GC A CULTURAL DESERT NO MORE
WHAT do you get when you co-locate a library (knowledge centre), performing arts venue, a cultural incubator and education facility into one location? The new Broadbeach Cultural Precinct has arrived. A vision curated by the City of Gold Coast for our community, one which we should appreciate, as over a decade ago, to have this precinct would have been shelved or not classed as a priority.
The mix of infrastructure co-located within the precinct is unique and quite possibly a first in Australia. Providing valuable space for education, health and wellbeing and creativity to intersect outside of any one single institution is extremely exciting and presents unlimited potential for exchange and collaboration. The Broadbeach Cultural Precinct is a game-changer for the Gold Coast.
Open parklands, connectivity to the Nerang River and proximity to public transport – make this new precinct another fine example of the Gold Coast embracing its own style and cultivating its cultural DNA. It affirms the City’s commitment to the valuable role arts and culture plays in building social cohesion and connection between the diverse communities who call the Gold Coast home.
As Mayor Tom Tate said earlier this year: “This expansion will provide essential access to services and a diverse range of social, cultural health, fitness and educational activities for families, young people and seniors.”
Not only will the precinct provide valuable resources for the community, but it will also be home to a suite of outstanding Gold Coast arts and cultural organisations including, Placemakers* Gold Coast – the team behind BLEACH* and BIG CITY LIGHTS Festival, SWELL Sculpture Festival, The Farm,
Shock Therapy, Lann Levinge Events and Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators.
The expansion and renovation of both Albert Waterways and the former Life Education Building not only provides valuable access for the community, but offers purpose built spaces for the creation of new work for our artist community.
The latter is incredibly valuable when we consider the road towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Investing in and supporting Queensland, and more specifically, Gold Coast artists to develop their skills, refine their craft and tell the story of this place.
This new precinct complements the incredible facilities at HOTA and together they elevate the Gold Coast’s profile nationally and support a shift in the predictable narrative of our city as a cultural desert.
As the Gold Coast continues to grow, and the city’s demographic changes, as we attract new residents from larger metropolitan centres, a vibrant, contemporary cultural community, make for a vibrant, contemporary liveable City. Bring it on Gold Coast.
Rosie Dennis is the CEO Placemakers* Gold Coast and artistic director of BLEACH* and BIG CITY LIGHTS