Tara Hogan

She’s the local gal who took the Gold Coast’s art and culture scene by storm with the launch of ArTHaus, a warehouse space hosting events, markets and live gigs.

But that’s not all Tara Hogan is passionate about. She’s also a sustainability advocate and creative ideas machine.

We sat down for a chat with Tara about nurturing local talent and this weekend’s art and music showcase.

What do you love most about being a Gold Coast local?
I’ve lived here for three years and I love that we are surrounded by some of the most AMAZING coastline and rainforest.

Tell us about ArTHaus Projects…
ArTHaus is just that, an Art Haus. Built on second hand and recycled timber and furniture, it gives you a big hug when you walk in. It’s a space where you can create, watch, listen and learn. Everyone who passes through will teach you something you won’t find in books. I believe society has lost it’s ability to communicate on a real life level and through my events I hope strangers become friends. While you are watching a rad band or witnessing your best mates get married, you look around and realise you are in an old mechanics tyre shed and the only limit is your own imagination.

How did the idea come about?
It was an accident really. ArTHaus Projects was always my environmentally eco conscious building/projects business (I am a construction estimator by day) and I have now turned it into a physical space where the ethos is to reduce, reuse and recycle. I literally met a chick out in the surf and now have a warehouse…it’s nuts!

What was the path you took to get here?
Well I signed a lease, brought a van and basically loaded her up (my van is named Van_Ellla) with any old timber, furniture and lights I could and just went for it. To be honest I didn’t really know what I was doing, I just knew I had to keep doing it. I think alot of people watching me were confused as I didn’t have a business plan or a path but I did have a lease to a warehouse and a desire to make something really special for people to enjoy and learn from.

What do you think of the Gold Coast’s art and culture scene?
It’s young and everyone is really keen to make things happen. We have some super talented musicians and artists in our city and I feel very privileged to have a space where I get to meet them and showcase their talents.

Tell us about what you’ve got on this weekend…
I have two events happening this weekend. Friday is The AMA Project Launch and Saturday is Co-Lab Vol.1. The AMA Project Launch is a girls to the front event celebrating all things ocean, girl and the power we have to make a difference. It is a plastic free event with some really amazing female powerhouses on the bill.

Co-Lab Vol.1 is the first in a series of collaborative events showcasing artists and musicians from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The night will be packed with art stalls, markets and live entertainment and it’s a co-hosted with Jewellery by Evanthea. 

What’s the plan for the rest of 2018?
2018 is super busy and half the year is already booked! My main goal is to focus more on the waste management implication at my space. The more events I host, the more I learn. It’s pretty exciting. Also anyone with a co-lab idea hit me up too. I LOVE a good co-lab situation. Check my Instagram and Facebook regularly too as there are always new events being added!

What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
You sleep when you’re dead.

Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Beach: Rainbow
Cafe: The Pocket
Restaurant: Gemelli – That pizza base!
How does your weekend usually look: When I’m not running events, I am at the beach patting other people’s dogs or on an adventure in my van.