’s overall winner, Alison McDonald, said the award had created a significant opportunity for her artistic practice.

“This award was a huge change in my life. I did something I wanted to do for a long time – a workshop series in Phoenix, USA with Metalsmith artist David Huang.”

The 2026 winners will be announced by the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts, at the Gala, Thursday 26 November 2026, 5:30pm–7:30pm.

The Gala will be hosted by Shayher Group in their landmark office tower, 300 George Street, Brisbane. The 2026 finalists and winners will be exhibited throughout November and December 2026 – open to the public.

ABOUT FLYING ARTS

Flying Arts is one of Queensland’s leading arts organisations, connecting regional, rural and remote communities through the visual arts for more than 55 years. Founded in 1971 by celebrated artist and aviator Mervyn Moriarty OAM, Flying Arts was born from Mervyn’s vision to bring art to every corner of Queensland. After winning an art prize, Mervyn used the prize money to learn to fly, enabling him to take art classes to some of the state’s most remote communities. That pioneering spirit continues to inspire Flying Arts today as it delivers transformative arts experiences, professional development and education that connects Queenslanders through the arts.

Flying Arts is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Flying Arts is honoured to acknowledge the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM as our Patron. We also acknowledge Mr Tim Fairfax AC and Mrs Gina Fairfax AC as our Cultural Patrons.

ABOUT SHAYHER GROUP

Shayher Group is a diversified Australian property group, established in 1999 and headquartered in Brisbane. Its portfolio spans Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, with a focus on property development, investment and asset ownership across a diverse range of sectors.

Shayher Group is focused on creating places that foster connection, community and long-term value. Its work is guided by a commitment to quality, commercial strength and enduring outcomes for its partners, residents, tenants and communities.

Looking to the future, Shayher Group remains committed to creating places of lasting quality and value, delivered with integrity, care and pride.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

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0479 007 268

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