Southern Gold Coast
This site requires Flash Player installed. Please download Please download the latest Flash Player.
of lifestyle that's
second to none
and envied the
world over southern Gold Coast
offers a wealth
of opportunity...
more »
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture on the Southern Gold Coast is constantly expanding and growing.
With major festivals and events like Swell Sculpture Festival, In the Bin Short Film Festival, Cooly Rocks On and Kirra Kite & Multicultural Festival leading the charge in bringing visitors and locals together to celebrate the arts and different cultures.
We have quite a few different art galleries and cafe's that feature amazing artists such as Way of Design, Kallalu, Shelena Russell, Atlantis Rising, Slide Cafe and Cafe d'bar.
While 'culture' can mean many things, ultimately it is the way that a group does things. The culture of the Southern Gold Coast can be described many ways, though 'laid-back' is certainly a commonly used term to convey the way of life in our region.
One of the outstanding features of our region is the surf and the culture that accompanies it. One aspect of this culture that relates particularly to the arts is the many artistic and surfing photographers. With some of the most picturesque beaches and world class point breaks, it's no wonder that the Southern Gold Coast is a favourite location for many photographers, compounded by the fact that many of the best surfers in Australia frequent the area, unwittingly acting as muses for the creation of fabulous work.
Sean Scott may be one of the most renowned photographers in our region and is the creator of Slide Cafe. This cafe is also an amazing gallery that showcases Sean's career and his artistic flair. Sean's images capture the natural beauty of the environment in beautiful fashion.
Other photographers such as Mal Sutherland showcase the history of surfing from the late 50's and early 60's to the present day. You can see some of Mal's work by visiting Surf World Gold Coast in Currumbin.
Komune Beach Club and Resort in the Greenmount precinct of Coolangatta is a unique accommodation provider in our region and is a major advocate for arts and culture. Just take a look at the amazing artwork that lines the stairwells in this resort and you will get an idea of how passionate they are about culture. Komune have also launched the Komune Art Project, featuring artists of all walks. The project donates to important charities, via funds raised by the sale of artworks to highly respected organisations such as SurfAid, Surfers for Cetaceans and Surf Life for the benefit of humanity, animal cruelty and the environment.
Tugun Theatre Company have four fantastic productions billed for 2011! Check out the details and dates here. Why not enjoy a meal before the show starts at one of the fantastic restaurants in the region!
Take One Leave One (TOLO) is a new initiative born from a well known advocate for cultural growth on the Gold Coast, Rossco Paddison. The idea is to have a TOLO station in at least one cafe per suburb where people can take a book and leave a book. This idea is receiving a groundswell of support and is due to launch early March 2010 with the first cafe station to be unveiled in Coolangatta. If you wish to donate books or bookshelves to this initiative, go to their Facebook page to get in contact!
Music is an integral component in the culture of any region. Southern Cross University have partnered with us here at Connecting Southern Gold Coast to develop a SGC Live Music Hub. More info will come as the project takes shape, however we are excited about the concept and the opportunities it will provide for the many aspiring musicians in and around our region, that will have the opportunity to team up with experienced musicians and play in local cafes and restaurants around the region. If you are a lover of music and enjoy finding new talent, stay tuned for more over the coming months!
Markets are a fantastic place to find gifts, home wares and other delights that are unique and one of a kind. Coolanagtta Arts & Craft Markets run on the second Sunday of the month on the beachfront in Coolangatta. Find a special gift for a loved one, wander the many unique and hand-made wares and enjoy the surrounds of Coolangatta Beach! Currumbin Valley also holds a market on the last Sunday of the month. There's a great mixture of arts & crafts, fresh produce, bric-a-brac and live music! The kids will love the Farmyard Friends Animal feeding time, all in a magnificent setting, what a great way to enjoy a Sunday!
