26 February 2026
NEW EXHIBITION LANDS AT HOTA - THIS MOMENT: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WHITE RABBIT COLLECTION OF CHINESE CONTEMPORARY ART
This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art is a demonstration of art’s power to document change, challenge perception and connect across cultures.
Capturing the energetic spirit of 21st-century China, this extraordinary exhibition features bold, experimental artworks produced over the last 25 years that reclaim history, interrogate authority and reflect profound social change. Fearlessly engaging with complex global themes and China’s tumultuous history, the artists featured in This Moment challenge prevailing perceptions of modern China.
From mesmerising light installations to powerful video art and large-scale sculpture, the experiential artworks in This Moment command attention with sheer scale and striking visual intensity, leaving their mark on your psyche and your social feed. Founded by philanthropist Judith Neilson in 2009, Sydney's White Rabbit Gallery showcases one of the world’s most significant private collections of Chinese contemporary art.
RSRV CHAMPAGNE MASTERCLASS WITH ANDREA
Explore the rich history of the House of Mumm's 218 hectares of emblematic vineyard and the deeply rooted traditions of how the champagnes are made and the attention to detail in all their expressions.
This masterclass is a sensory tasting experience highlighting terroir through texture and touch, using fabrics to mirror wine textures, enhancing tactile and taste sensations. Paired with incredible Southeast Queensland produce prepared by the Palette kitchen, this is a world-renowned experience that’s not to be missed.
2026 HOTA EDUCATION PROGRAM | SEMESTER 1 HIGHLIGHTS
HOTA’s 2026 Education Program launches with an exciting Semester 1 offering for secondary schools, featuring a curated program of performances, workshops, festivals, and professional learning experiences designed to inspire both teachers and students.
Secondary students can look forward to powerful new theatre works including CONSUMED by Shock Therapy Arts, and KOAL by Jacinta Yelland, presenting bold contemporary storytelling and rich curriculum connections for the classroom.
Semester 1 also includes standout student engagement opportunities such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns competition, QSO SidebySide orchestral mentoring, and an expanded suite of Gallery, Media, and Music Workshops tailored for secondary year levels.
Together, these experiences provide meaningful creative pathways for students while supporting teaching and learning aligned with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA v9.0) and Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) priorities across the Arts, cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities.
Explore the full 2026 program and book early!
SAY CHEESE…AT THE EXHIBITIONIST BAR!
Introducing a Night of Cheese with Sam Studd. If your love language is dairy, clear your calendar for Friday 6 March because The Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA, is going gloriously, unapologetically cheesy.
With a full menu takeover of cheese cuisine and cheese inspired cocktails, this is an evening not to be missed.
View the full menu here.
HOTA’S OUTDOOR STAGE SET FOR UPGRADES
HOTA's Outdoor Stage is preparing for a transformation, with major upgrades scheduled over the next four months to enhance functionality, improve cost efficiency for event organisers, and elevate the audience experience.
Through collaborations with the City of Gold Coast, these improvements will strengthen the venue’s ability to host large-scale performances while ensuring it remains a vibrant, sustainable hub for arts and culture.
The upgrades will focus on practical enhancements that directly benefit both hirers and audiences, including: permanent food and beverage infrastructure to better support major events, expanded back-of-house facilities to accommodate larger touring productions, weather protection over the front of stage, minimising disruptions and risk during wet weather performances.
These improvements will reduce the need for temporary infrastructure, making the venue more financially viable while maintaining the high standards expected by artists and audiences alike.
The Outdoor Stage upgrades form part of the broader HOTA precinct development, a long-term investment by the city to ensure the Gold Coast continues to build a dynamic and sustainable arts and cultural scene.
By strengthening core infrastructure and improving operational efficiency, the venue will be better positioned to attract major touring acts, support local performers, and deliver exceptional live experiences year-round.
Works are expected to conclude in July 2026.
To learn more about the City’s investment and future plans for the HOTA precinct, visit the official project page: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Projects-works/HOTA-Project
GC LAUGHS GALA RETURNS
The biggest night of Comedy on the Gold Coast returns to HOTA on Friday 13 March - GC Laughs Festival Gala!
A two-hour showcase packed with the 'best of the best' comedians all tied together with the hilarious Mel Buttle as host who will keep you laughing the whole way through. The Gala is the first of 22 side splitting comedy events as part of the festival - with something for everyone, no matter what tickles your funny bone.
Perfect for groups, mates, colleagues or a hot date, the GC Laughs Opening Gala is selling fast, so grab your tickets for this sought out premiere event, and be sure to check out the incredible line up of comedians in this year's GC Laughs Festival.
VIEW THE 12 FEB 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.