Partnership Projects

Open Studios Sunshine Coast 2026 is one of two major annual programs presented by Arts Connect Inc., a membership-driven not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the region’s vibrant arts community through collaboration, mentoring, workshops and shared creative practice. Alongside its sister event, Sculpture on the Edge, Open Studios offers a rare and engaging opportunity to step inside the creative world of the Sunshine Coast. Over several days, some of the region’s most talented artists open their studio doors to the public—inviting

Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival celebrates storytelling amid stunning natural beauty. With inspiring workshops, lively panel discussions, book launches and signings, the festival fosters connection and ignites imagination. 2-4 MAY 2026: A Constellation of Stories Every voice a star. Every story a light. We all live beneath the same sky, yet our stories are shaped by different places, cultures, histories, and imaginations. At SCHWF, writers from diverse backgrounds gather to

Outspoken arose, quite simply, from the idea that, living here in the regions, we were isolated from the larger literary and political world. Tyyni and I wanted to see if we could persuade some of Australia and the world’s most exciting writers to come here and to speak with us, in person. Well, writers, it turned out, have responded very positively to the invitation. As of November 2025 we have been operating continuously for fifteen years. In that time we

Horizon Festival is an annual arts and cultural festival exploring the intersections of art, people and place on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Sunshine Coast. Horizon Festival is more than a program of events. It is the feeling of salt air and sunset light. It is live music spilling into the street. It is artists and storytellers, dancers and chefs, musicians and performers bringing fresh energy to familiar places. It is laughter in local streets, late nights at gigs, and

RED CHAIR, a Sunshine Coast performing arts company dedicated to community engagement, is bringing its celebrated, socially engaged live art project, The Keeper Project, to Maroochydore on Gubbi Gubbi country in 2026. Following successful iterations in Coolum, Nambour and Caloundra, your generous support will see this ambitious project engage ten local artists to serve as ‘Keepers,’ each performing a unique three-week creative ritual in a public space. Running over 30 weeks, The Keeper Project is an inherently participatory experience designed

Support the Sound of Change Welcome to Long Listen, a festival of brave, bold, and brilliant listening experiences. After three transformative festivals in Eudlo, Palmwoods, and Mapleton, Long Listen returns 2–5 October 2026, offering four days of concerts, conversations, and cultural experiences across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. More than a festival, Long Listen is a playground for artistic curiosity, a celebration of connection, and a platform for daring new work. Founded by Louise King, each annual program champions Australian art music, eclectic genres, and

D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective is a multicultural, Sunshine Coast-based company that creates immersive, thought-provoking performances. We blend physical theatre, dance, and visual arts to tell stories that explore social themes. With a diverse ensemble of artists, we break traditional theatre boundaries by using multiple languages and interactive spaces. Our shows are devised collectively, drawing inspiration from the community, aiming to foster discussion and new perspectives. We believe theatre should be a shared experience that challenges, connects, and inspires. ABOUT OUR WORK

Adding to the arts landscape of the Sunshine Coast has been an important drive for Riley Cope and Marina de Jager, two local creatives. From auditions to curtain calls, theatre is a joyous experience that builds community and culture. Adding to the arts landscape of the Sunshine Coast has been an important drive for Riley Cope and Marina de Jager, two local creatives. Having contributed to various projects that have propelled the Sunshine Coast arts scene forward over the last

Sculpture on the Edge 2026 Sculpture on the Edge is a renowned annual sculpture competition hosted by Arts Connect Inc., set against the stunning backdrop of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. In 2026, the exhibition will feature selected entries from artists near and far, displayed at Flaxton Gardens—one of the region’s most scenic venues, with panoramic views from Noosa to Caloundra. Artworks include indoor and outdoor sculptures across diverse media, with the winning artist awarded the $10,000 first prize, generously donated