Horizon Festival welcomes internationally acclaimed arts lead
The Sunshine Coast’s flagship arts event, Horizon Festival, is set to enter a bold new chapter with the appointment of internationally acclaimed arts leader Bec Martin as Festival Lead for 2026.
From May 1-10, Horizon will again offer contemporary art experiences that will delight and entertain audiences while reflecting the region’s diversity and connecting local stories with global conversations.
The appointment of Martin, widely recognised for her ability to transform festivals into inclusive, community-driven platforms, is a coup for the festival which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026.
Horizon is a key deliverable in the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038 and has been identified by Council to play a lead role in the cultural offer for the region during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was delighted to welcome Bec Martin into the team and looked forward to working collaboratively with her to deliver the best festival ever.
“Horizon is an important part of our region’s cultural story. With Bec at the helm, we’re confident the festival will continue to excite audiences, reflect our unique identity and celebrate our arts community ,” Mayor Natoli said.
“We’re proud to deliver a festival that brings people together through the arts and I’m excited to see the program when it’s revealed in February.
“For now, I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for what promises to be a wonderful 2026 festival.”
Festival Lead
At London’s VAULT Festival, Martin led a significant shift toward diversity, increasing representation of Global Majority, people with disabilities, economically marginalised groups and LGBTQI+ artists and voices.
At New Diorama Theatre she platformed emerging and mid-career talent, while positioning the venue as a cultural anchor – where creative work sparked conversations and brought people together.
Her approach promises to bring fresh energy and deeper community connection to the Sunshine Coast, ensuring Horizon continues to grow as a festival where local stories are celebrated and shared with the world.
Bec Martin said she was excited to return home as Festival Lead for Horizon Festival 2026, having grown up, trained and forged her career in Australia.
“Horizon Festival is about to enter a new creative chapter and it’s an honour to join the team and give back to the industry where I began my artistic practice,” Ms Martin said.
“I’m so looking forward to collaborating with Sunshine Coast artists and audiences to shape a program that is bold, inclusive and deeply connected to place.
“The festival already has an incredible reputation for showcasing local stories on national and international stages.
“Alongside the brilliant and talented team, we’ll build on that legacy and Council’s continued support of Horizon Festival allows us to create stronger partnerships, and greater opportunities for artists and audiences alike.”
Horizon 2025, Nic Morley, Yauar Warai Wandi – Sing, Dance, Gather
Looking ahead to Horizon 2026
Following a vibrant 2025 program that welcomed over 20,000 attendances across 50 events in 10 locations, Horizon Festival generated a $1.4 million economic impact and showcased the work of 557 artists, with 76% local representation.
The 2026 program will include:
- a continued commitment to First Nations leadership, cultural tourism, and audience engagement
- community activations that bring people together in unexpected ways
- site-specific works in natural environments across the Coast.
To be the first to hear about the 2026 program, subscribe to the Horizon Festival newsletter and join us on the journey.