Bleach Festival makes artistic waves on the Gold Coast

An eclectic mix of live music, visual and performing artists, photography, film and theatre will feature at this year’s Bleach Festival on the Gold Coast.

Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey launched the 2013 program today and said it focussed on the Gold Coast’s rich beach and surf culture.

“Bleach Festival, which attracted 30,000 visitors in 2012, is a celebration of the Gold Coast’s long beach heritage, expressed through all forms of contemporary art,” Ms Stuckey said.

“From our world renowned beaches, to our champion surfers, the Gold Coast is the home of surfing culture and I can think of no better place to celebrate an event such as this.

“The Newman Government supports Bleach Festival through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Regional Development Program and Arts Queensland to deliver significant benefits to the Gold Coast throughout the 13 days of the event.”

The festival will kick off with Pre Bleach Weekend festivities in Paradise Point, Burleigh and Palm Beach on Friday, 15 February and then continue through to the Southern Gold Coast.

Arts Minister Ros Bates said more than 160 visual and performing artists will entertain visitors in a mix of free and ticketed events.

“Bleach features a strong Queensland line-up including bands The Medics, Laneway and Busby Marou, physical theatre artists Polytoxic and performances from the Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra and Queensland Theatre Company,” Ms Bates said.

“I am thrilled to see the ever-growing community of arts festivals on the Gold Coast, with Bleach joining innovative events including the Swell Sculpture Festival, the Gold Coast Film Festival, Broadbeach Jazz Festival, Cooly Rocks On and the Gold Coast Multicultural Festival.

“The Gold Coast experience is just one example of what is taking place across the State where vibrant cultural hubs help to boost the economy and make our communities better places to live.”

For more information, visit www.bleachfestival.com.au

[ENDS] 17 January 2013

Media Contact: Minister Stuckey’s office: 3224 2004 / Minister Bates office: 3224 2880