OUR MISSION

Supporting our members by connecting artists to opportunities that enhance and promote their creative practice, while raising the profile of the Sunshine Coast as a premier Arts Destination. Arts Connect Inc. (ACI) encourages excellence within local arts practices through shared social activities, workshops, collaboration, mentoring, exhibitions, and arts events. Arts Connect Inc. (ACI) is a not-for-profit art organisation.

OUR REACH

Arts Connect Inc. (ACI) supports and promotes the practice and enjoyment of the arts across the Sunshine Coast from Caboolture to Cooroy, in Queensland’s south-east. We coordinate a wide range of activities that provide opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their works within the Sunshine Coast and surrounds.

HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS

Social networking events and functions

Scheduled workshops subsidised by ACI

Collaborations with other artists and arts groups

Training in business, marketing, and creative mentoring

Opportunities for members to showcase and sell their work through Sculpture On The Edge, Exhibitions, and Open Studios

Monthly Newsletter packed full of arts news and events

Online resources designed to help emerging and established artists navigate the industry

Membership discounts at local supporters of regional arts on the Sunshine Coast

OUR SIGNATURE EVENTS

Sculpture On The Edge

Major Sculpture Award showcasing outdoor sculpture within the stunning hinterland landscape. Sculpture on the Edge (SOTE) is a great opportunity for Artists to showcase their works in the beautiful setting of Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny during October annually. This $10,000 art prize is open to local & national artists. The Spicers Group have kindly sponsored and hosted this event, and continue to do so supporting the Arts on the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast City Council are also a major partner, and without their financial support SOTE would not be possible. 

Arts Connect Group Exhibitions

Every year ACI host a members group exhibition, offering members the opportunity to show their work in a professional gallery space, located either locally or outside our region. 

Open Studios

The event Open Studios Sunshine Coast features artists opening their studios to the public with the option of a workshop component. In 2021 the first weekend the 20th and 21st March will see the Hinterland open its artist's studio doors, with the coastal areas the following weekend. This is bridged by 5 days of artist's workshops available to the public, as well as artists of all levels. We hope this event will bring many visitors to the region as well as generate income and exposure for artists. We have received grants from the Sunshine Coast Council and Regional Arts Development Fund, without whose support this event could not proceed.

Artist’s Workshops

Monthly ACI host a variety of artists workshops covering all creative disciplines as well as business and marketing, social media and web.

WHO CAN JOIN?

ACI is a not-for-profit organisation and membership is open to everyone – artist, art organisation or patron. Artist Membership is open to those working and living within our reach (see above), as they can best take advantage of their membership benefits. Art based organisations or businesses are also invited to become a Partner Member to keep up to date with everything going on in our amazing arts orientated region. We also invite all our valued patrons who are interested in supporting artists, the sale of their work, and who would like to be kept up to date on all the exciting events and workshops in the region to join as Patron Members at no charge.