The Gold Coast is often misjudged by outdated beliefs that it’s just surf, schoolies and theme parks. But the people who reside here know ‘The Goldie’ is far from it. It’s a city driven by youthful and infectious energy; incredible natural wonders and a talented, thriving artistic community.

We are Gold Coast: works from the Gallery at HOTA collection is a brand new exhibition that shines a light on the city and provides a visual exploration of the Gold Coast’s identity and sense of place. It shows the contrast between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ Gold Coast and documents the vibrant cultural evolution of the city.

Natural hinterland beauty, pristine beaches and tropical lifestyle lured 20th century artists to document their experience on the Coast, and are represented in works by Lloyd Rees, Fred Williams, Albert Tucker, Vida Lahey, Ethel Carrick Fox, Betty Quelhurst, Jeff Carter, and Graham Burstow.

Featured alongside these historical snapshots are works by contemporary artists who began their career on the Gold Coast or continue to call the Gold Coast home, including Michael Zarvos, Scott Redford, Chris Bennie, Anna Carey, Victoria Reichelt and Donna Marcus.

Running as part of the exhibition, kids aged 5 to 16 are also invited to design and make a tiny, shimmery, sparkly Gold Coast sunshine dome on June 9.

Image 1: Dean Cogle / Miami Ice 2012 / Collection: Gallery at HOTA
Image 2: Luke Roberts / Exorcism XII: The chaos of memory 1991 / Collection: Gallery at HOTA