CATAPULT, an initiative of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, is a professional development and exhibition showcase program for First Nations artists. It is designed to create critical pathways for independent artists who do not have formal gallery representation or affiliations with an Art Centre. The program fosters artistic growth, cultural preservation, and community engagement, offering participants the opportunity to exhibit within an Art Fair context, expand their practice, and access mentorship and tailored experiences that align with their artistic interests. CATAPULT provides financial, mentoring, and industry support, helping artists advance both creatively and economically while connecting them with the broader Queensland First Nations arts sector. This enhances the experience not only for the artists but also for visitors, curators, and collectors at CIAF. This project is the result of a two-week residency at NorthSite Print Studios in Gimuy/Cairns, where Matilda Nona worked under the mentorship of master printer Dian Darmansjah. Through this residency, she developed a unique ink-making process using mango juice, ochre, and charcoal from her Torres Strait homelands, bringing her cultural narratives to life through printmaking. Her participation in CATAPULT has provided the foundation for her continued artistic growth and independent exhibition at CIAF and beyond. The CATAPULT program is generously supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) and proudly sponsored by Phish Creative, who provided videography support for this project. NorthSite Contemporary Arts has also been a valued presentation partner, providing essential support and space for the residency, further enriching the program’s impact.