The arts and culture program that will light up the Gold Coast and Commonwealth Games event cities in 2018 will be known as Festival 2018.
Festival 2018
The festival will be a free public celebration that will run concurrently with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Competition Events Schedule, which was released today for the 4-15 April 2018 event.
Festival 2018 will be a bold, aspirational 12-day celebration that will inspire audiences with a high quality program of live performances, art installations and interactive cultural experiences.
Generating a festive atmosphere during Games time across the Gold Coast and event cities Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville, the celebration will extend the GC2018 experience beyond the stadiums and into transformed public spaces, parks and beaches.
On the Gold Coast, Festival 2018 will be curated and programmed by the internationally-renowned, Brisbane-based, Queensland performing arts company, Circa Contemporary Circus. The arts and culture program will also feature Bleach* Festival performances, commissions and activities, supporting the local Gold Coast arts and culture industries.
Executive Statements
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie AC:
“Festival 2018 will feature extraordinary and memorable artistic events that celebrate the spirit of the Commonwealth, reflect Queensland’s lifestyle, culture and creativity and capture the authentic spirit of the Gold Coast and event city communities.
“Festival 2018 will shine a creative light on the Gold Coast and event cities complementing a world-class sports program. Reflecting diverse abilities, perspectives and cultures, the program will challenge and inspire audiences of all ages.
“Festival 2018 will also provide a unique opportunity for the Gold Coast to grow as a cultural hub by providing the opportunity for artists to collaborate with, learn from and perform with other artists from around the world,” Mr Beattie said.
Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“Festival 2018 will be a significant attraction for cultural tourists, locals and visitors to the Gold Coast and Queensland during the Games.
“In line with increased State-based funding for the arts, Festival 2018 will provide a great opportunity for Queensland artists to showcase their work.
“Festival 2018 will be a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural experience that will entice all Queenslanders to experience the Commonwealth Games.”
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones:
“The Festival 2018 program will transform the Gold Coast and event cities and provide a hands on experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games experience.
“Arts and culture programs have been a feature of previous Games and Festival 2018 supports the Commonwealth Games Federation’s values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny by programming content that will bring communities together in celebration of these values.
“Festival 2018 will be an extension of the theatre on the sporting field and passion in the stands.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate:
“Festival 2018 is an unprecedented catalyst to help drive the Gold Coast’s vision of creating opportunities over the next 10 years to innovate and challenge the current cultural landscape.
“Festival 2018 will showcase the Gold Coast like never before and be an opportunity for people to explore, participate, and experience arts and culture that surprises, delights and challenges throughout the Games. The City is especially proud of the inclusion of Bleach* Festival as a major contributor to the Festival 2018 program.
“The Commonwealth Games will be another vehicle to change and evolve, and be responsive and open to emerging and non-traditional art and culture opportunities, as we work on our 2023 culture strategy that is built on creativity and transformed by imagination.”
GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters:
“Festival 2018 will provide an opportunity for the Gold Coast and all of Queensland to feel a part of the Games.
“The inclusive and engaging nature of Festival 2018 will change the Gold Coast and create an atmosphere the city has never seen before.
“Festival 2018 will be a defining moment for Queensland and a platform for the arts industry to accelerate its growth, development and world-wide connections.”