One of Australia’s premier art and culture festivals, BLEACH* 2025 has officially opened under the fresh artistic vision of guest Artistic Director Michael Zavros, featuring 11 extraordinary days of art, music, performance and cultural celebration across the Gold Coast.
The festival began at dawn with First Light: Skywhales Across Australia, a breathtaking aerial performance launching from RACV Royal Pines. Presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, Patricia Piccinini’s much-loved hot air balloon sculptures, Skywhale (2013) and Skywhalepapa (2019–20), drifted across the city’s skyline as the sun rose.
The excitement will continue into the evening with one of the festival’s most anticipated moments coming to HOTA’s theatre, an exclusive In Conversation with Jeff Koons, one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists, facilitated by Alison Kubler.
Presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia and the American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia, this rare event offers audiences intimate insight into Koons’ creative process and global impact.
Running throughout the festival is the much anticipated Ladies Lounge by Kirsha Kaechele. Making its provocative debut at HOTA Gallery, Ladies Lounge offers a boldly feminist space with strict rules on who may enter. For those left waiting outside, Tora Lopez’s Complaints Department stands ready to receive their protests throughout the festival.
The first weekend promises a joyous celebration of culture and community as OPA! A Night of Greek Delights and Three Food Memories bring the flavours, stories and warmth of Greek heritage to life. On Saturday 2 August, join Savva Savas and fashion icon Alex Perry for a deliciously rich conversation about family, food and identity as they record a podcast episode live at HOTA.
BLEACH* 2025 also marks the debut of several major new works supported by the Experience Gold Coast Arts Fund, which earlier this year awarded $1.5 million to 15 homegrown arts and cultural projects.
Among these is the world premiere of Breaking Into Heaven by SELVE on Friday 1 August, a genre-defying music and visual experience recorded at the legendary Abbey Road and performed with a 33-piece orchestra and dancers from Karul Projects.
Also debuting is The City Speaks Softly, a thoughtful textile-based public installation by Gold Coast artists Melissa Spratt and Tal Fitzpatrick, exploring themes of care, softness and craft in urban spaces. The work will be located across the city including Kurrawa, the Broadbeach Cultural Precinct and HOTA for the duration of the festival.
Also supported through the Experience Gold Coast Arts Fund, Drum As You Are will close out the first weekend of BLEACH* on Sunday 3 August with a high-energy tribute to the Gold Coast’s live music legacy. Curated by the Gold Coast Music Network, this unmissable event will transform HOTA’s Outdoor Stage into a nostalgic Sunday session.
Hosted by Bachelor Girl’s Tania Doko the production features 22 community and professional drummers, fronted by Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson. Together, they’ll reimagine Nirvana’s iconic albums in a powerful homage to the band’s legendary 1992 performance at Fisherman’s Wharf.
The second weekend culminates in a truly awe-inspiring festival centrepiece, Cavalcade, proudly presented by The Star Gold Coast. Taking place at Kurrawa Beach from Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 August, this breathtaking fusion of opera, classical music and equestrian artistry will unfold as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
Featuring the elegant choreography of champion dressage riders John Thompson and Katharine Farrell, set to live orchestral music and operatic vocals, Cavalcade promises to be an unforgettable celebration of beauty, power and harmony on the edge of sea and sky.
“Expanding our annual events calendar remains a key focus of council as we strive to deliver more festivals for locals and visitors,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“This year, BLEACH* wants us to look skywards with the incredible addition of floating art setting the tone for the 2025 festival. I urge everyone to make a date with BLEACH* over the 11 days and be prepared to be amazed,” said Mayor Tate.
“We are committed to bringing national and international world-class events to the Gold Coast, while fostering local creative talent through initiatives like the $1.5 million Experience Gold Coast Arts Fund,” said Yarmila Alfonzetti, Head of Arts and Culture at Experience Gold Coast.
“Whether you’re a contemporary art lover, a music fan, or just looking for a great night out, BLEACH* 2025 offers something for everyone, so explore the program, grab your tickets, and be part of this incredible celebration of creativity on the coast.”
BLEACH* 2025 continues to Sunday 10 August 2025. For more information and full program, visit: www.hota.com.au for details.
Image: Kirsha Kaechele presents Ladies Lounge (supplied) | SELVE (supplied)