Art Buffs, Here’s Where To Get Cultured In Brisbane
Grab your Monet and Gogh!
If you’re in need of a unique experience in Brisbane, why not indulge in these cultural happenings? This guide features seven to-dos for you to discover the city’s love of art. Pack your bags and prepare to embark on an artistic adventure!
Queensland Ballet
For the past 60 years, Queensland Ballet have been busy developing talented dancers and producing the most elegant shows that have not only impressed the dance community, but audiences around the globe. Each season, they run a handful of both classic and innovative shows from the dynamic contemporary Bespoke to the iconic Nutcracker. Check out their current and upcoming shows here.
QPAC
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is the state’s major performing arts venue supporting iconic companies such as Opera Queensland and Queensland Theatre. The striking concrete venue is located near the South Bank Parklands overlooking the Brisbane River.
They are the go-to for all official shows, musicals, and plays that tour around the country and promote local and emerging talent. In fact, in early February 2022, the Broadway hit Frozen the Musical will be coming to the Lyric Theatre in QPAC and you definitely can’t let this one go without snagging a seat.
The Fortitude Music Hall
If you’re on the lookout for an array of lively entertainment, then you need to check out The Fortitude Music Hall on Brunswick Street. The precinct is the largest ballroom-theatre styled venue in Australia and is perfectly reminiscent of the 1920s music era. Check out their upcoming shows here.
QAGOMA
The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art is a multi-exhibit museum showcasing jaw-dropping artworks of all periods. From large-scale installations to textile-based works, GOMA highlights stories, history, culture, and politics in a multimedia display of art.
In the spotlight, their current exhibit ‘The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ is a must see. The exhibit is a showcase of 69 projects of both new and recent work from emerging and established artists. APT10 will run from 4 December 2021 to 25 April 2022.
Brisbane Powerhouse
The city’s heritage Brisbane Powerhouse showcases just short of 1500 live shows every year. From live drama to hilarious stand-up, you’ll be sure to discover both the weird and the wonderful, including Brisbane Comedy Festival. The entertainment hub is uniquely situated in a former power station in New Farm and has a bar and kitchen inside perfect for a pre- or post-show pick-me-up.
Birrunga Gallery
As the only Indigenous-owned and operated art gallery and performance space in the heart of Meanjin (Brisbane) CBD, you’ll find an incredible showcase of mixed media artworks and handmade products by talented local First Nations artisans here. With the chance to shop original artworks and buy directly from a network of small Indigenous businesses, don’t forget to visit the cafe which utilises native herbs and ingredients to create unique flavours.
Ad Astra
An intimate theatre that’s woven itself into the tapestry of Brisbane culture, Ad Astra is a professional theatre company that seats only 50 people. Offering the opportunity to push limits without the fear of failure, here is where passionate creatives come together to perform both new and established work that will knock your socks off.
Art and the River Public Art Trail
If exercise is more your style, the Art and the River Public Art Trail is the perfect way to get both moving and cultured! The 2.4km walk spans along the picturesque Kangaroo Point boardwalk, overlooking the Brisbane River.
Along the immersive trail, you will find 12 artworks and sculptures. From large sunflowers to a flickering wind generator, these pieces incorporate nature to present an interactive piece – talk about unique!
Cloudland
Loud, bright, camp – does that sound like you? For those that are more into the nightlife and club scenes, then Cloudland is a must for your next night out. And if you’re feeling glamorous, then check out their Sunday night event, Fluffy!
Jessica Mauboy, Ricki Lee, and Paris Hilton are just some of the celebs that have graced the stage of Fluffy next to famous Drag Queens like Bianca Del Rio. Laugh away the night at their current Drag and Dine show, ‘Hey Felicia’ running until 25 March.
These artsy to-dos will be sure to wrap up your year with a high. While you’re out exploring the city, why not treat yourself the new restaurants on the Brisbane dining scene.
Header image: Tourism and Events Queensland
