Open To Opportunity: Noosa Open Studios
After a successful decade, one masterpiece event is looking for its next leader. Deb Caruso paints the picture.
Noosa Open Studios 2025 marked a major milestone, celebrating its 10th year as Queensland’s largest and most engaging open studios art trail with a resounding success that illuminated the Noosa region’s vibrant creative spirit.
Over ten days in October, 94 artists and galleries opened their creative spaces across five trails spanning hinterland hills, rainforests, the coastline, and charming townships; attracting over 16,000 visitors to explore, engage, and experience art at its most authentic.
Run by a passionate team of volunteers, the event generated a lively buzz that permeated streets, galleries, and creative spaces throughout Noosa, reflecting a decade of steady growth and deepening community connections.
Noosa Open Studios 2025 President Trevor Purvis said that there was a strong buzz in the region with the Noosa Open Studios flags visible throughout the region for this landmark celebration, underscoring the event’s broad reach and local enthusiasm.
The 2025 event featured many outstanding highlights, starting with a celebration of the ten-year anniversary where committee members, artists, sponsors and supporters reflected on the humble beginnings, challenges and success that has seen the event maintain the title of Queensland’s largest open studios art trail.
The prestigious Noosa Open Studios & Hinternoosa Prestige Art Auction at Lucio’s Marina was the largest ever and showcased works by the finest artists to raise more than $22,000 to fund ongoing marketing and event initiatives and a $2,200 donation to McGrath Foundation.
Not to be overlooked, the ArtCubes series of hand-painted cubes crafted in collaboration with the Cooroora Woodworkers Club and sponsored by Moon Mountain Sanctuary also saw auction success at The Doonan, adding a fresh, dynamic element to the festival’s fundraising and promotional efforts.
Collaboration with Sunshine Coast Open House helped to broaden audiences and share resources to mutual benefit, helping to create an even more compelling cultural landscape; and a series of workshops strengthened the engagement and skills of artists at all stages of their artistic journey.
The launch of the colourful Noosa Open Studios Trail Guide and associated App showcased the participating artists and galleries and proved indispensable for visitors planning their journey.
For locals and visitors alike, Noosa Open Studios strips away the barriers of the traditional gallery setting and invites art lovers to step directly into artist studios to gain unique insight into creative practices, witness art in progress, and purchase original works.
This accessibility and personal touch creates an intimate atmosphere rare in larger arts festivals, fostering a deeper appreciation of and connection to the arts. It also provides artists with direct feedback, sales opportunities, and a platform to showcase their work in a supportive environment.
Beyond its artistic and cultural achievements, Noosa Open Studios stands as a model of volunteer-driven success and the tenth anniversary not only celebrated a decade of cultural contribution but also set the stage for a promising future.
It illustrated the power of passionate volunteers and a committed committee in sustaining and growing an event that is vital to Noosa’s cultural identity and tourism appeal.
The robust ten-year history of the event owes much to a dedicated team of volunteers and committee members who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to coordinate the many facets of the ten-day program from marketing and logistics to artist engagement and visitor support.
The rewards of volunteering extend far beyond event duties. Volunteers gain a unique insider’s view of the creative process, meet a broad spectrum of passionate artists and art lovers, develop community connections, and contribute meaningfully to Noosa’s cultural assets.
Many volunteers describe their experiences as profoundly rewarding, noting that their work fosters personal growth, new friendships, and a sense of purpose. Serving on the committee offers leadership opportunities that help develop skills in event management, communications, sponsorship, and community engagement.
Outgoing president Trevor Purvis highlighted the vital role played by volunteers in making the event a continual success and issued a call for new leaders and committee members to take part in shaping this remarkable event, ensuring Noosa remained a beacon for artists and art lovers alike.
“We are urgently needing next year’s leaders to step up and make a difference,” he said. “The benefits of being involved go beyond the immediate achievements of the event. The volunteer framework nurtures a creative and supportive environment where people can develop expertise while contributing to a signature cultural experience that attracts visitors from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
Involvement connects participants with Noosa’s affluent and engaged audience, enhancing social ties and professional networks. The organisation invites new committee members and volunteers to inject fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the governance and delivery of Noosa Open Studios.
This opportunity includes the prestigious role of president – a position that offers the chance to steer a well-established, high-profile event with strong community roots and wide artistic influence.
As the festival looks toward its next chapter, the call to action is clear: the continued success and evolution of Noosa Open Studios depends on people willing to bring fresh energy. Those who embrace this invitation will find themselves at the heart of one of Queensland’s most enriching creative events, enjoying meaningful connections, a sense of achievement, and the joy of celebrating art in its many forms.
Congratulations to the volunteers and committee who have built such a strong event over the past decade.
If you feel this could be the start of your masterpiece, scan the QR code in the mag to find out more or email Trevor to express your interest: president@noosaopenstudios.com.au
