Bold new world for BLEACH* on the beach
BLEACH* returns to the Gold Coast with a bold new vision, top talent and world premieres.
Contemporary arts and culture festival BLEACH* returns to the Gold Coast next month with a renewed vibe under a guest artistic director and a powerful line-up of more than 100 events – including three world premieres – across 11 days from July 31.
With a fresh curatorial vision from artist Michael Zavros and new performance sites including HOTA, Kurrawa Beach and Emerald Lakes, BLEACH* offers audiences a blend of art, music, spectacle, storytelling and food-driven experiences.
From intimate performances in the HOTA Gallery to bold outdoor creations, and live performances at Kurrawa Beach, this year’s program features more than 20 shows and a mix of live music, visual art, dance, participatory experiences and culinary provocations — all designed to spark conversation and connection.
With three world premieres created on the Gold Coast, alongside five Queensland premieres and a hand-picked selection of standout works from across the country, immersive experiences and world-class collaborations, this year’s program champions local excellence.
The festival begins at sunrise on July 31 when Patricia Piccinini’s much-loved Skywhale (2013) and Skywhalepapa (2019-20) will take to the skies in a stunning aerial performance — a gentle, surreal celebration of nurture and community.
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In a first, Australian artist Kirsha Kaechele will take her provocative installation Ladies Lounge outside of Hobart’s MONA to the HOTA Gallery. This living artwork blends live performance, poetry and talks in a boldly feminist space — and, yes, some boys may be allowed in for domestic arts lessons and reparations.
Presented by The Star Gold Coast, Cavalcade is a fusion of opera, classical music and dancing horses, staged oceanside at Kurrawa Beach, with champion dressage riders John Thompson and Katharine Farrell.
The festival program includes the world premiere of Breaking Into Heaven, a genre-busting live performance of Selve’s new album recorded at Abbey Road. Performed in full with the Australian Session Orchestra along with lasers, immersive visuals and dancers from Karul Projects, it promises to be an outdoor spectacle at HOTA.
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The National Gallery of Australia and the American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia have partnered to present an In Conversation event with iconic contemporary artist Jeff Koons. Known for his bold, genre-defying works that straddle pop culture and fine art, Koons will share insights into his creative process, career and global influence.
In a high-energy tribute to the Sunday sessions that put Fisherman’s Wharf on the map in the ’90s, Drum As You Are will transform the HOTA Lawn into a family-friendly celebration with professional and community drummers reimagining the raw energy of Nirvana’s Bleach, Nevermind and In Utero.
‘We’ve dreamed big this year—pushing for bold, ambitious moments’
Artistic director Michael Zavros says he is thrilled “to come on board as guest artistic director and launch BLEACH* 2025″.
“We’ve been shaping this festival for some time now, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the program come to life and finally share it with our audiences,” says Zavrios.
“We’ve dreamed big this year—pushing for bold, ambitious moments—and it’s exciting to see those ideas realised in such powerful ways. BLEACH* continues to play a vital role in the Gold Coast’s arts and culture scene, and this year’s program is a true reflection of the city’s creative spirit and growing artistic ambition.”
State Arts Minister John Paul Langbroek adds: “With this year’s guest artistic director Michael Zavros at the helm, the festival showcases our state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. The (State) Government is proud to support our talented arts sector to bring BLEACH* to life with contemporary theatre, visual art, and eclectic performances spanning the Gold Coast this year at several new and exciting venues.”
State Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell adds: “Events like these are great attractions for locals, and we know interstate and international visitors plan their visits to Queensland with events like these in mind. We want Queensland to be the events capital of Australia, as part of our 20-year tourism plan.”
With a strong commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and place-based storytelling, BLEACH* aims to push the boundaries of what a regional arts festival can be.
BLEACH* is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Department of Education and Tourism and Events Queensland.
For the full program, go to hota.com.au/bleach