Napranum artist Marsha Hall has been named the 2026 recipient of the Thancoupie Bursary Fund. Photo: Supplied.
A Napranum artist has been named the 2026 recipient of the celebrated Thancoupie Bursary Fund at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).
The honour recognises mum-of-eight Marsha Hall for her commitment to sharing Thanakwithi culture through her art.
Ms Hall only returned to artistic practice this year after dedicating years to raising her family.
Her abstract work has been inspired by the five clan groups of the Weipa region. Previously, animals from the western Cape were the main sources of iconography.
Ms Hall’s designs have been commissioned for metal wear, educational learning materials and costumes for dance ensembles.
The announcement was made on 9 July at CIAF’s annual Thancoupie Bursary Fund breakfast in the garden surrounds of the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal – home to Thancoupie’s monumental bronze sculpture The Lovers, The Sun and the Moon.
The annual bursary established in 2011 honours the legacy of cultural leader and language warrior Dr Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher AO, who is widely credited as the founder of the modern Indigenous ceramics movement in Australia.
Each year, $5000 is given to an emerging First Nations artist or arts collective from western Cape York Peninsula.
The bursary was Thancoupie’s final wish to support artists and arts workers from her region.
She encouraged them to pursue creative and professional development opportunities beyond their communities and to strengthen their cultural identity and pride.
TBF co-chair Paul Matthews said the event was a “deeply meaningful” opening to CIAF which united collectors, curators, family, friends and supporters in remembrance and renewal.
“Thancoupie’s vision was always one of empowerment – of creating pathways for young people to thrive culturally, creatively, and professionally,” he said.
Marsha Hall and one of her paintings, Langhi P’wa. Photo: Cape York Weekly/Chisa Hasegawa.
“The Bursary carries that vision forward each year and this gathering reminds us of her enduring impact.”
Past winners include Lockhart River artist Fiona Omeenyo in 2025, as well as Paul Bong, Natasha Davui, Zane Saunders, Vincent Babia and Pormpuraaw Arts.
The Thancoupie Bursary Fund had a booth in the CIAF Artisans Showcase at Tanks Arts Centre and visitors could place bids on exclusive works.
CIAF was held in Cairns (Gimuy) from Friday to Sunday. The annual event has grown since 2009 to become a significant national showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture, with global links.
