A total of fifteen new arts and cultural projects will share in $1.5 million in funding through the recently launched Experience Gold Coast (EGC) Arts Fund.
The new works across all artforms will be showcased at EGC’s signature festivals and events including Wonder, BLEACH*, Cooly Rocks On, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Kids Take Over at HOTA and HOTA Outdoor Stage.
In its inaugural year, the EGC Arts Fund received overwhelming interest with a significant volume of applicants at a very high standard.
Experience Gold Coast’s Head of Arts and Culture Yarmila Alfonzetti said the fund was
highly competitive.
“We were blown away by the number and calibre of the artists and projects who expressed an interest in our first round of arts grants, showcasing the breadth of ourGold Coast artists and their creative capacity across all artforms,” Ms Alfonzetti said.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support local creative talent in such a significant way by investing in artists, performing arts companies, and creative personnel to deliver high profile and reputation-raising outcomes.”
Among those who received a grant was local rock band, Selve.
The band’s frontman First Nations artist Loki Liddle said receiving the EGC Arts Fund was a total game-changer for Selve.
“It means that we get the opportunity to share something we have been working very hard on in a spectacular and groundbreaking way, while teaming up with some amazing partners and collaborators to do so. This will be our biggest and most exciting project to date, and as a First Nations artist based on the Gold Coast, I am honoured to have this opportunity to share my story on such a grand scale.” – Loki Liddle – Selve
Gold Coast performing arts company, Goldy’s was also a recipient. Producer Nerida Groth said the EGC Arts Fund was a huge boost for Goldy’s.
"It means we can take our signature community events to the next level—bigger stage, bigger crowds, and even bigger vibes. We’ll be calling home some of the Gold Coast’s biggest names to perform alongside the fierce local talent we have here. It’s all about shining a spotlight on our artists and giving them the world-class platform they deserve.” – Nerida Groth – Goldy’s
Recipients of the EGC Arts Fund Program – 2024-25 include:
• Gold Coast Music Network | Wonder
• IKONIX | Wonder
• Lann Levinge | Wonder
• The Big Kids Production – Goldy’s | Wonder
• Fibra Entertainment | Wonder
• SELVE | BLEACH* Festival 2025
• Melissa Spratt & Tal Fitzpatrick | BLEACH* Festival
• Merinda Davies | BLEACH* Festival
• Wright Music School | BLEACH* Festival
• Barry Poulter, RW Promotion | Kids Take Over
• Art For Earthlings | Kids Take Over
• Elite Media | Kids Take Over
• Michael McCartney | Groundwater Music Festival
• Joel Archard - Deathwish Hotrods | Cooly Rocks On
• Film Fantastic - Gold Coast Film Festival | HOTA Presents
The EGC Arts Fund is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Gold Coast.
ENDS
CONTACT
Kesha West | 0432 862 727 | kesha.west@experiencegoldcoast.com
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.