5 things to check out during Festival 2018

If you’re a Griffith student, chances are you’ve heard a fair bit about the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) over the last couple of years. As an Official Partner, Griffith has been involved in the lead up to the Games, with students contributing through internships and other projects — but it’s not all about sport. Griffith is also Creative Arts Partner of GC2018, which means the University will also play a role in Festival 2018, the culture phenomenon coinciding with GC2018.

Across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns and Townsville, there are countless free events appealing to all audiences, including themed music festivals, physical performances, circus performances, interactive sculptures and activities, Indigenous workshops, dance routines and so, so, so much more! This very brief list will spotlight my personal favourite events that I am looking forward to!

Visit the Festival 2018 website to explore the full program. Note: while the events in Festival 2018 are free, some performances and workshops have limited seating, so get there early!

String Symphony
Evenings, from Friday 6 to Thursday 10 April
South Bank Festival Hub (near the Wheel of Brisbane)

Ever wanted to man a giant puppet? Well now you can! The Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is presenting ‘String Symphony’, a four-metre-tall puppet, right in the middle of South Bank! Pull its strings, and the rope-woven figure will dance its heart out! Perfect for all ages, this big guy is definitely not one to miss!

Impulse
Afternoons, from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 April
Surfers Paradise (on the beach)

The architects over at Lateral Office are introducing their coolest project yet – Impulse! Hitting the southern hemisphere for the first time ever, Impulse is a collection of musical see-saws that react with sound and light when bouncing up and down. Bring a few friends, and the see-saws will even harmonise with each other! With Queensland’s best beach in the background, this interactive installation is perfect for both big and small kids.

Arboria
All day, every day from Thursday 5 to Sunday 15 April
Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach

Have you ever wanted to just escape reality, and transport into a completely different world? The giant, inflatable maze of Arboria – Architects of Air is perfect for you! This walk-in sculpture will dazzle you with its beautiful light and atmosphere. Making its debut in Kurrawa Park, this luminarium is perfect for getting away!

RITE
All day, from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 April
Roundabout Stage, Broadbeach

The Roundabout Stage is the perfect location for those who are into the death-defying and the simply jaw-dropping. This stage (an actual roundabout turned into a performance stage) will host a variety of circus performances, including Rite, a world premiere by the Australian group Circa. These acrobats will give you a performance you’ll never forget!

Weaving Water Stories
All day, every day from Thursdya 5 to Sunday 15 April
Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach

One of the many benefits to hosting a culture festival in Australia is that we get to celebrate and spotlight Indigenous culture, in as many ways as possible! One of the many different activities that up for offer includes the ‘Weaving Water Stories’ workshop. Run by Freja Carmichael & Lisa Sorbie-Martin, two incredible women, this world-premiere workshop teaches participants how to weave a giant art installation, while also listening to water stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander weavers. For those who want to brush up on their Indigenous knowledge, this is just one of the many incredible events for you!

Those are just some of the many different events that you can get involved in during GC2018. I hope to see you there!

 

By Ami Goeree