Art Workshops by Munganbana

Paint the Reef, Take Home the Story

Munganbana Norman Miller is a celebrated Indigenous artist and cultural guide with over 30 years of experience.

From his gallery at 33 Lake Street, Cairns, Munganbana offers authentic, hands-on cultural workshops that are "one-of-a-kind pieces of Cairns.

Whether you are looking for a high-impact corporate team-building session, a school cultural day, a memorable experience for international visitors, or a NAIDOC event for government staff or Indigenous organisations, Munganbana’s "can-do" attitude ensures an experience that exceeds expectations.

Norman with boomerang and students St Marys 19 1.JPG

Recent Workshops & Experience (2022–2026)

Corporate & Government Engagement

Department of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development (July 24): Led a NAIDOC Week cultural art workshop for government staff.
Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and staff from Department of Science, Environment and Innovation (July 24): Led a NAIDOC Week cultural art workshop.
Cairns Airport (July 25) & other corporates: NAIDOC Week cultural workshops for staff.
Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network (May 2024): Facilitated two days of intensive art workshops for forum participants.
Chemist Warehouse / Reef House Palm Cove (Sept 2023): Conducted a highly-rated team-building painting class for a corporate retreat of 21 people.
EY (Ernst & Young) Oceania Learning events (Oct 24): Immersive corporate painting experience for conference delegates.
Mortgage Choice National Conference (Aug 2023): Performed a "Live Painting Activation" over two days at the Cairns Convention Centre for 600 attendees, resulting in a finished piece auctioned for charity.

Education & Professional Development

Infuse Travel (Aug 2024): Mentored early childhood educators on how to accurately and sensitively teach First Nations culture to non-Indigenous children through art.
Japanese Student Exchange (Aug 2024): Facilitated a traditional boomerang painting workshop for international middle school students.
Youth Leadership: Collaborative workshops for the Cape York Leaders Program Next Steps Conference (Nov 24) painting on clapsticks and Trinity Bay High School (July 25 NAIDOC) art with African students.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s National Day (Aug 2022): Combined literacy and art through a reading of his art book followed by a cultural workshop. Location Boopa Werem Kindergarten and Preschool.
St Gerard Majella School (July 2022): Led a staff-bonding art session outdoors, focusing on team connection and cultural storytelling.

Tourism & Community

International Study or Leisure Tours (April 2025-April 2027: Monthly bookings for groups from Germany, Austria, and others. Meet the East Coast tours.
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Port Douglas (March – Oct 2024): Hosted monthly signature workshops for resort guests.
Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort (2022 – 2023): Ongoing series of popular school holiday workshops for families and children.
Act for Kids (May 2021): Delivered an Indigenous Cultural Arts Program for families in the Yarrabah community, focusing on healing and reconnection through art.

Signature Programs

Schools & Youth

Munganbana has worked extensively with schools including St Andrew’s Catholic College, Holy Cross, and various State Schools across Cairns and Innisfail.

Mural Design & Painting: Collaborative large-scale artworks for school grounds.
Traditional Shield Making: Teaching the craft and symbolism of rainforest shields.
Outdoor Learning: Experience in creating cultural teaching areas, including campfire storytelling and traditional food (bush fruits, damper and tea) sharing.

Reconciliation & Community Art

A hallmark of Munganbana’s work is the "Hands Up For Reconciliation" project. During Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC hands on a large canvas of Australia, creating a powerful visual declaration of unity.

Our Signature Workshops

Munganbana offers a range of hands-on cultural experiences tailored to your group’s needs:

Canvas Painting & Storytelling: Guided use of Aboriginal symbols and bold colors to create a personal masterpiece inspired by the Reef and Rainforest.

Boomerang or clapsticks painting: Get immersed in Aboriginal culture by painting iconic artefacts under the guidance of an experienced artist and culture bearer who brings out your unique creativity.

Traditional Shield Painting: Specialized workshops for schools and youth groups, focusing on the history, design, and cultural significance of rainforest shields.

Lino Cut Workshops: A detailed, hands-on printmaking experience available for any group booking, from beginners to advanced artists.· Live Painting Activations: Watch a large-scale artwork come to life during your conference or exhibition (as seen at the Cairns Convention Centre).

Venue & Logistics

Host Your Event at the Gallery

Our studio, the Munganbana Reef and Rainforest Aboriginal Art Gallery, provides a welcoming, "safe space" where creativity flows naturally.

Capacity: We can comfortably host up to 20 participants on-site.
Location: 33 Lake Street, Cairns.
Catering: Morning tea can be provided upon request to make your workshop a complete experience.
Mobile Workshops: Munganbana is fully mobile and available to travel to your school, workplace, resort, or conference venue across Far North Queensland.

Enquire for a Custom Quote

Every workshop is unique. Contact Munganbana today to discuss your specific needs, group size, and dates to receive a tailored quote.

To ensure a meaningful cultural and creative experience, we offer the following formats:

Standard Workshop: Minimum 1.5 hours (one-hour sessions are not available to ensure quality).
Intensive Programs: Half-day immersions for corporate or community groups.
Artist-in-Residence: Multi-day residencies for schools and organizations seeking deep cultural engagement.

What Participants Say

"I really enjoyed Mr Miller’s class... it was a nice way to wrap up my time in Australia, which I really fell in love with."

Annebelle Bork

Germany (The Cairns Post, 2026)

"Wow, our team building painting session was amazing. The storytelling component was the perfect approach... Munganbana’s flexibility and generosity were much appreciated."

Deonie Caruana

Chemist Warehouse

"I highly recommend an art class in the studio. It felt like we were invited into a safe space where we could transform our blank canvases into a story."

Erin

Workshop Participant