It’s almost time for the history buffs and sticky beaks among us to revel in the secrets of the Coast’s most historic and (usually) close to the public buildings. That’s right, Gold Coast Open House is upon us once again.
Many people, locals and visitors alike, believe the Coast town is made up of weathered shacks and glass high rises but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of our beautiful buildings date back to the late 1800’s and this is your chance to check them out!
Here’s six must-sees at this years Gold Coast Open House.
1. Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
The brand new multi-purpose facility is made up of two sporting halls connected by a beautifully appointed pedestrian walkway. Created for the Commonwealth Games, the world-class centre will host badminton, weightlifting and wrestling competitions while doubling as a training centre for athletes. Don’t miss this one, the architecture is stunning.
2. KDV Golf & Tennis Academy
Take a self-guided tour through this modern, state of the art sporting complex. The Academy provides high quality golf and tennis coaching in an elite facility using the latest technology for improved performance. It’s a fascinating set up and one you’ll definitely want to check out.
3. Hill Avenue Residence
Located on a scarily steep site with street access from both the top and bottom, this unbelievable home is an absolute must-see. The design focuses on views to the ocean and distant city skyline on each level and the architecture is both beautiful and awe-inducing. You’ll want to move in asap – race ya.
4. Hinze Dam
The Hinze Dam is your local drinking water supply station and seeing it in the flesh is pretty spectacular. It is an un-gated dam, meaning that when it reaches 100 per cent capacity, water flows over the spillway and safely out of the dam, something everyone should witness at some point in their Coast-dwelling lives.
5. Art Deco Tour
Join a guided tour and learn more about the Art Deco buildings of Southport’s CBD. Admire the architecture, learn about our local history and be introduced to some of the buildings that line Scarborough and Nerang Streets. Often buildings such as these beauties are overlooked but we truly do have some stunning buildings in our midst.
6. Gold Coast Desalination Plant
Not sure about you, but this big guy was somewhat of a hidden Gold Coast gem before today. Found not too far from the beach in Tugun, the plant supplies water to the South East Queensland region and, unsurprisingly, it is huge. Definitely worth a look and you might learn a thing or two aswell.
There you have it, this is an event for both the inquisitive and architecturally inspired, or those simply interested in learning about the Gold Coast’s unique history.
Words by Kirra Smith
The Gold Coast’s local art scene has blossomed exponentially in the last few years. Galleries, installations and murals have popped up all over the Coast and local artists are making themselves known both here and on the national scene.
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day on the Gold Coast, we’ve got just the answer. Here’s a list of local galleries to help you get your art fix.
Wayne Sorrenson Gallery
World-renowned landscape photographer Wayne Sorrenson opened his very own gallery in Miami in 2020 so we, the lucky Gold Coasters get to peruse his breathtaking art anytime we like. Within the gallery, there’s a huge selection of framed artwork to purchase, as well as a range of gift ideas including acrylic blocks, greeting cards and calendars to name a few. It’s all absolutely magical and a lovely stand-in for the international travel we aren’t allowed to do right now.
Where: 40 Lemana Lane, Miami
Anthea Polson Art
Anthea Polson Art specialises in contemporary emerging Australian art and sculpture, including investment works. A regular exhibition programme showcases the work of emerging and established contemporary artists.
Where: 29 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Maverick Hair & Art Space
Maverick is a small gallery hosting community art exhibitions and events throughout the year. Headed up by artist Byron Coathup and partner Hayley, the space (also boasting a hair studio) caters for art and design lovers and offers beautiful gifts for purchase from both near and far. Don’t be afraid to head up the stairs and check out the gallery.
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
The Hive Burleigh Heads
The newest of the bunch, The HIVE was opened very recently by Jo Ellings, a Gold Coast artist who has been creating stunning works for over 30 years and is now sharing that talent with the likes of us. Within the gallery you’ll find an array of stunning works to take home with you or, if you’d like to stay awhile why not grab a ticket to one of their workshops and become an artist yourself. There’s also a regular meetup and music night if you want to meet some like-minded folks.
Where: 5/3 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Level Up studio + gallery
The space is designed to provide access to art experiences for young people and adults within the local community and beyond, through public programs hosting a range of creative activations, such as art workshops, artist talks, school holiday workshops, networking events and an exciting monthly exhibitions program. Emerging artists can apply for space and we can all pop in there to check out the magic. So good.
Where: 72-82 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
The Walls Art Space Miami
The Walls is an interactive space that began in 2012 aiming to serve as a hub of creative practice, critical dialogue and innovative thinking around contemporary art. Their annual program focus is to curate monthly exhibitions in conjunction with their successful local artist in residence program.
Where: 4/18 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
AW Space
Created by the good people at ArtWork Agency, AW Space is a pretty art gallery slash workshop slash event space showcasing the work of a team of folks whose names you’ve no doubt heard uttered once or twice. They are Claudio Kirac and his equally impressive partners in crime Paul Bow and Laura Strange. All talented within their own rights, the team have combined their forces to create a stunning space filled with beautiful works. Do yourself a favour and get in there.
Where: 2/53-55 Cronulla Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Café dbar
Stop in for a delicious brunch overlooking the ocean and take in the collection of local art and handmade goodies next door while you’re there! The space combines works by local artists with a new store filled with locally made homewares, clothing and creative pieces.
Where: 275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
19Karen Contemporary Artspace
A stunning space filled with bold new art (and all for purchase!) by emerging, mid-career and established Australian and International artists. Exhibitions curated by Terri Lew rotate regularly, ranging in style and genre from pop culture, surrealism, realism, street art, abstraction and to the still undefined.
Where: 19 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
HOTA
The Gold Coast’s premier cultural precinct, HOTA (Home of The Arts) has been showcasing visual and performing arts since 1986. With an array of exhibitions, cinemas and dining/bar facilities, there’s something for everyone throughout the entire year. In 2021, we’ll see the precinct increase in size with an incredible new six-level Gallery that’s due to open with world-class exhibitions (including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and more) plus a showcase of incredible local artists.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Dust Temple
A refurbished warehouse (a piece of art itself) in the heart of Currumbin Waters, Dust Temple and its creative space Hinge Gallery hosts local, national and international artists, musicians and poets. There’s also a fantastic café / coffee shop, so stay awhile and soak up the creative scene.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
