Friends, the weekend is finally here – you can unshackle yourself from your desk, take a break from the screen life and soak up all that our city has to offer. From pop-up ice-skating rinks to burger parties and the infamous Sunnybank $2 Food Trail, we’ve tracked down the best things happening in Brisbane on the June 20–23 weekend. more
Margaret Olley was one of Australia’s most prolific artists, celebrating a vibrant and full life that spilled over into her immediately recognisable paintings. She continues to be treasured for both her contribution to our country’s cultural landscape as well as being a delight of a human being, serving as a source of inspiration both throughout her life and posthumously. Brisbane is about to be gifted a visual treat in the form of A Generous Life, a stunning exhibition coming to GOMA from Saturday June 15 that showcases Margaret’s incredible output through the years as well as her life through the eyes of other artists. more
Brisbane, the most fabulous time of the year is almost upon us. Dust off your sequins, bust out the rhinestones and take the feather boa out of storage – MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and Culture is back with so much more than a bang, baby! Returning to its spiritual home of the Brisbane Powerhouse from June 28 to July 7, this iconic festival shines a spotlight on what are historically some of the world’s most amazing but marginalised communities, all while celebrating them in every iteration. From filthy-gorgeous cabaret to insightful conversations and high drag, we’ve picked five events at this year’s MELT that you cannot miss. more
Let’s get one thing straight – there’s something truly magical about the science of geometry. Usually something so clinical is hard to be inspired by, but the certain art of tricking the eye with the basic tools of colour and form is actually quite special. A new exhibition coming to the Queensland Art Gallery is built around the very premise of using deceptively simple strategies to blow our minds visually. Geometries brings together a collection of artworks that are bound to make you stare – and maybe even wonder just what the heck you’re looking at (in the best possible way). more
Australia’s First Nations people are the longest continuing culture on the planet. As our country’s very first storytellers, it is important to pay attention to what Indigenous Australians have to say – and what better way to learn and appreciate culture than through the medium of art? more
Folks, it’s finally here – the hotly anticipated BRISBANE ART DESIGN festival and exhibition are arriving as of Friday May 10! These two massive projects are the first of their kind in our city, drawing upon the talents of Brisbane artists both past and present to create an all-in sensory experience that celebrates our unique cultural scene. The whopping program is jam-packed with true gems, from talks and workshops to tours and feasts – so we thought we’d pick some unmissable events to give you some inspo. Behold, our top ten things to see and do at BRISBANE ART DESIGN! more
Lovers of all things bold, beautiful and eye-catching, listen up – Brisbane is about to unleash a wave of work from its best and brightest creatives in a brand-new exhibition and festival! We’re talking BRISBANE ART DESIGN (BAD), the massive conglomerate that celebrates talented people of Brisbane both past and present. Comprising of a major exhibition at Museum of Brisbane accompanied by a festival of complementary events spread across more than 25 locations, BAD is a brilliant beast of a thing – so we thought we’d help you out and break it down for you. more
Looking at some of Brisbane’s natural landscapes, it makes perfect sense that artists are inspired by them. The vibrant colours, unusual textures and sensory experiences of nature lend themselves to taking art off the canvas and into the wild. Returning for its second year after a mega-successful debut, Botanica is a groundbreaking exhibition that invites us all to explore the connections between art, design and the natural world through spectacular installations. From May 10–19, Botanica will transform the iconic City Botanic Gardens into a living, breathing outdoor art gallery for everyone to enjoy – all for free. more
Many people are quick to point at Melbourne as Australia’s capital of cool when it comes to street art, but Brisbane is actually a thriving hub of the art form in its own right. Once written off as a pastime for delinquents, the actual artistry behind street art is finally being recognised for its positive qualities – making public spaces more beautiful, inviting conversation and providing a platform for artists to be seen. Brisbane City Council has taken the lead in fostering a stronger appreciation for street art through its Brisbane Canvas program, a push towards celebrating our creative scene and making the city even more pretty. more
Ask anyone about the street-art scene in Australia and they will generally be quick to point a finger at Melbourne as our country’s capital of cool – but this is a frightfully incorrect assumption. Brisbane and its creatives have long been toiling away to make a name for our city as a major culture hub, thanks in large part to those who are dedicated to eradicating the stigma behind street art. Returning for its fourth year, Brisbane Street Art Festival is set to (literally) paint the town from May 4–19, bringing together a host of brilliant artists adding colour to the everyday. more
Anyone with an inkling of just how damn strong the Brisbane creative community is will be able to tell you that this city has fostered some incredible talent over the years. You may not know these artists and designers by name, but they deserve to be recognised – which is where this brand-new festival comes in. BRISBANE ART DESIGN (or BAD if you’re feeling cheeky) will shine a light on incredible creative minds that have come from our city – whether they’re based here, cut their teeth here or are just making a start here. Don’t let the acronym fool you – being BAD has never looked so good. more
Those who have been eagerly awaiting any hints of Dark Mofo’s 2019 line-up won’t be disappointed. While the full reveal is still just under a week away, the first instalment points to another mind-bendingly brilliant festival. more
Every time QAGOMA opens one of its massive and highly anticipated exhibitions throughout the year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to see what wonders lie within the gallery walls. The last major feat to roll through the doors is the ninth edition of the beloved Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art – or APT9 as you might know it. Though the exhibition has generously been running since November last year, all good things must come to an end – so make sure you catch everything it has to offer before it disappears for good. more
For countless Australian children, their first introduction to the rich and vibrant world of Aboriginal storytelling has no doubt been through the tale of The Rainbow Serpent. However, many people wouldn’t be able to tell you off the top of their head who was responsible for the breathtaking illustrations that adorned the 1975 edition of the book that is still so loved – his name is Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey, and his body of work extends far beyond the pages of children’s books. Queensland Art Gallery has assembled a major retrospective of Dick’s incredible art – in a world first, you can witness Stories of this Land as told by one of our country’s finest. more
Folks, here’s a little heads up – International Women’s Day has rolled around again! Taking place on Friday March 8, this global celebration shines a light on the amazing work that non-male folk all around the world are doing. From art and activism to STEM and parenting, it’s all about acknowledging the tireless work of women in all walks of life. This day is for everyone (no matter how they identify) to celebrate, support and recognise the achievements and everyday struggles that women face. We’ve rounded up some rad events that epitomise the spirit of the day – and all are welcome to attend. more
When it comes to keeping us entertained throughout the warmer months, QAGOMA has always had our backs. If you haven’t already checked out the jaw-dropping 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (or even if you have), we would suggest keeping the weekend of January 18–20 free – because QAGOMA’s annual Summer Festival has returned! Celebrating the exhibition in inimitable style, the festival is a perfect opportunity to experience the wonder of APT9 through a wide range of wonderful activities. more
Real talk – while 2018 may have been a great year for Brisbane, we’re even more excited for what 2019 is going to bring. Our cultural sphere just keeps getting better, with a host of local and international events taking place right here in our city. We’ve picked five killer events happening post-New Year that you should get tickets to before they disappear, lest you risk falling victim to some serious FOMO. more
We're going to just go right out there and admit it – we look forward to every third summer in Brisbane more than any other. Why? Because that's when QAGOMA's Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art is in town! Seeing as this explosion of life and colour only happens every three years, its opening night is definitely cause for the entire city to celebrate. From 7:30 pm this Friday November 23, both QAG and GOMA are opening up their doors to the public for one heck of a party, filled with DJs, performances, food, drink and of course some awe-inspiring art. more
When it comes to dynamic duos, they don’t come much better than Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson. Over the course of 27 years, these two fabulous women changed the face of Australian fashion with their eponymous label Easton Pearson. Their truly visionary designs and unique approach has left a seriously impressive legacy – and an even more breathtaking archive of pieces to pore over. The Designers’ Guide: Easton Pearson Archive is arriving at the Museum of Brisbane from Friday November 23 to provide a glimpse inside a brand that has captivated our country for almost three decades – and whose influence is still felt today. more
Every three years, QAGOMA plays host to one of the world’s most important and enlightening exhibitions. While all of the art that passes through the galleries continues to keep us stimulated (and delighted), the Asia Pacific Triennial series holds a special place in the hearts of Brisbane locals. The date has rolled around again and we couldn’t be more thrilled to explore the goodness that APT9 has in store. more