HOTA, Home of the Arts
HOTA, Home of the Arts

Arts & Culture Update

26 March 2026

DRAWING FOR LIFE WITH IRENE MESSIA

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Join us for Drawing for Life – a creative drawing experience in a space where all abilities are welcomed.  Each event sees leading artists and performers curate poses, subjects and performances for a distinctive life drawing experience.   

In March we invite you into the ancient world of Pompeii as we present the unique opportunity to draw from a life model within the Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life exhibition.   

Be guided by the expertise of local artist Irene Messia. An accomplished figurative painter and sculptor, Messia’s extensive training in Italy includes exploration into Pompeiian artistic traditions and mythologies.   

Over the course of the session, participants will experiment with rendering mythological scenes, classical drapery, and still life arrangements inspired by frescoes from the ancient Roman city.  

LAST CHANCE TO SECURE YOUR SEATS TO LA CLIQUE

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Don’t miss your chance to secure final seats to La Clique when returns to the Gold Coast for another bold and intoxicating run at HOTA, Home of the Arts next week.  

Running from 26 March to 19 April, this multi-award-winning production blends daring acrobatics, cabaret, comedy and burlesque into a high-energy spectacle that has captivated audiences from New York to Paris. Sexy, funny and deliciously irreverent, La Clique delivers jaw-dropping performances and outrageous artistry from the moment the curtain rises. 

For those looking to elevate the experience, VIP group tables offer a premium way to enjoy the show. With front-row cabaret seating, priority entry, Champagne and a shared charcuterie board, the VIP experience is ideal for entertaining clients, rewarding teams or hosting an unforgettable night out with colleagues in a high-impact setting. 

CELEBRATING GOLD COAST TALENT AT THE 2025 MATILDA AWARDS

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Queensland’s performing arts community shone at the 38th Matilda Awards on 2 March at QPAC, with several EGC Arts Fund supported Gold Coast companies receiving major recognition.  

These achievements highlight the value of investing in local artists. Through the EGC Arts Fund, we’re proud to support companies elevating Gold Coast stories and enriching Queensland’s cultural identity.  

Gold Coast Nominees & Winners  

Shock Therapy Arts  

  • Winner: Best Ensemble for CROSSING THE DIVIDE.  

Arc Circus & The Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers  

  • Winner: Best Circus or Physical Theatre Production
  • Winner: Best Costume Design (Maria McRae)
    Awarded for LIVING SCULPTURES: HOW THE BIRDS GOT THEIR COLOURS.  

Art for Earthlings  

  • 2025 Matilda Awards Nominee for Charlie & The Bin Chicken in Best Set Design and Best Costume Design.  

Special Recognition - White Rabbit Theatre  

White Rabbit Theatre received the Actors & Entertainers Benevolent Fund’s 2025 Tony Gould Award, recognising an independent company making a significant impact on Queensland’s performing arts landscape through curation, programming or development.  

Explore the full list of 2025 Matilda Awards recipients:   
matildaawards.com.au/2025  

DISCOVER SOMETHING UNIQUE AT THE HOTA GALLERY SHOP

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The HOTA Gallery Shop is a destination for beautifully curated pieces inspired by art, creativity and design. Located on the ground floor of HOTA Gallery, the shop showcases a collection of artist-made products, locally crafted items, design objects, books and unique gifts you won’t easily find anywhere else. 

Whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift, a striking piece for your home, or something special to remember your gallery visit, the HOTA Shop offers something unexpected around every corner. 

Browse online or visit us in person and discover a collection that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.

HIGH TEA SKY HIGH

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Reconnect with the arts and each other through a shared dining experience like no other.  In our signature style & beauty, that only HOTA can offer, the HOTA Signature High Tea will immerse your senses in art & Gold Coast city skyline views. Enjoy a carefully curated menu of sweet and savoury treats accompanied by our range of Tavalon teas.   

Join us every Sunday on level 5 of the HOTA Gallery & experience the difference.  

Seats are extremely limited.

VIEW THE 12 MAR 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.