The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) is an annual celebration of arts, culture, inclusion, and community. With world-class programming each year, NAFA not only enriches the local community but also strengthens Townsville’s standing as a destination for artistic excellence.

Celebrating Arts, Culture and Community in North Queensland

NAFA celebrates the heart and soul of North Queensland by bringing communities together through brave, inclusive, and innovative artistic experiences. It is a festival that amplifies diverse voices, nurtures artists and creativity, and inspires deep connection – showcasing the best of regional Queensland to the world.

What NAFA Is - At a Glance

Annual arts, culture and community festival since 2019
60,000+ visitors per year
400+ performances and experiences
Supports local, emerging and First Nations talent
Contributing more than $37.2M to the local economy

Our Story

Our story is one of bold ideas, community pride and steady growth.
What began as a spark during the 2018 Commonwealth Games has grown into one of North Queensland’s most significant cultural events.

2018 - The Spark

A bold idea takes shape.

In 2018, Townsville experienced the transformative power of large-scale arts and cultural activation during the Commonwealth Games. The energy, participation and community pride sparked a bold question: what if this kind of creative momentum didn’t end when the Games did?

2019 - NAFA is Born

A festival for the north.

The inaugural North Australian Festival of Arts launched in 2019 with a clear purpose — to celebrate arts, culture and community in the tropics, while creating opportunities for local and visiting artists. From the outset, NAFA was designed to be accessible, welcoming and deeply connected to place.

2020 - 2023 - Growth, Resilience & Community

Growing through challenge.

Over the following years, NAFA evolved in scale and ambition. The festival adapted through changing conditions, expanded its footprint across Townsville, and deepened relationships with artists, Traditional Owners, community groups and partners proving the festival’s resilience and relevance.

2024 - A Defining Year

Impact at scale.

By 2024, NAFA had firmly established itself as a signature event for Townsville and North Queensland. The festival welcomed hundreds of thousands of audience members, supported thousands of artists, and delivered significant economic and social impact for the region.

2025 - A New Chapter

Transitioning to independence.

In 2025, NAFA entered a new era, transitioning from delivery by Townsville City Council to an independent organisation under Northern Arts. This shift marked an important step in the festival’s maturity enabling greater agility, stronger partnerships and long-term sustainability.

Looking Ahead - The Future of NAFA

Building the future of arts in the north.

Today, NAFA continues to grow as a platform for creative excellence, cultural connection and community pride. Under Northern Arts, the festival is focused on long-term impact — nurturing artists, amplifying First Nations voices, and delivering unforgettable experiences that reflect the spirit of North Queensland.

Impact & Achievements

NAFA has earned many prestigious awards including:

2025: Winner – People’s Choice Award for Major Festivals and Events at the NQ Tourism & Events Awards
2025: Winner – Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event (State), Australian Event Awards
2025: Winner – Best Community Event (National), Australian Event Awards
2025: National Nominee – Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
2023: Winner – Excellence in Accessible Tourism, North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards
2023: Winner – Best Queensland Cultural, Arts or Music Event, Australian Event Awards
2022: Winner – Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
2022: Runner Up – Best Major Event, North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards
2022: Finalist – Australian Event of the Year, Australian Event Awards
2022: Finalist – Best Cultural, Arts or Music Festival, Australian Event Awards
2022: Finalist – Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
2020: Winner – Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
2019: Winner – Best Community Event, Australian Event Awards
2019: Finalist – Event of the Year, Australian Event Awards
2019: Finalist – Best New Event, Australian Event Awards
2019: Finalist – Best Cultural, Arts or Music Festival, Australian Event Awards
2019: Finalist – Australian Event of the Year, Australian Event Awards

Strategic Plan

Our Mission: NAFA celebrates the heart and soul of North Queensland by bringing communities together through brave, inclusive, and innovative artistic experiences. It is a festival that amplifies diverse voices, nurtures artists and creativity, and inspires deep connection – showcasing the best of regional Queensland to the world.

Our Vision: The arts are our tide, rising to connect, strengthen, and transform our lands.

Our Values:

BRAVERY: approach every aspect of the festival with courage, love and an open heart.
JUSTICE: create equitable, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for all.
ENTANGLEMENT: foster contagious positive energy and a sense of inter-connection between people, art, and place.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: ensure all contributors feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
PRIDE: glow with evangelical pride about who we are and where we are, including the necessary truth telling.

NAFA has implemented its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan outlining our organisation’s vision, mission, guiding principles, values and strategic goals for the next 3 years. The Strategic Plan is a roadmap to growing the festival year-on-year to showcase the best of regional Queensland to the world.

About NAFA