Arts & culture initiatives
The Culture Strategy 2023 brings an exciting refresh for the arts and culture across the city. The dynamic program of arts and cultural initiatives have been designed to support our arts and cultural community to innovate, surprise and thrive.
Arts and cultural development on the coast is progressive and ever-changing. We regularly re-evaluate our programs and priorities to reflect this vibrant and exciting time.
Public art
Our Public Art Plan will deliver a distinct vision for public art additions to our city to engage, excite and inspire our locals and visitors alike.
Music
City of Gold Coast has a long history of nurturing contemporary music talent through the delivery of the A-Venue Youth Music Initiative 2004-13 and the Soundcheck Contemporary Music program in 2014.
Performing arts
The City is dedicated to supporting the work and development of its local performing artists. Through accelerated sector development, key areas for support have been identified in circus, physical theatre and dance.
Urban art
The City has a vision for urban art that is vibrant, contemporary, world class and distinctly Gold Coast. We want to help the City, artists and private property owners connect and create innovative works to enhance the artistic calibre, diversity, community connection and beauty of our city.
Indigenous culture
The City has a strong commitment to valuing and elevating our indigenous culture. Since the Culture Strategy 2023 was adopted, we have established a permanent, part time Indigenous Arts and Culture Officer position.
Indigenous history and heritage
Early European settlement in the area now known as the Gold Coast displaced many Aborigines from their traditional country. Among the Aborigines that remained on the Gold Coast, several became well known to the European community and are recorded in historical documents.
Visual arts
There is a wealth of visual arts activity on the Gold Coast, underpinned by a strong pool of talented artists, artist-run initiatives and galleries. The City is currently working on initiatives in urban art and public art.
Festivals
With an outdoor lifestyle supported by an incredible climate, the Gold Coast is home to many festivals.
Bleach* Festival has been identified by the accelerated sector development goals of the Culture Strategy and is currently being supported by the City.
For more information about upcoming festivals on the Gold Coast, please visit the We Are Gold Coast what's on calendar.
HOTA Project
A striking new cultural destination is planned for Australia’s Gold Coast. To be delivered on a 16.9-hectare site, within walking distance of Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct will be a heart for arts, culture and creative enterprise.
Indigenous History and Heritage image: Aboriginal peoples in the Hinterlands of the Gold Coast region, Queensland, circa 1891 [picture] / William Stark, photographer.
L-R: Polly holding Molly Boyd, Jimmy Boyd, Kipper Tommy and Coomera Bob. Location may possibly be near the Albert River or Nerang River.
Image courtesy of the City of Gold Coast Local Studies with kind permission of State Library of Queensland.