If you think you can only find quality art in the bigger cities, such as Sydney or Melbourne, think again. There is a plethora of incredible, quirky and original art spaces throughout the Gold Coast showcasing both local and national artists.
Offering a range of works to admire and catering for a range of tastes, such as sculptures, paintings or photography, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to art on the Gold Coast. So do yourself a favour, take a break from the beach and check out some of the inspiring and admirable artists and art spaces we have on our very own doorstep.
19 Karen Contemporary Art Space, Mermaid Beach
In the heart of Mermaid Beach’s industrial precinct lies the Gold Coast’s largest contemporary art treasure - 19 Karen Contemporary Art Space. Not only is entry free, but dogs are also welcome to this beautiful space that showcases over 100 emerging artists from Australia and abroad. Covering all genres, the space is also an art collector’s dream come true with a sizeable stockroom and plenty of art to choose from. 19 Karen will undoubtedly please any art snob and maybe even your puppy.
Who could ask for more - Dust Temple is a combination of an excellent cafe and bar, the host of life drawing sessions, poetry slams and art workshops, and also offers an endless and ever-changing creative space that will inspire even those of us who believe that paintbrushes are for cleaning window sills. Hosting a range of exhibitions throughout the year, Dust Temple also offers art studios to painters, sculptors and photographers and has even recorded music videos and short films onsite. If none of these tickle your fancy, well at least pop in for a coffee and some free-range eggs.
Art Lovers Australia, Southport
After being one of Australia’s top online galleries since 2016, Art Lovers Australia eventually opened up their first physical space on the Gold Coast in 2020 and since then the gallery, run by artists for artists, boasts an impressive collection of contemporary artworks. With their ongoing commitment to supporting local and emerging Gold Coast artists, as well as offering a plethora of events and creative workshops, Art Lovers Australia is definitely an affordable and unique experience for both art admirers and collectors.
Urban Paradise Gallery, Surfers Paradise
This not-for-profit gallery, located in the Chevron Renaissance Centre, not only has incredible art from high school students to renowned artists for sale, but also gives 100 percent of their sales to the artists. Featuring a wide range of artworks and genres, this cute little gallery is definitely worth a visit if you’re after something unique and quirky to hang on your walls.
HOTA Gallery, Surfers Paradise
Even though there’s a good chance you know about it, the $60.5 million HOTA Gallery had to be mentioned. Heralded as Australia’s largest gallery outside a capital city, the six level, incredibly breath-taking building has more than 2000m2 of gallery space and features local, national and international exhibits. There’s also a children’s gallery and guided tours available if you’re that way inclined. Did I mention there is also a rooftop showcasing views of the Gold Coast and a delectable onsite restaurant. Even if you’re not interested in art, the HOTA Gallery space in itself is a must-see.
Wayne Sorenson Gallery, Miami
World-renowned landscape photographer Wayne Sorenson, who frequents the Gold Coast market scene on a regular basis also has his very own art space in Miami, where you can go and check out his incredible aptitude for photography any day of the week. Not only is there a huge selection of framed artwork to purchase, however he also sells acrylic blocks, greeting cards and calendars, all of which make great and very unique, gifts. Definitely a must-see for the budding Gold Coast photographers.
Mint Art House, Burleigh Heads
Mint Art House is a totally artist-run studio and gallery space. Home to 15 artists, ranging from ceramicists to painters, to sculptors, Mint is a collaborative studio that hosts artist-run workshops and exhibitions to the public. At Mint, the artists believe that art isn’t meant to be experienced exclusively in a white-walled gallery.
Maverick Hair And Art Space, Coolangatta
Need a hair cut? A book? A new painting? Maverick Hair and Art Space in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast has it all and more. Located in an industrial-style loft space on Griffith Street, this salon not only gives you a haircut, but also showcases a range of local and emerging artist’s works. If that’s not enough for you, they also have a range of art and design books, homewares and ceramics, all available for purchase, as well as monthly art exhibitions you can enjoy whilst getting your hair chopped, instead of having to read an outdated Vogue magazine.
Located on Tedder Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Anthea Polson Art is a beautiful little gallery that specialises in contemporary Australian art and sculpture. Her ever-changing exhibitions and well thought out curations, make a visit to this little Gold Coast gem a must. Given her wealth of experience within the industry, Anthea also offers art consultancy and interior design assistance to both artists and collectors.
