The recently unveiled program for the Gold Coast’s inaugural surf culture festival includes a wealth of family-friendly and children-specific events.
Bleach* Surfing the Fringe will host over fifty-five art and photography installations, film screenings, music, talks, fashion, theatre and food events staged across the spectacular beaches, foreshores and major venues unique to the Southern Gold Coast from 11-26 Feb 2012. For 16 days, across 10kms, over 80 artists and musicians will be on display at Bleach* Surfing the Fringe’s varied array of events.
THE SURFER AND THE MERMAID
A major component of the Bleach* children’s programming is the stunning locally produced children’s book, The Surfer and The Mermaid, which is set to be brought to life as an enchanting theatrical performance. The book was written by internationally-renowned Gold Coast writer, Tim Baker and esteemed surf photographer, Ted Grambeau, and depicts a magical underwater world where a young surfer is guided by a mermaid to meet her marine friends.
The premiere of this theatrical adaptation will be presented at Surf World Gold Coast Museum as part of Bleach* Street festivities on the 11th February. The production will then enjoy several school anf family sessions at Surf World before the production moves to The Arts Centre Gold Coast. This home grown production features a host of local talents, including Music Direction by Nadia Sunde and Theatre Direction by Melinda Collie Holmes.
BLEACH* GROMS
Also part of Bleach* Street festivities, Bleach* Groms is a series of children’s activities that aim to connect children to the sandy shores that surround them. It will be held on the 11th February at Currumbin beachfront south of Elephant Rock. Bleach* Groms Beachology workshop sessions will help kids uncover the natural wonder of the seaside environment and its ecosystems with informative hands-on exploration sessions, while sand castle competitions and other fun activities will bring the beach to life. Attendees are encouraged to bring hats, drink bottles and sunscreen.
KIRRA DREAMING
The Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre on top of Kirra point will host a day called Kirra Dreaming filled with children’s workshops, writing workshops and acoustic music performances to compliment the space’s art gallery POP UP Bleach* Collective exhibition on the 18th February.
As part of Kirra Dreaming, former professional surfer, musician, and cultural performance artist Lucas Proudfoot will host a contemporary children’s performance, Circular Rhythm, which shows children how culture and music can fuse together. Using didgeridoo, guitar and percussion instruments, children can participate through song, dance and interactive play.
Music performances from talented local musicians will round out Kirra Dreaming’s relaxed but festive vibe.
Celebrated surf author Tim Baker will also host a separate ticketed writing workshop on the day for budding scribes. Tickets for the writing workshop are $50 and this exclusive event is limited to 30 people.
BLEACH* ON THE ROCKS
Children and parents alike will be enthralled by the Bleach* On The Rocks art projections happening at Currumbin beach front. Watch the iconic Elephant Rock come to life each Saturday and Sunday night of the Festival with animation and lighting to create starlit evenings filled with ambience.
The piece de resistance of Bleach* On the Rocks will be live installations by celebrated artists like Claudio Kirac and Kellie O’Dempsey, whose vast scope of work spans international platforms including the Festival Internationale de Benicassim, Spain, M on the Bund 10th Anniversary event in Shanghai and the University of Queensland Centenary celebrations. So take a stroll along the beachfront promenade or take a picnic rug down the sand and enjoy the vision of the Rock’s spectacular beauty illuminated at night.
POP UP BLEACH*
Family-friendly free activities include visiting the plethora of Pop Up Bleach* galleries showcasing art and photography celebrating the surf theme. Expect the unexpected with these unique art ‘pop up’ exhibitions peppered across iconic Southern Gold Coast foreshores & beachside locations. As part of POP UP Bleach*, celebrated local visual artists, photographers, street artists and new media artists will be on display. A major component of POP UP Bleach* concept is enabling surf-inspired creations to be displayed in the place that inspired them – the beach. This will be achieved by creating temporary galleries in shipping containers placed along the Southern Gold Coast foreshores.
The line up includes internationally renowned artists Claudio Kirac, Peter Joli Wilson, Dick Hoole, Jack McCoy, Albe Falzon, Mal Sutherland, Sean Scott, Ted Grambeau, Shelli Bankier, Trent Mitchell, Duncan Macfarlane, Jasson Mackay, Joel Rea, Jenny Midson, Jae Copp, Magnus Kennedy, Yoshi, Narani Henson, Justin Crawford and Switchfoot + many more.
Keep an eye out for artist talks, live art shows, film screenings and other activities at each gallery site.
Bleach* Key Kid-Friendly Event Programming
The Surfer and The Mermaid
Public Shows 11th & 12th February 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm, Surf World Gold Coast Museum, Currumbin. No bookings required, entry by gold coin donation
School Shows 13th & 14th February 10.30am, 1pm, Surf World Gold Coast Museum, Currumbin. (School bookings essential)
Bleach* Groms
11th February, Currumbin beachfront ( Sth Elephant Rock), 11 am onward. Free event, no bookings required.
Kirra Dreaming
18th February, Kirra Hill C&CC, Kirra. 11am onward. Children’s events free, no bookings required. Writing workshops ( for adults) $50, tickets available at www.bleachfestival.com.au
Bleach On The Rocks
11th & 12th, 18th &19th, 25th& 26th February. Elephant Rock, Currumbin. 7pm. Free event, no bookings required.
Pop Up Bleach*
11-26th Feb, Thursdays and Fridays 4pm – 8pm. Saturdays and Sundays 3pm – 8pm. Pop up galleries at Currumbin in Surf World Gold Coast carpark, Tugun next to Tugun Surf Club, Kirra at Roughton Park on Marine Pde, and Coolangatta at Queen Elizabeth Park. Free event, no bookings required.
Stay up to date with Bleach* events by visiting the Bleach* Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BleachFestival
Or visit the newly launched Bleach* website filled with event descriptions, ticketing information, artist profiles, and venue details: www.bleachfestival.com.au