Arts & culture partnerships
Investing in our creative future.
The City is invested in nurturing our local artists and creative industries, encouraging new ideas and creative collaborations, engaging our community in world-class cultural experiences and building a vibrant and dynamic creative economy.
Funding is available through several grant programs to Gold Coast-based artists, arts organisations and creative practitioners working across all art forms and disciplines. Our arts and cultural grants support professional and emerging artists and industries to develop excellent contemporary practice, creative collaborations and sustainable outcomes.
In alignment with the Culture Strategy 2023 and the Music Action Plan 2021, the City has also established long-term partnerships with signature events and major initiatives.
Placemakers Gold Coast
Placemakers Gold Coast is committed to the growth and development of the cultural ecology on the Gold Coast. The Bleach* Festival is the city's flagship multi-arts festival providing arts and cultural experiences that challenge expectations, change perceptions and provide a unique and authentic celebration of place to inspire both locals and visitors. The Festival celebrates the city's best artists, welcomes renowned Australian and international collaborators and engages a broad audience through a range of events connecting art and community in the city.
BIGSOUND
Since 2016, the City has supported a dedicated Gold Coast showcase at Brisbane's BIGSOUND Festival. BIGSOUND is the largest annual music event of its type in Australia, attracting national and international music industry and artists to the festival and associated conference. The Gold Coast showcase has become a must-see BIGSOUND event, with featured local artists picking up major tour supports, label interest, festival slots and more.
Gold Coast Music Awards
The annual Gold Coast Music Awards shine a light on the depth and diversity of musical talent on the Gold Coast and celebrate our local artists' outstanding successes. The Awards are a premier cultural event for the Gold Coast, raising the profile of the city as a live music destination and a 'must watch' region for musical talent.