The Gold Coast Multicultural Arts Group acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we create and work. We pay respects to the Kombumerri people of the Bundjalung, Mibiny, Ngarahngwal, and Yugambeh language groups. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today and to their ongoing sovereignty. | |
Workshops at GCMAGIC: Patina, Stained Glass Mosaic, and Collage | |
At GCMAGIC, we’ve had an incredible time hosting a variety of creative workshops recently, each designed to inspire and expand artistic skills within our community. Here's a recap of the different workshops that brought our members together for hands-on learning and creativity. | |
Our Patina Workshop was a fantastic experience where members explored the art of applying patina finishes to metal surfaces. Participants learned the essentials of surface preparation, patina application techniques, and the various ways to enhance the final texture and tone. The result? Stunning aged pieces that showcased the beauty of this timeless craft. | |
The Mosaic with Stained Glass Workshop was a hit with members keen to work with vibrant colours and intricate designs. This hands-on session introduced the delicate art of creating mosaics with stained glass pieces, focusing on cutting techniques, design layout, and grouting methods. Attendees crafted beautiful mosaic panels and gained a deeper appreciation for the patience and skill required to turn fragments of glass into cohesive works of art. Everyone walked away with a unique, colourful mosaic piece to display proudly. | |
Our Collage Workshop provided an opportunity for members to let their creativity flow freely by blending various materials, textures, and images into one-of-a-kind collages. Participants worked with paper, photographs, fabric, and found objects to create layered artworks that told personal stories or explored abstract ideas. The workshop encouraged experimentation, and the outcomes were as diverse as the artists themselves – from minimalist compositions to elaborate, textural masterpieces. | |
Each of these workshops brought a fresh perspective to traditional art forms, offering our members a chance to develop new skills and connect with fellow creatives. Stay tuned for more exciting workshops coming soon to GCMAGIC! | |
Appreciation Award for GCMAGIC | |
We are honoured to announce that GCMAGIC received an Appreciations Award from the Leader of the Opposition, David Crisafulli, and John-Paul Langbroek, MP, the Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism. The award was presented at a special ceremony held at Queensland Parliament House on 28th August. | |
This recognition highlights GCMAGIC’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural diversity and artistic innovation within the community. We are incredibly grateful for this acknowledgment and proud of the work we do in collaboration with talented local artists and our vibrant community.
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A heartfelt thank you to the Queensland Leader of Opposition - David Crisafulli and the Shadow Minister John-Paul Langbroek - MP and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism for supporting GCMAGIC with this prestigious Award which inspires us to continue fostering creativity and inclusion through the arts. | |
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To celebrate Multicultural Queensland Month, we hosted an exciting mixed-media art exhibition showcasing the creative works of artists based on the Gold Coast.
We had the opportunity to meet the talented artists behind the pieces, who explored various art forms such as patina, mosaic glass, and collage during workshops held in July.
The exhibition occurred from Thursday, 8th August to 19th August at the Robina Community Art Gallery. We enjoyed immersing ourselves in the vibrant artistic expression that reflects our diverse cultural landscape!
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August - A Busy Month of Multiculturalism! | |
Awards Multicultural Queensland | |
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August was a vibrant and eventful month for GCMAGIC, celebrating multiculturalism in full swing! A big thank you to Multicultural Affairs Queensland for inviting us to the Award Ceremony – it was an honour to be part of such a meaningful event.
We also had the fantastic opportunity to talk with Charis Mullen, Minister for Multiculturalism, on 23rd August at the Brisbane Convention Centre. It was a valuable chance to discuss the importance of fostering cultural diversity and inclusivity within our community.
A huge congratulations to all Award recipients.
We are proud to have been part of this incredible celebration and look forward to continuing our work to promote cultural unity through the arts.
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World of Cultures Queensland
We were very pleased to be invited by SSI to the 'World of Cultures' - an amazing and well-organised initiative in Butter Factory, Logan. The whole program was amazing. Thanks to Rose Vearing and Sahba Hamid for the kind invitation. at the iconic Kingston Butter Factory on the traditional lands of Yagara and Yugambeh to celebrate Logan’s multicultural heritage through vibrant art, live cultural performances, music, dance, and cuisine worldwide.
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Multicultural Australia is Queensland’s leading humanitarian settlement provider and is also working with individuals, communities, businesses, and government to contribute to building a more welcoming Queensland through advocacy, cultural training, and community events. | |
On 17th August, we hosted an engaging Lantern Making Workshop at the GCMAGIC Creative Space, where locals of all ages came together to craft their own beautiful, hand-made lanterns. The workshop was filled with creativity, laughter, and community spirit, as participants learned various techniques to design and decorate lanterns, each reflecting their style.
The lantern parade at HOTA on 24th August was incredible, with hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminating the night sky as participants proudly displayed their creations. The atmosphere was lively, filled with music and cultural performances, making it a true celebration of community and creativity. This event was part of LUMINOUS, an annual highlight organised by MCCGC, which celebrates the Gold Coast's cultural diversity through art and light. The parade was a powerful example of art's ability to bring people together, and the MCCGC team did an outstanding job in organising this vibrant community event.
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GCMAGIC at SWELL Sculpture Festival: A Creative Collaboration at Currumbin Beach | |
We’re proud to share the story of GCMAGIC’s recent participation in the SWELL Sculpture Festival at Currumbin Beach. This iconic event brought together artists from across Australia to showcase large-scale sculptures in a stunning beachfront setting, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with our contribution.
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Preparation: A Collaborative Effort
In the lead-up to the festival, GCMAGIC teamed up with local artists to design a sculpture that showcased their artistic vision while blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of Currumbin Beach. This collaboration was deeply enriching, with each artist contributing unique skills, including metalwork, ceramics, wood, and mixed media. Together, they created a piece symbolising unity and creative synergy.
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Installation & Presentation: Bringing Art to the Beach
In the lead-up to the festival, GCMAGIC teamed up with local artists to design a sculpture that showcased their artistic vision while blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of Currumbin Beach.
The unveiling of our sculpture at the SWELL Sculpture Festival was a huge success. The piece was warmly received by the public and praised for its innovative design and the collaborative spirit behind it.
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Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way.
We look forward to many more collaborative projects in the future!
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John-Paul Langbroek, the Surfers Paradise MP, made a generous donation to GCMAGIC, supporting our efforts to cover the materials costs. His contribution, aimed at fostering multiculturalism has been invaluable in bringing our projects to life. We’re incredibly grateful for his support, which has helped us continue our creative work. | | |
Parts of our sculpture, including a pink cube and textured spheres, all created in the Ashmore space kindly provided by the Rotary Club Broadbeach. These vibrant, contrasting forms are key to the sculpture, symbolising diversity and unity in our work. | | |
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Are you an artist residing on the Gold Coast? No matter your artistic discipline, we warmly invite you to join us as a GCMAGIC Artist Member. We host a wide array of events and programs, including exhibitions, art and craft showcases, skill-building workshops, writing and poetry sessions, cultural gatherings, and women's storytelling events. Our mission is to foster and support fresh, innovative ideas. Additionally, we can help you establish and expand your artistic practice, as well as guide you in securing grant funding. We are excited about the possibility of collaborating with you. Express your interest HERE.
The GCMAGIC team is eager to connect with local artists who share a passion for enhancing the arts and culture scene on the Gold Coast. We encourage artists to express their passions and dreams, inspiring community members to engage with and experience creativity alongside us.
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Free To Use Materials for Artists | |
GCMAGIC is inviting all our member artists to use materials that are available at the GCMAGIC office. The materials are for you to use if you need them. Please contact Nasrin at info@gcmagic.org.au with the subject MATERIALS to set a time for your visit. | |
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BRICKS Newsletter
Publisher: GCMAGIC
Director: Nasrin Vaziri
Editor: Andrea Castiglione
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