Skywhales, world premieres and Jeff Koons – BLEACH* has unveiled its 2025 program
From surreal airborne sculptures at sunrise to world-class music, incredible installations and thought-provoking performance, BLEACH* is back in 2025 with a reinvigorated vision – and it’s bigger, braver and more ambitious than ever. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store …
Go ahead and clear your calendar from July 31 to August 10, because the Gold Coast’s signature contemporary arts and culture festival BLEACH* returns with over 100 events across 11 jam-packed days. This year, celebrated Australian visual artist Michael Zavros has stepped into the hot seat as artistic director, promising to push the BLEACH* 2025 program beyond the expected, transforming the city into a living canvas of creativity.
“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,” Michael says.
True to his word, the 2025 program features three world premieres created on the Gold Coast, five Queensland premieres and a hand-picked curation of standout works from across the country. This year’s event will also push into new spaces, with Emerald Lakes joining the fun.
Ushering in the festival’s 14th year, BLEACH* 2025 will open at dawn with a breathtaking performance that’s both whimsical and quietly profound. Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale and Skywhalepapa, presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, will float into the sky in a surreal aerial performance.
For art lovers, this year’s showcase offers a rare treat – an In Conversation event with the legendary, Jeff Koons, who is known for his bold, genre-defying works. Presented in partnership with the National Gallery and the American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia, the event will reflect on Jeff’s creative process, career and impact in what promises to be a festival highlight.
Meanwhile, at HOTA Gallery, artist Kirsha Kaechele will bring her powerful and provocative Ladies Lounge installation, which made its much talked-about debut at MONA. This living artwork blends live performance, poetry and talks in a boldly feminist space.
On the HOTA Lawn, Drum As You Are reimagines the iconic 90s grunge catalogue of Nirvana through a mass drumming experience, blending professional and community musicians in a high-energy tribute to an era that defined a generation.
Subscribe for updates
Among the most anticipated premieres is Breaking Into Heaven, a boundary-pushing live performance of Selve’s new album, recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Staged outdoors at HOTA, the show combines lasers, immersive visuals, dancers from Karul Projects and backing from the Australian Session Orchestra. It’s a cinematic, sensory experience that elevates the album into something entirely new.
At Kurrawa Beach, the festival presents the majestic Cavalcade, where opera, classical music and elite dressage meet the sea in a visually striking performance featuring champion riders John Thompson and Katharine Farrell. The event, presented by The Star Gold Coast, is emblematic of BLEACH*’s ability to surprise – uniting the elegance of equestrian sport with the emotional power of live music.
Whether it’s a conversation with genre-defining artists, a sunrise spectacle, or a festival premiere staged on the sand, BLEACH* 2025 is shaping up to be a must-see for culture seekers, locals and visitors.
Image 3 and 5 credit: Novasoma Photography