The picturesque scenery of the Sunshine Coast will play host to an array of local and national artists when the annual Horizon Festival kicks off this August.
Held across ten days and nights, the festival celebrates the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast and the diversity of its thriving arts industry; while its focus on First Nations storytelling and art pays respect to the Coast's traditional custodians the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples of coastal plains and hinterlands.
Exploring themes of people, arts, culture and place, this year’s programme features dance, music, theatre, film, visual arts and spoken word performances from artists including Kate Ceberano and Justine Clark; as well as workshops and family-friendly events dedicated to the region’s youngest festival-goers.
Now in its seventh year, the 2022 festival marks a return to in-person performances after a challenging two years which saw the festival move to a digital-only platform (2020) and operate with a restricted programme and limited performances (2021). This year also marks the third year of the festival’s Homegrown project (supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund) which supports local artists to develop and present their shows during the festival.
With so much on offer, we've compiled a list of five must-see performances.
'Sand' - Image © Itamar Freed
One
Sand (2-3 September).One of three Homegrown projects, contemporary dance piece ‘Sand’ explores the relationship between body and landscape, blurring the lines between dreams and reality while encouraging audiences to examine their own relationships with the landscape around them. Premiering at the Horizon Festival, ‘Sand’ is the result of a collaboration between Sunshine Coast-based choreographer and dance artist Courtney Scheu, international visual artist Itamar Freed and collaborators.
'Electrotropism' - Image - James Hornsby, Trapped (2016)
Two
Electrotropism (3 September, limited tickets).Curated by Amanda Bennetts and Warwick Gow, ‘Electrotropism’ is an immersive experience which combines art projections, soundscapes, installations and music. Featuring performers from Abstract Human Radio – a Brisbane-based project which focuses on surround-sound, projection, motion tracking and immersion experiences; and Unregistered Master Builder (artist Joseph Burgess) ‘Electrotropism’ promises an evening of beats, art, food and beverage as participants “step into the darkness and towards the light”.
'Silence Of The Jams' - Image © Ketakii Jewson-Brown
Three
Eddie Ray – Silence Of The Jams (30 August).Another Homegrown project, ‘Silence Of The Jams’ is a film and live concert rolled into one exciting experience. Set in a dystopian future where all live music has ceased and smartphones rule the world, the film follows Eddie Ray (Mark Gray) as he rides his motorcycle across the Sunshine Coast searching for the one weapon that can beat the machines. . . Music. The film’s original soundtrack unfolds live alongside the screening, performed by Eddie Ray and musicians Hayden Hack, Lee Hardisty, OJ Newcomb and Dee Bradbery.
'Peepshow' - Image © Andy Phillipson
Four
Circa’s Peepshow (26 August- 2 September).Brisbane based contemporary circus Circa presents Circa’s ‘Peepshow’, a stunning fusion of acrobatics, daring aerials and seductive burlesque which takes audiences on a journey into the weird and wonderful depths of their imagination. Directed by multi award-winning director Yaron Lifschitz, Circa’s ‘Peepshow’ features a soundtrack of original music by Ori Lichtik.
'Songs Of Gaia' - Image © Cooper Brady Photography
Five
Songs of Gaia (September 3).Celebrating its world premiere at the Horizon Festival, ‘Songs Of Gaia’ is a cross-cultural music performance which celebrates the beauty and power of Gaia (Mother Earth) and is presented by Ensemble Beyond Borders. Featuring internationally-renowned musicians, Ensemble Beyond Borders incorporates elements of Indigenous Australia, Papua New Guinea, Mongolia, Tibet, South India and Macedonian music culture to create unique music which reflects the cultural diversity of Australia. Pack a picnic and enjoy some world-class music as the sun sets over historic Bankfoot House.
Horizon Festival on the Sunshine Coast runs from 26 August-4 September.
