7 May 2026
THE GOLD COAST’S CREATIVE FUTURE IS SHINING BRIGHT
Experience Gold Coast is proud to unveil the recipients of the 2026 EGC Arts Fund – a $1.5 million investment supporting more than 270 artists and creative practitioners across 17 projects, plus a series of local live music events.
This growing program continues to champion artistic excellence and innovation, backing creatives at every stage of their careers to bring bold ideas to life – from digital storytelling and contemporary circus to immersive theatre and community-led projects.
The EGC Arts Fund is an investment in the region’s creative identity, strengthening our cultural landscape and creating new experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Designed to nurture artistic excellence and innovation, the EGC Arts Fund provides vital support to artists working across all art forms.
STEP INSIDE THE HOTA BLACK BOX THEATRE THIS WINTER AND EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW
Transforming the HOTA Outdoor Stage into an intimate new theatre venue, Winter Season brings the most exciting theatre, comedy and contemporary performance touring the nation direct to the Gold Coast – and places Gold Coast audiences closer to the action than ever before.
Across a curated program of eight standout works, Winter Season invites you to immerse yourself in the thrill of live performance. Audiences can return to HOTA each week across the winter months and experience dynamic storytelling, mind blowing visual-theatre, life-affirming comedy and cabaret, riotous gig-theatre, and moving original music.
EXTRAORDINARY ART, EXQUISITE FOOD AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIFT
HOTA Gallery invites you on a journey of fearless Chinese contemporary art, paired with exquisite food and beverage offerings, and an exclusive keepsake, creating truly unique and immersive experiences.
Guided Tour and The Exhibitionist bar
Enjoy the This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art guided tour, and lunch at The Exhibitionist: Pizza and Alcoholic Spritz, take home gift from HOTA Gift Shop.
Guided Tour and Palette
Enjoy the This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art guided tour, and lunch at Palette Restaurant: 2-course lunch with a glass of wine at Palette Restaurant, take home gift from HOTA Gift Shop.
An unforgettable journey designed to be savoured, explored, and remembered.
BLACK INK PRESENTS: POETRY NIGHT SERIES
Join us for the first Poetry Night event presented by Black Ink at HOTA Gallery. Curated by poetry champion and community activist Huda Fadlelmawla, Black Ink Presents: Poetry Night Series is a dynamic program of live open mic poetry culminating in an end of year Grand Slam celebration.
Black Ink is dedicated to centring Black diaspora artists, cultivating a safe and brave space for BIPOC creatives grounded in open dialogue and meaningful connection. Each Poetry Night is a chance to celebrate the power of spoken word poetry as a force for artistic expression, with feature performances from established Black Ink poets, and the opportunity to participate in guided writing exercises and an open mic session.
Saturday 16 May, 6:30 – 8:00pm, doors from 6:15pm, HOTA Gallery
The first Black Ink Presents event will respond to the exhibition This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art, and showcase feature artists Serani, Thy Flood and Josie Eather. Each feature artist translates aspects of cultural identity through their chosen medium of poetry, vocals and dance.
VIEW THE 23 APR 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.