CAIRNS.- A six-week ceramics residency with Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct has culminated in a series of newly developed works by emerging artist Sofii Belling Harding, marking her debut at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2026 next month.

Supported through Creative Australia's Young People: First Nations Arts & Culture Project Fund, the Melbourne-based artist spent the month of May immersed in the vibrant creative environment of Yarrabah Arts Centre, where she was mentored by Aunty Michelle Yeatman while working alongside Aunty Philomena Yeatman and Aunty Edna Ambrym.

The residency formed part of Ms Belling Harding's Creative Australia-supported project, maya (Curing of Sickness, Yorta Yorta), which enabled her to advance the practical, technical and artistic skills required to continue developing her ceramics practice while learning directly from respected Yarrabah artists and cultural mentors.

Working closely with Aunty Michelle Yeatman, Sofii explored ceramic techniques, cultural storytelling, and creative processes, creating works that reflect both her personal artistic journey and the knowledge she gained during her time in the community.

Sofii described her time with the award-winning ceramicists and respected Elders as a life-changing experience, made even more special by sharing it with her two-year-old daughter, Dunguludja.

"Due to the absence of a First Peoples art centre in Melbourne, as well as First Peoples ceramic mentorship opportunities, pursuing my creative passion has been very difficult and oftentimes disheartening," she said.

"The residency provided an intensive period of learning and experimentation in ceramics under the guidance of internationally recognised and celebrated Master Potters who have been practising since the 1970s.

"The feeling of being free to exist, connect and create in the presence of other Blackfullas is something I constantly yearn for, and it is also my cultural birthright. When this need was met and nurtured, the difference in my spirit was immeasurable.

"The relationship I formed with Aunty Michelle is one I will cherish and always be thankful for. She supported me with a grounding sense of love and encouragement while we laughed the days away and bonded over music. She reminds me of the women in my family."

Sofii also acknowledged the late Simone Arnol, former Art Centre Manager of Yarrabah Arts Centre, whose support helped make the residency possible.

"I am eternally grateful for the support of Simone and feel deeply honoured that she afforded me the opportunity to pursue my peace and keep on dreaming," she said.

Sofii belongs to the Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri, KuKu, South Sea and Meriam peoples and has lived on Kulin Country all her life. She is a qualified youth worker, multidisciplinary artist, community arts worker, writer, producer and radio host. Most recently, she has been involved in establishing and delivering the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair in partnership with the Melbourne Art Foundation.

Yarrabah Arts Centre artists and mentors, Aunty Michelle Yeatman, Aunty Philomena Yeatman and Aunty Edna Ambrym, said supporting emerging First Nations artists was an important part of sustaining culture and creative practice.

"Passing on knowledge through making is an important part of who we are. It was wonderful to share our skills and creative space with Sofii and see her confidence and ideas grow throughout the residency," they said.

CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn said Sofii's participation highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation of First Nations artists.

"Programs such as Creative Australia's Young People: First Nations Arts & Culture Project Fund create meaningful opportunities for emerging artists to learn from established practitioners, strengthen their cultural connections and develop sustainable creative careers," Mr Ropeyarn said.

"We are delighted that audiences attending CIAF 2026 will have the opportunity to see the outcome of Sofii's residency and celebrate the importance of mentorship, artistic exchange and creative development," he said.

Creative Australia's Young People: First Nations Arts & Culture Project Fund supports First Nations young people and organisations in undertaking arts and cultural projects that strengthen skills, cultural knowledge, creative practice, and career development.

CIAF 2026 will be held from 9–12 July at the Tanks Arts Centre precinct in Gimuy/Cairns, bringing together Queensland's leading First Nations artists, performers, cultural practitioners and communities.