By Sonia Isaacs
THE Sunshine Coast’s premier arts festival, Horizon, officially launched last Wednesday (February 26), with a vibrant gathering of creatives, arts supporters, business owners, and local and state representatives at The Rooftop Bar Maroochydore.
Spanning 10 days from May 2, Horizon 2025 will feature more than 50 events across 10 locations, celebrating the region’s rich artistic landscape through visual art, performance, music, and more.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli officially launched the event, and said the festival was deeply rooted in the local culture, developed in collaboration with artists, producers, communities, and Traditional Owners.
“Our flagship arts festival celebrates the stories and beauty of our special region,” Mayor Natoli said.
“It also provides a platform for our artists to showcase their practice, while connecting and inspiring communities.”
This year’s program includes internationally acclaimed artists exhibiting on the Sunshine Coast for the first time, alongside local talent debuting new work commissioned by the Council.
Events will span various locations across the region, from the hinterland towns of Mapleton, Maleny and Kenilworth to the streets of Maroochydore and Nambour, and out to the coastline of Coolum to Alexandra Headland.
Horizon has twice been named ‘Best Regional Event’ at the Australian Event Awards, cementing its reputation as an exciting draw card in the national arts calendar.
This year’s festival theme is ‘radical hope’—with a call to move toward collective action, shared purpose, and resilience. Horizon 2025 asserts that the creation and experience of art is a transformative act that can unite communities and inspire new possibilities.
Sunshine Coast Council Horizon Creative Director Megan Rowland said the festival celebrated the intersection of art, people, and place.
“This year, we embrace hope—not as wishful thinking, but as a force for change,” Ms Rowland said.
“Expect live music in unexpected places, dance that moves you, art and technology collaborations, exhibitions and installations, family-friendly events, bespoke food experiences, and more.”
Festival highlights include:
- Opening Night Street Party on Ocean Street, Maroochydore (May 2)
- Light Line Jinibara Country (May 2-11): A reflective First Nations music work at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve; and
- Supperclub Mapleton Dining Experience (May 4): A collaboration between top chefs, regenerative farmers, and artists.
horizonfestival.com.au
Bevilacqua at the Photo Corner
Agency.
Cr Bunnag and Cr Broderick
Stewart, Rebecca Burns.
Teddy H.
Aimee Gray.
