A New Horizon with Horizon Festival
Awe-inspiring spectacles, thought-provoking experiences and eclectic fusions of performance, art, music and film are coming to the Sunshine Coast! Jodie Cameron discovers what’s on the Horizon…
Art transcends the mind, music lights up the soul, dance liberates the body, and embracing collective action ignites a fire in the belly! Connection to land incites hope – radical hope –and the Sunshine Coast’s premier contemporary arts festival, Horizon, is reaching bold new heights when it celebrates its ninth year of art, people and place in 2025. Set over 10 show-stopping days with more than 50 entertaining and evocative events on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Horizon urges you to move beyond passive optimism by witnessing and experiencing art as a radical act – one that brings together communities and encourages new ways of thinking.
With more than 50 events spanning the coastline, urban streets and hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, the program promises exploration of the region’s stunning natural landscape! From a farm tour and feast in Mapleton, to a stirring First Nations collaboration at Stumers Creek, Coolum – and activations in the boroughs of Maroochydore and Nambour – the program is presented in collaboration with Traditional Owners, community, artists, producers, organisations and businesses. Discover free and ticketed events for all including live music and performances in unexpected places, art and technology, exhibitions and installations, plus bespoke food experiences.
Horizon Creative Director Megan Rowland said the 2025 program aims to inspire us to feel hopeful during these strange times.
“In a time of uncertainty – economic, environmental, social and political – we often turn to art not just for entertainment and escape, but to reflect, respond, challenge and inspire,” Megan said. “Horizon 2025 is grounded in the proposition of ‘Radical Hope’ – the idea that hope is not merely a sentiment, but a verb; an act of defiance and rebellion.”
With local, national and internationally-renowned artists, Horizon promises something different to everyday life – an inspiring experience, a moment of wonder, or a story you’ve never heard!
“The Horizon team is deeply engaged in the national arts sector, and works closely with local communities, businesses and organisations to create a program that reflects the magic of our region,” Megan said. “Rooted in the belief that change emerges from community-driven efforts, we call on diverse people to unite, connect and consider new futures.”
If you’re like me, and you’ve been a Horizon fan since day one, then you’ll already be madly mapping out your schedule so you don’t miss a thing, but for those of you yet to experience this bold contemporary festival – prepare to clear your calendar!
This year’s edition will deliver an exciting lineup of performances. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the music program is a standout with Australian hip hop artist BARKAA closing the Opening Night Street Party on Ocean Street. She also highlighted key collaborations which festival-goers should look out for.
“We’re also delighted to have Patricia Piccinini’s hot air balloon Skywhale Family, toured by National Gallery Australia,” she said. “This is just one of the national collaborative projects presented by the festival in partnership with Caloundra Regional Gallery.”
Mayor Natoli added that there will be several ways for locals to get involved in the creative activities including the Us, And All of This performance by Liesel Zink.
“Our libraries are also working with Horizon, offering a series of free, hands-on art workshops, where our community can embrace creative collaging, interactive electronics, lo-fi prototyping and digital storytelling to create a Radical Hope Machine,” she said.
If you love to groove, make sure you’re part of the 100-strong group who will move together in an act of radical slowness for Us and All of This, unfolding at Alexandra Headland as part of The Last Sunday. In addition to BARKAA, the music program is bursting at the seams with top tier performers. You do not want to miss the Solbar programs with the likes of C.W. Stoneking, Full Flower Moon Band and Sunshine Coast firsts like the super fun and kooky Queer Powerpoint and Social Muscle Club.
For the first time in over 20 years, under the cultural leadership of Lyndon Davis, Yauar Warai Wandi – Sing, Dance, Gather will bring together Traditional Dance groups – Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, Quandamooka, Butchulla, Kuranda and Tribal Experiences – in a celebration of traditional dance, song, music, language and storytelling.
And for something a little different, Electro House Wife offers the most fun you’ll ever have while thinking about housework, with electronic instruments custom-made from household items such as ironing boards. Experience new work by Vernon Ah Kee, curated by Experimenta for the Festival Precinct Urban Gallery and presented alongside a collection of locally-made works, such as the The Daily Muse presenting daily news like you’ve never seen before; Confashional where you can confess your fashion sins; or step into the neon-lit dreamscape of Tokyo Rain! Plus performance enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Queensland premiere of Phantom Femme Fatale and BERSERK, along with The Farm’s Hold Me Closer Tony Danza at the Old Ambo’s Blackbox Theatre.
Every arts festival needs an epic closing weekend, and Horizon certainly doesn’t disappoint. Kick up your heels in Kenilworth as the town transforms for OK Kenilworth, a fusion of live music, food and art. The Last Sunday event at Alexandra Headlands runs all day and promises family fun in many forms: think live music, workshops, skateboarding competitions and more. And don’t miss the Sunset Wrap Party at Solbar (Horizon’s official closing party), as we bid farewell to this very special festival for another year.
“Art becomes a collective experience – a means to process, dissect, reveal, learn, connect, challenge, share perspectives, and expand our understanding,” Megan said. “It offers opportunities to see in ways we’ve never seen, reflect on what and how we understand and embrace joy, wonder, freedom, energy, inspiration. Art reminds us what we are fighting for and living for.”
So, gather your tribe and connect, get lost, be captivated and challenged as Horizon presents a place to wander and wonder through new art, music, performance and digital realms!
Check out the program and book your tickets now! We’ll see you on the Horizon…
ON THE HORIZON
Horizon Festival, 2-11 May 2025
Opening Night Street Party
Friday 2 May, 5pm – 8.30pm
Festival Precinct, Ocean Street, Maroochydore. Free + ticketed events.
Closing Weekend
Friday 9 May – Sunday 11 May.
Various free & ticketed events.
For more information, to view the full program and purchase tickets, follow @horizonartfest on Instagram or visit www.horizonfestival.com.au
