Fam, we made it – there are four glorious days of freedom stretched out in front of us! If you’re sticking around Brisbane this Easter long weekend and are scratching your head looking for things to do, don’t sweat it – from stoutrageous drinking events to seafood feasts and off-beat eggs hunts, here are the best things happening in Brisbane on the April 18–22 Easter long weekend. 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
Whether you regularly dress to impress or are a devotee to the same core items of a capsule wardrobe, there is no denying that what you choose to wear has a great impact on how you are perceived. Like it or not, most of us carry biases (unconscious or otherwise) towards all kinds of items – from fur coats to hi-vis vests, clothing has the ability to instantly signify someone’s style, status or intentions. Coming to the Museum of Brisbane from November 3, Dress Code is an exhibition that draws upon the collective talents of five artists to explore the intrinsic links between fashion, identity and culture – and you’d best believe we have a lot to learn. more
When it comes to rich and thought-provoking personalities, the annals of Italian history are an absolute hotbed. From poets and painters to saints and scientists, there are so many people whose knowledge we can draw upon … except for the fact that a whole bunch of them are dead. Enter Sam Cranstoun, the award-winning artist acting as a conduit between modern Brisbanites and timeless figures in Italian history. His exhibition Impossible Conversations is opening at the Museum of Brisbane from October 10 to rewrite history – with a little creative license. Intrigued? You should be. more
Last year marked a pretty momentous occasion in Australian history – our (frankly useless) government asked us if same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, and because we’re not a pack of animals we voted yes to love. This rainbow-coloured victory is something to be celebrated, which is why the legends at King Street have decided to throw a three-week-long party in conjunction with Brisbane Festival. Love is King will take over the street from September 8–29 bringing fun, feasting and loads of amorous activities with it. more
In the world of art, there are certain names that come with an automatic sense of wonder – we’re talking your Glover, Archibald, Wynne and Sulman types. These prestigious awards are a true indicator of enormous talent, boundless imagination and dedication to the craft … and a whole host of winning artists are bringing their works to Brisbane as part of the legendary Tattersall’s Club Landscape Art Prize. more
Folks, spring has almost sprung and it’s bringing a little something special with it – we’re talking Brisbane Festival, baby! Come September 8, our fine city will be overflowing with a selection of local and international entertainment that will make your head spin. From circus and cabaret to top live bands and immersive theatre, the festival brings together the best of the arts scene for your enjoyment – so you’d better get out there and lap it up. Mark September 8–29 in your diary and start planning your hit-list, because this one’s going to be a doozy. 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 10, 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 Yatala Pies 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 as). This year the show celebrates an impressive 141 years (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
Every year when the Met Gala rolls around, it’s hard not to get at least a teensy bit of FOMO. The combination of stunning frocks, priceless art and a pure party atmosphere is impossible to resist – after all, there are very few occasions in the calendar year where we get to dust off our finery and indulge in pure revelry. If you’re a fan of fabulous soirees and fine art, your time has come – GOMA is hosting its annual Future Collective Revel and you’re going to want to be there. more