30 July 2026
KIDS TAKE OVER HOTA THIS SEPTEMBER
You’re invited into a world of imagination where things are wonderfully strange and delightfully unexpected.
From 14 – 26 September dive into a vibrant program of performances, free daily activities, immersive installations, and hands-on workshops. With something new to discover every day, one visit is never enough… well, not for a true adventurer!
This is your chance to imagine, explore, and play.
GILLIAN COSGRIFF - LIFE, OH LIFE
From 6- 8 August, award-winning musical comedian Gillian Cosgriff is here at HOTA to talk about life. Not just her life. Not just your life. Life as a concept. And time. As a concept. We’re living in an age of relentless productivity, where every second should be optimised. We’re also outsourcing our questions to technology more than ever. But you know who has lived experience of being alive? Other people!
With original songs, existential questions and the kind of clever, lyrical joy only Gillian can deliver, Life, Oh Life is musical comedy for anyone who’s interested in life advice from people who have actually lived.
PALETTE X PIPIT
For one night only, acclaimed chef Ben Devlin joins Palette Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law for an immersive six-course dining experience celebrating the landscapes, waterways and producers of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers.
Go beyond the dining table with an exclusive VIP experience offering rare access to the people, stories and craftsmanship behind the evening.
Where: Palette Restaurant, HOTA
When: Wed 9 September
WOVEN VESSEL MAKING WITH NORTON FREDERICKS
Join us on the opening day of UNLEASHED+ for a special extended weaving workshop with local artist Norton Fredericks.
Appropriate for all skill levels, this workshop is based on the artist’s work Cast Hope, woven during their residency at artisan in 2025 and later cast in bronze at Perides Art Foundry. We will be guided through the same initial processes undertaken by the artist, using the random weave technique, to create our own cane vessel to take home.
Cast Hope formed part of Fredericks’ solo exhibition ‘we/us/theirs/all’ at Incinerator Gallery in Naarm/Melbourne, 2026, and is now showing in UNLEASHED+ at HOTA Gallery.
All materials for this workshop are provided. Recommended for ages 16+
HOTA IDEAS: CONTEMPORARY QUEENSLAND CRAFT & DESIGN
Join us on the opening day of UNLEASHED+ for a panel discussion with furniture maker, Ben Adams, jeweller, Gabi Harris and ceramicist, Natalie Ward, hosted by HOTA Gallery Curator, Kimberly Stokes.
We’ll unpack diverse influences shaping contemporary craft and design, with insight into the conceptual approaches to materiality and technique fundamental to these Queensland based practitioners.
Where: The Studio, HOTA Gallery
When: Sat 1 August
Time: 11am - 12pm
Free, registration required.
ARTLAB WITH MICHELLE LE PLASTRIER – TINY WORLDS, BIG FUTURES
Imagine designing the look and feel of your whole world – yellow walls, zig-zagged floors, furniture that looks and feels like it’s from another planet?
UNLEASHED+ artist, Michelle Le Plastrier invites us to imagine a better future, and all the cool things in it. Using paper clay and a range of craft materials, we’ll transform small boxes to open up into mini versions of our future bedrooms, kitchens, playgrounds or theme parks!
Recommended for ages 6-12 years.
Where: The Studio, HOTA Gallery
When: Sat 8 August
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
VIEW THE 16 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.