Horizon Festival 2019 program unveiled

Get set to immerse yourself in 10 arts-fuelled days and nights across the Sunshine Coast with the full Horizon Festival program now revealed.

From Maroochydore to the beaches and the hinterland, Horizon is set to take over the Sunshine Coast from August 23 – September 1 in a celebration of visual art, music, words and ideas, art, tech, film and much, much more.

In 2019 Horizon will take-over the emerging Maroochydore City Centre, transforming the space from construction site to the thriving creative hub of Horizon Festival 2019.

Festival Central (located on the corner of First Ave and South Sea Islander Way) invites you into the Sunshine Coast’s future city to explore and enjoy a 10-day program of free entertainment including Stalker Theatre’s Mountain, a stunning aerial theatre performance with cutting-edge interactive technology, plus creative workshops, live music, pop-up galleries and delicious local eats.

Festival Central is presented by council in partnership with SunCentral.

A highlight of the 2019 program is the Australian premiere of The Cold Record by Rude Mechs (USA).

The one-man show tells the story of a 12-year old boy who tries to break the record for the most days leaving school sick, and in the process falls in love with the school nurse and learns to appreciate punk rock.

The amazing festival program features work by well-known artists and performers including Jack Charles, Alice Skye, Jody Haines, Lincoln Austin, Michaela Gleave and Louise King.

Sunshine Coast Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Tim Dwyer said Horizon Festival provided a great opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy quality arts and cultural experiences right here on the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s wonderful to see local, national and international artists come together in a program that offers vibrant, fun and intriguing events for all ages,” Cr Dwyer said.

“With events right across the region, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy all that our healthy, smart and creative region has to offer.

“Whether you’re an avid arts lover or first-time festival goer, the program is bursting with events and activities to entertain and inspire all ages.”

Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said this year’s program showcased 10 incredible days to challenge, inspire or escape into - a remarkable mix of art forms and performances, many of which reveal or provoke what our unique sense of place is or can be.

“This year there are a number of more interactive events, that really engage the community and remind us just how diverse our region is becoming and how heritage provides some perspective on change,” Cr Baberowski said.

“I’m so impressed by the incredible workshop program, its expanded range offers an opportunity for people of all interests and ages to dive into this exciting wave of coastal creativity.”

Festival Director Zohar Spatz said Horizon connected and inspired people through art.

“The 2019 program was developed to celebrate our community identity and bring light to individual and collective stories and ideas,” Ms Spatz said.

“You can try new things, discover new ideas and immerse yourself in a celebration of arts and culture.”

View the full program and book your tickets now at www.horizonfestival.com.au.

Get social and share your festival experience using #horizonartfest

Here’s a taste of what’s to come:

A Galaxy of Suns – Michaela Gleave, Amanda Cole and Warren Armstrong

Bankfoot House | 31 Aug

A spectacular 32-part choir performance that ‘sings’ the stars as they rise and set over 360 degrees of the horizon.

[In]Place

Nambour | 24 Aug – 1 Sep

An interactive art trail showcasing five visual artists who have collaborated with experienced animator, Helena Papageorgiou, to transform their work into an animated an interactive experience supported by the EyeJack app. Artists are Carley Cornelissen, Claire Matthews, James Muller, Kellie O’Dempsey and Pamela See.

Jack Charles: A Born-again Blackfella

The Events Centre, Caloundra | 24 Aug

Join us in conversation with Jack Charles, one of Australia’s finest and most beloved actors, as we discuss his no-holds-barred memoir, A Born-again Blakfella. Uncle Jack will take us on a journey through his life from his side project as a cat burglar, battles with drug addiction and stints in prison, to gracing the nation’s stages and screens.

Snake Sessions

Alexandra Headland | 27 – 31 Aug

Sydney company Branch Nebula brings their breath-taking, anarchic street-style performance to the Alex Head’s skate park. The team will infiltrate the park for a week, jamming moves and tricks with local skate park users. They will finish with a spectacular improvised display on Saturday, August 31.

Revolve – Flipside Circus

Harmony, Palmview | 31 Aug – 1 Sep

Revolve brings together 12 of Queensland’s youngest circus stars, experienced artists and a live DJ to create a show that’s bursting at the seams with energy and fun. Circles, loops, wheels, group bikes, roller skates, unicycles and even a tractor tyre are jammed onto the stage to create a whirling cacophony of wheeling wonder.

Our People, Our Place – Jody Haines

Festival Central and Nambour | 23 Aug – 1 Sep

A large-scale photographic projection work that showcases and celebrates the rich diversity of our region. Combining portraiture, projection and sound, Our People, Our Place tells the story of 32 people from across the Sunshine Coast. Showcasing a refreshing honesty and intimacy, this project shares stories of pursuits of self-discovery and devotion to serving our community, from those who grew up here and those who chose to make the Sunshine Coast their home.

Horizon Festival is proudly presented by Sunshine Coast Council.

Horizon Festival is made possible with the support of SunCentral – delivering the new Maroochydore City Centre, the Queensland Government through the Regional Arts Development Fund, Cultural Heritage Levy, Harmony by AVID Property Group, Tourism and Events Queensland, Coastline BMW, Q Music, eventfinda, Visit Sunshine Coast, Grand Palais Beachside Resort, Creative Alliance, Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance, Create Noosa, Brisbane Festival, The Big Anxiety, PAC Australia, The Old Ambulance Station, My Weekly Preview, Kids on the Coast, ABC Sunshine Coast, The Various Artists, Scenestr, Mix and Sea FM, Seven News, Majestic Cinemas, The Events Centre Caloundra, University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery, C-Square, The Shed, Solbar, The Bison Bar, Venue 114, Budget, Remondis and Your Mates Brewery.