8 WAYS TO TAP INTO THE COAST’S CULTURAL WAVE

1.      ATTEND CULTURAL EVENTS

Arty people love to include you in arty things so they created arty festivals that make it super easy for you to access all the arts. The Gold Coast’s premiere arts and culture festival Bleach* is back in April for an incredible line up of free and easily accessible arty goodness. We’re talking headlining musicians, inspiring dance, thought provoking theatre and insane installations.

2.      TO MARKET TO MARKET

Meet the creatives behind the unique wares found only at community inspired markets. More often than not, creators are super keen to discuss the origins of their designs providing you with not only a unique gift, but an even greater story to go with it. Head to NightQuarter and Miami Marketta for good times after dark; or The Village Markets, Carrara Markets and the many beachfront and creative markets for treasures in the sun.

3.      GALLERIES GALORE

Beautiful works carefully selected and hung with care. For your viewing pleasure, here’s a list of them dotted throughout the Coast.

4.      HOME BASE

Home of the Arts Gold Coast or HOTA, is precisely that. Recently renovated and now boasting a huge outdoor stage, HOTA has recently been crowned the new Cultural Precinct. See live theatre, inspiring films and curated galleries or engage in workshops and community events all in one place. Did we mention there are planned days for specifically Dancing on the Green?

5.      CREATIVE SPACES

What better way to get your culture fix than to be immersed in the spaces that nurture our coastal culture? Doubling as community workspaces, head to these sanctuaries for like-minded folk and you may just witness the next big thing in the making.

• Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
• The Dust Temple
• Burleigh Common
• Co-Spaces
• Spikexx Espresso

6.      LEARN SOMETHING NEW

If you’re new to the arts and culture scene or would just like a little hand holding in a new city, book in for a class or tour at The Craft Parlour, Brush and Barrel or Jellurgal Culture Centre. You’ll learn something new and gain a sense of accomplishment from not only creating something but for just plain living in the moment.

7.      NIGHT AT THE THEATRE

If you’re after a big ticket show head to The Star Gold Coast or the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Headline acts frequent these internationally acclaimed entertainment venues consistently, in the heart of Broadbeach. Home to the world’s only opera performed on the beach, Opera Australia along with a full symphony orchestra presents Opera On The Beach on the soft sands at Coolangatta. Check the dates for this one, it’s an experience you’re not going to want to miss.  If you’re keen to dig a little deeper, you’ll find many budding actors starting out in amateur theatre, and the Gold Coast is certainly not short of talent in this field. Often allowing patrons to grab tickets on the night, check out Gold Coast Theatre Alliance for listings of all shows at The Village Theatre, Sanctuary Cove; Gold Coast Little Theatre, Southport; Spotlight Theatre, Benowa and Javeenbah Theatre, Nerang among others.

8. FLICK IT ON

Did someone say “lights, camera, action?” Film buffs, get your popcorn ready because the Gold Coast does not disappoint in the ‘Hollywood’ stakes. The Gold Coast Film Festival lights up our shores every April screening feature films, SIPfest shorts and industry panels. You could even spot a celeb at one of many filmmaker Q&A sessions.

If that’s not enough to convince you of the Coast’s film industry caliber, check out Village Roadshow Studios for a long list of movies made just 25 minutes north of Surfers Paradise.