One of Australia’s most unique contemporary arts and culture festivals BLEACH* is back on the Gold Coast for 2025 with a revitalised direction under a guest Artistic Director and a powerful lineup of 100+ events spanning 11 days from 31 July – 10 August.
With a fresh curatorial vision from acclaimed Australian visual artist Michael Zavros and new performance sites including HOTA, Home of the Arts, Kurrawa Beach, and Emerald Lakes, BLEACH* promises to captivate audiences with a blend of art, music, spectacle, storytelling and food-driven experiences.
From intimate performances in the HOTA Gallery, to bold outdoor creations, and live performances at Kurrawa Beach, this year’s program features 20+ shows and a curated mix of live music, visual art, dance, participatory experiences and culinary provocations – all designed to spark conversation and connection.
With three world premieres created on the Gold Coast, alongside five Queensland premieres and a hand-picked selection of standout works from across the country, immersive experiences and world-class collaborations, this year’s program champions local excellence.
The festival will kick off at sunrise on 31 July with Patricia Piccinini’s much-loved Skywhale (2013) and Skywhalepapa (2019-20). Presented in partnership with National Gallery of Australia, it will take to the skies in a stunning aerial performance — a gentle, surreal celebration of nurture and community.
In a first, Australian artist Kirsha Kaechele will take her provocative installation Ladies Lounge outside of MONA to the HOTA Gallery. This living artwork blends live performance, poetry and talks in a boldly feminist space. And yes, some boys may be allowed in for domestic arts lessons and reparations.
Proudly presented by The Star Gold Coast, Cavalcade is set to be a breathtaking fusion of opera, classical music and dancing horses. It will be staged oceanside at Kurrawa Beach, and champion dressage riders John Thompson and Katharine Farrell.
The festival program also features major world premieres including Breaking Into Heaven, a genre-busting live performance of Selve’s new album recorded at Abbey Road. Performed in full with the Australian Session Orchestra, lasers, immersive visuals, and dancers from Karul Projects, it promises to be an electrifying outdoor spectacle at HOTA.
Presented in partnership with the National Gallery and the American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia, BLEACH* 2025 will feature a rare and exclusive In Conversation event with iconic contemporary artist Jeff Koons. Known for his bold, genre-defying works that straddle pop culture and fine art, Koons will share insights into his creative process, career and global influence.
In a high-energy tribute to the Sunday sessions that put Fisherman’s Wharf on the map in the 90s, Drum As You Are will transform the HOTA Lawn into a family-friendly celebration with professional and community drummers reimagining the raw energy of Nirvana’s Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero.
Minister for the Arts John Paul Langbroek said:
“Boasting an impressive program with more than 100 events and five world premieres, with this year’s Guest Artistic Director Michael Zavros at the helm the festival showcases our state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support our talented arts sector to bring BLEACH* to life with contemporary theatre, visual art, and eclectic performances spanning the Gold Coast this year at several new and exciting venues.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said:
“Events like these are great attractions for locals. We know interstate and international visitors plan their visits to Queensland with events like these in mind. That’s why the Crisafulli Government is proud to support BLEACH. We want Queensland to be the events capital of Australia, as part of our 20 year Tourism Plan.”
Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said:
“Growing our city’s arts and culture scene is a high priority for council. Bleach has been an integral part in our city’s arts and cultural storybook for 14 years and I know the 2025 festival will not disappoint. Prepare for 11 days of ‘wow’ moments and memories to last a lifetime.”
Artistic Director Michael Zavros said:
“It’s such a thrill to come on board as guest Artistic Director and launch BLEACH* 2025. We’ve been shaping this festival for some time now, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the program come to life and finally share it with our audiences.
We’ve dreamed big this year – pushing for bold, ambitious moments. It’s exciting to see those ideas realised in such powerful ways. BLEACH* continues to play a vital role in the Gold Coast’s arts and culture scene. This year’s program is a true reflection of the city’s creative spirit and growing artistic ambition.”
With a strong commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and place-based storytelling, BLEACH* continues to push the boundaries of what a regional arts festival can be. The festival promises to be a must-see arts and cultural festival for locals and visitors.
The full program can be found at hota.com.au/bleach
BLEACH* Festival runs from 31 July to 10 August at Home of the Arts (HOTA), Emerald Lakes and Kurrawa Park on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Tickets: https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/festivals-and-series/bleach-2025
Website: http://hota.com.au/bleach
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hotagc/
Hero image: Kirsha Kaechele in Ladies Lounge. Image supplied
BLEACH* is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of Education, and through Tourism and Events Queensland.
ABOUT BLEACH*
BLEACH* is the Gold Coast’s annual contemporary arts festival. The festival has a growing national and international reputation for creating experiences and telling stories that are out of the box, authentic and uniquely connected to place. BLEACH* is proudly local, celebrating the city’s best artists. It welcomes renowned Australian and international artists through a range of art experiences. Their focus is on strengthening the Gold Coast’s position as Australia’s premier tourism destination, being a home of major events, a preferred place to study and delivering arts and cultural experiences.
