The carnies have come and gone, the ferris wheel has been taken down and the scent of dagwood dogs is a distant memory – Ekka season is over and we’re coming down from that sugar high. To ease the pain, we’ve put together some choice ways to spend your days off – from Armakeggon to dog shows, here are the best things happening in Brisbane on the August 22–25 weekend. more
For Brisbane locals, the cultural feats of our humble riverside city have always been aplenty, and we have spent decades dedicated to establishing ourselves as a capital with just as much cultural sway as the nation’s other heavyweights. This is especially true of Brisbane’s burgeoning music scene, which has kicked, screamed and shouted its way into popularity - from the local scene we know and love - through to national and international hearts and stages. There are many musical sons and daughters birthed from the shores and streets of Brisbane to be proud of - and thanks to the Museum of Brisbane, we now have the chance to celebrate them. more
There are so many things to love about the Ekka – the food, the animals and the rides are right up there, but it’s the public holiday that we’re most grateful for. If you’re not up for braving the crowds at the showgrounds on Wednesday August 14, we’ve whipped up a little list of things that are happening around town on the public holiday and the night before – you get a sleep-in, after all … more
The great state of Queensland quite simply has loads of things to be proud of. XXXX Beer, Savage Garden, the Story Bridge and Bundaberg Rum have all earned us some serious bragging rights, but there is one thing that makes our hearts swell with pride for the rich culture we have cultivated – the Royal Queensland Show (or the Ekka, as its more affectionately known). This year the show steamrolls ahead into its 142nd year (seriously, the only thing that’s stopped it since its inception have been the Spanish influenza and World War II), returning to its home turf of the Brisbane Showgrounds to celebrate the best of Queensland. more
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (we hope it’s cosy down there), you’re probably aware that GOMA has been overtaken by a number of absolutely jaw-dropping exhibitions and installations. As well as the dual efforts of national treasures Margaret Olley and Ben Quilty adorning the gallery walls at the moment, the building’s façade is permanently bathed in the evening light of James Turrell’s epic Night Life installation. To celebrate this trio of talent, GOMA has curated a killer Winter Up Late line-up for every Friday night in August – so if you like your music loud and your art after hours, you’ll want to read on … more
September in Brisbane is a seriously magical time – we’re in the heart of springtime, spirits are high, and the city becomes home to one of our most beloved annual rituals. That’s right – Brisbane Festival is returning from September 5–28 and bringing with it a whole host of jaw-dropping entertainment. We’ve been keeping you posted on some juicy announcements as they come through, but the full program has finally made its way out into the world – and we’ve gotta tell you, it’s well worth getting excited about. more
In the age of the internet and limited attention spans, it speaks volumes when something is able to stop us in our tracks and make us think, wonder or simply admire. Even in this brave new world, the World Press Photo Exhibition has remained an event capable of making millions of people from all corners of the globe pause for a moment to observe and consider slices of history presented in powerful images. The worldwide exhibition is setting up at Brisbane Powerhouse from July 12 to August 4, bringing a host of photographs that are guaranteed to engage and inspire. more
As well as being a beautiful thing to look at, art happens to be a major vehicle for activism, awareness and social change – which is a huge factor in Ben Quilty’s work. The Australian artist has become prolific in the cultural realm for his seamless fusion of social commentary and breathtakingly bold style of painting – and now a whole stack of his work is coming our way. Coming to GoMA from June 29, Quilty is the artist’s first major survey celebrating his significant output. 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