A creative makeover for the Caloundra Bus Interchange

The Caloundra Bus Interchange building has been undergoing an exciting transformation in recent weeks, and on October 10 Sub Tropic Studio was unveiled - a vibrant creative hub of artist studios, workshops and exhibition spaces.

The recently unused space was given the creative makeover thanks to a joint initiative between Sunshine Coast Council’s Creative Spaces program and the Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance.

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the Sub Tropic Studio project was another great example of the creative evolution happening in Caloundra.

“Increasing the available studio and exhibition space for artists is a key action in the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan, and Sub Tropic Studio is the latest addition to our growing creative network,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Finding a new purpose for the bus interchange space is something we’ve been working on for quite some time, so it’s exciting to see this healthy, smart and creative solution come to fruition.

“The new studio provides a great space for artists to work and collaborate and it will also be a wonderful welcome for residents and visitors as they step off the bus and experience Caloundra’s thriving creative centre.”

Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance president Phil Smith said Caloundra was becoming a creative hub with artisan shops, cafes, an impressive public art trail, Caloundra Regional Gallery and now the new Sub Tropic Studio.

“I know artists across the region will be excited by the opportunities this unique new space and the model that underpins it provides,” Mr Smith said.

“We’ve launched our summer program of workshops, there’s a fun exhibition by artist Paper Amy and open studios already buzzing with activity thanks to our resident artists Karina Jean Sharpe, Toni Klapper, Marni Stuart, Jake Moss and RUN ARI.

“So if you’re an artist or creative looking for space to practice, I encourage you to check out the new Sub Tropic Studio website.”

To find out more visit www.subtropicstudio.com

Sub Tropic Studios is the latest in a range of creative activities happening in Caloundra supported by the Place2 Project, including the laneway beside the Transit Centre that has been transformed with an eye-catching mural, and a touch of astro-turf, by Brisbane-based artist Leans. This mural was also supported by the Downtown Caloundra Taskforce and the Caloundra CBD Parking Meter Surplus funds.

Council also recently held expressions of interest for Place2Play, a project that will activate Downtown Caloundra with creative, temporary community-driven activations in early 2020.

To find out more about all of the creative happenings across the Sunshine Coast visit council’s website – www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast/Arts-and-Culture