Creative Arts Safe Space!
Thank you to our amazing sponsors who have made this brand new creative arts safe space program possible!
This project is supported by the City of Gold Coast through the Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
We cannot be more excited to introduce a fabulous new offering for our rainbow community at the Gold Coast Pride Festival in 2024:
Our brand new, ARTIST-LED Creative Arts Safe Space!
We have comedy, soft sculpture, poetry, circus, collage and so much more! We can't wait for you to experience this wonderful sensory space, which is all-ages and designed to be accessible and safe for the whole community, with special consideration for our neurodivergent folks.
It's far away from the hustle and bustle of the main stage to be low-key, low-stress and lightly sociable - but still deeply part of the community!
Here's what's in store!
JD Zamora - Comedy Space
Queer comedy sensation JD Zamora will lead a low-key space for ideas about making comedy while being queer and autistic. You can bring any jokes you want to work on, or just come along and learn about the art and science of being funny when you're queer and on the spectrum!
More about JD
Lucian Marine - The Creating Space
Art therapist Lucian Marine will lead the Creating Space, a drop-in creative chill zone, where you can come and sit, draw, colour-in, collage, or add to our community art work any way you choose. It's free and all materials are provided. You can chat, or not, wear headphones, bring your own craft projects or sensory toys, and leave whenever you like. Everyone is welcome, including dogs.
More about Lucian
Briony Barr - Collaborative Soft Sculpture
Artist Briony Barr will work with Pride-goers to create a gorgeous, branching, rainbow sculpture, inspired by trees, corals, crystals, fractals and chandeliers. This communal creative process will connect people in a soft and gentle way as we work together to join hundreds of colourful chenille stems and grow a vibrant new life-form!
More about Briony
Emma Simington - Queer Poetry Space
Talented local poet Emma Simington will lead a low-key discussion on queer poetry, including techniques and tactics for connecting with identity in an empathetic and poetic way. You're welcome to bring your own poetry or poetic ideas or to just sit back and enjoy the conversation!
More about Emma
Circus Workshop
Roll-up, roll-up! The circus is in town! This Circus Workshop is an immersive experience for any aspiring performers to hone their skills, discover their potential, and fall in love with the magical world of circus arts. Blending acrobatics, clowning, and aerial arts, experienced performance coaches will generate a truly inclusive, supportive and nurturing circus space for everyone. All ages and abilities are welcome!