This year, the iconic Skywhale – a 34-metre-long, manatee-like marvel that first soared above Australian skies in 2013 – and its equally spectacular companion, Skywhalepapa, have reclaimed the sky on a grand regional tour around Australia. Now, they’re headed to the Gold Coast, where they’ll take flight to kick off BLEACH* Festival – Queensland’s most unique contemporary arts and culture event, which returns in 2025 with a fresh line-up of 100-plus events from July 31 to August 10.
Renowned artist Patricia Piccinini’s beloved hot air balloon creations, Skywhale (2013) and Skywhalepapa (2020), will lift off at dawn in a stunning aerial performance starting at 5am on Thursday, July 31, to kick off the festival, which will unfold over the next 11 days across three festival hubs: Kurrawa Park, Emerald Lakes and HOTA, Home of the Arts.
From intimate performances inside the gallery to electrifying displays on the beach, this year’s festival serves up more than 20 shows spanning live music, visual art, dance, immersive experiences and feasting. The line-up includes three world premieres created on the Gold Coast, alongside five Queensland premieres and a hand-picked selection of standout works from across the country.
For the first time ever, artist and curator Kirsha Kaechele is taking MONA's highly controversial 'Ladies Lounge' installation on tour outside of Hobart, bringing it into the HOTA Gallery. This boldly feminist, living artwork will be free to explore (for ladies only), and will host live performances, poetry, talks and dining experiences. (And gents, Kaechele is even allowing some men in for domestic arts lessons and other reparations.)
On the music front, BLEACH* Festival will feature more world premieres, including Breaking Into Heaven – a genre-busting outdoor performance featuring a huge rock band, a 33-piece orchestra, immersive visuals and First Nations dancers from Karul Projects. Over at Kurrawa Beach, the festival’s grand finale, Cavalcade, will dazzle with a fusion of opera, classical music and dancing horses (yes, you read that right). Take note: the dress code is strictly black tie and boardshorts.
Remember, that's just the start. You can explore the full BLEACH* Festival program here.