A 10-day festival will return to the Sunshine Coast with a packed program of art, music and performance in stunning settings.
Horizon 2025 will boast more than 50 events at 10 locations.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the event was connected to place and would be presented in collaboration with artists, producers, communities and Traditional Owners.
“Our flagship arts festival celebrates the stories and beauty of our special region and provides a platform for our artists to showcase their practice, while connecting and inspiring communities,” she said.
“This year’s program features internationally-acclaimed artists showing on the Sunshine Coast for the first time, together with much-loved Sunshine Coast-based artists displaying new work that has been commissioned by council.
“We are incredibly proud of our festival. Whether it is enjoying an arts experience at a hinterland pub in Mapleton or Kenilworth, the magic of Stumers Creek in Coolum, the urban streets of Maroochydore and Nambour, or the stunning coastline of Alexandra Headland, we invite you to explore our special region.
“Under the guidance of Gubbi Gubbi elder Lyndon Davis, Horizon’s signature Dawn Awakening event has evolved to become Yauar Warai Wandi – Sing, Dance, Gather.
“Now spanning a full afternoon culminating at sunset, visitors will experience a historic gathering of traditional dance groups from surrounding Gubbi Gubbi Country, in a celebration of traditional dance, song, music, language and storytelling at Stumers Creek Park, Coolum.
Since its inception, Horizon has generated more than $16 million in economic benefit, employing 6798 creatives and attracting 319,192 attendees.
The festival has twice been named Best Regional Event at the Australian Event Awards.
Creative director Megan Rowland said, at its heart, the festival celebrated the intersections of art, people and place on the Sunshine Coast.
“This year we embrace hope, not as wishful thinking, rather as a force for change,” she said.
“Through collective action and creative expression, we reimagine what’s possible.
“Expect live music in unexpected places, dance that moves you, art and technology, exhibitions and installations, events for the whole family, bespoke food experiences and more.”
The festival kicks off with a street party bringing live music, performance, art, family activities and more. You’ll find a diverse collection of works nestled into streets, laneways and the Big Top Shopping Centre, blurring the lines between physical, artistic and digital realms. This free-to-enjoy urban gallery will feature inspiring work from visionary Queensland, Australian and internationally acclaimed contemporary artists, and is suitable for art lovers of all ages.
In the evenings, live at Solbar sees BARKAA, C.W. Stoneking or Full Flower Moon Band as well as firsts for the Sunshine Coast including Queer Powerpoint, Electro House Wife, Eddie Ray – The Sequel and much more.
For program information and to get tickets, festival updates and behind the scenes info, head to horizonfestival.com.au.
