SCU creative showcase hits the Gold Coast

The Southern Cross Arts Festival is a celebration of music, art and creativity, says artistic director Professor Matthew Marshall.

From May 18- 31 the Kirra Hill Cultural Centre at Coolangatta will be a hub for students, artists and the community when it comes alive with an exhibition of artwork by Southern Cross University’s senior visual arts students.

The festival’s Gold Coast showcase event, an outdoor music concert on 23 May, will see renowned didgeridoo player and ARIA winner William Barton perform with experimental guitarist Anthony Garcia. They will be joined by local artists for a night of diverse performance.

Professor Marshall said the festival was an opportunity for the University to connect with students, staff and the community at a creative level.

“The festival is running across the University’s three campuses at the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour over eight months,” Professor Marshall said.

“The aim is to improve the student experience, attract artists to the University and provide the opportunity for current and former students to exhibit their work.”

Performing at the concert alongside William Barton and Anthony Garcia are local bands High Tide, winners of the 2015 Tweed Battle of the Bands, and the University’s own Parkside Orchestra, winners of the National University Band Competition, and psychedelic/electro duo Nocturnal Tapes.

The art exhibition runs from May 18-31, 8.30am-4.30pm daily. Entry is free.

The concert will be held on Saturday 23 May from 4pm-9.30pm and is free for Southern Cross University students and staff, with general entry $10.
Photo: William Barton and Anthony Garcia will perform at the Southern Cross Arts Festival on the Gold Coast.