Conrad Square was tired of living in such a beautiful area with an envious lifestyle that has little creative buzz. So he took it upon himself to open an art gallery on the Sunshine Coast that provides creatives a stage to project their voice – 'Square & Friends'.
“I've lived on the Sunshine Coast for the better half of 28 years and this place just doesn't seem to be expanding its outlook on creativity or opening its mind. It's a beautiful place to live, but as a creative, it's very challenging to gain any sort of recognition for all the hard work you do, let alone a pay check at the end of any particular job.“Instead of whinging about it I chose to do something about it. Art and graffiti are not things you can look at on your computer or phone. There is no emotion attached when looking at someones creation through a screen. It's like looking at a historical monument in person or looking at the photo. They are worlds apart. So I really wanted the creative scene on the coast to have somewhere to go to get inspired and connect with other like minded people.”
Stocking designer toys, books, zines, clothing, paint markers and anything else your right brain desires, 'Square & Friends' has shelving available for locals to rent out to sell their creations. This lets people showcase their artistic talents without having to occupy the whole space. An articulate space where Conrad hopes to introduce and educate Sunny Coasters to the world of art, 'Square & Friends' showcases not just fine art, but are on all levels and styles.
“I'm so bored of people raising an eyebrow every time something 'different' is going on that they don't totally understand. I totally respect that people move to the Coast 'cause of its 'small town' lifestyle, but this doesn't mean you have to have a small mind in terms of something you don't understand.”
Currently exhibition a group show of Queensland/Australia up-and-comers, all the artists in the show (including: Kiss, Ekaer, John Kaye, Reals, Mouf and Buttons) played a big part in helping Conrad in his personal art career. Mostly from a street art/graffiti background, 'Friends' is an exhibition to help say thank-you. The response to their work has been so positive that the show has been extended until the end of October.
With a few big European artists lined up for later in the year and early next year (but it's all hush hush at the moment), Conrad would love his space to be filled with local talent.“... there is so much [local talent] going round at the moment. Brisbane has blossomed enormously in the past few years with a few artists going international. So I don't see why the Sunshine Coast can't follow suit. We just have to project our vision in the right way for people to be accepting of it.”
Stay tuned for all the future events at 'Square & Friends'. 
