13 August 2026
ART WRITE NOW: CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS
Facilitated by award-winning writer Christine Betts, this series of creative writing workshops involves spending time in the Gallery and responding to exhibitions and works of art through a range of guided writing exercises. Take part in thought-provoking discussion in a safe space to fuel your creative writing dreams and get your words onto the page.
Where: The Studio, HOTA Gallery – Write This Moment
When: Sat 22 August
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
As part of this workshop, we will visit the exhibition This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art, before undertaking a series of responsive guided writing exercises.
For writers at every level of experience and genre. Beginners welcome.
STORYTIME WITH AKA SORBIE!
Join us in our Children's Gallery exhibition Aka Sorbie: Saltwater Heart for a special story time reading with artist Lisa Sorbie Martin. Known to family as Aka (grandmother), Lisa will read from a series of hand-picked First Nations stories including her book Aka Sorbie and the Sardines, which was specially created for the exhibition. The story shares knowledge about Torres Strait fishing practices and food sources related to the ocean environment where Lisa grew up.
Children with accompanying adults are invited to hear about prupa ilan pasin – the Torres Strait values teaching love, respect and care for family, community and the environment, woven into this immersive and interactive exhibition.
Where: Children's Gallery, HOTA
When: Saturday 15 August
Time: 10:30am - 11am
SUNROOM – BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
The Sunroom program provides a safe creative space for artmaking, creative play and exploration for adults with a disability.
This month, we will visit the UNLEASHED+ exhibition to explore the best of Queensland craft and design!
We will consider the varying surfaces and haphazard, repeated shapes crafted by jeweller Gabi Harris. Returning to the Studio, we’ll experiment with pliable aluminium to bend, shape and create our own wearable art or hanging pieces.
No prior art making experience is necessary, only a willingness to engage your imagination, curiosity and sense of play.
Where: The Studio, HOTA Gallery
When: Wednesday 26 August
Time: 10am - 12pm
GET INVOLVED! JOIN THE BEACON FESTIVAL CHOIR
A bright and bold BEACON of belonging, this epic large-scale art installation becomes a landmark for joy across the 11 days of BLEACH Festival 2026.
Throughout the festival, the BEACON Festival Choir sends out a siren of song before neon lights transform the artwork into a glowing nighttime festival hub. Led by Choral Director Alex Van den Broek, singers from across the Gold Coast are invited to perform on one of our biggest festival stages, as part of this spectacular art installation.
Free to join, with no auditions and all ages and abilities welcome, why not give something new a try!
HOTA WINS EVENTS CATERER OF THE YEAR
The 2026 Restaurant & Catering Awards delivered a huge night for HOTA, with our Functions and Events team taking home two prestigious titles across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
- Events Caterer- QLD & NT
- Caterer of the Year- QLD & NT
Two awards and one very clear message: behind every event is a team obsessed with details, passionate about incredible food, and committed to creating unforgettable experiences.
Your event deserves and award-winning caterer, book your next event at HOTA.
VIEW THE 30 JULY 2026 ARTS & CULTURE UPDATE
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.