The controversial exhibition is alive and well, and it’s coming to the Gold Coast.
Life imitates art, as the old adage goes. That proved true last year when Ladies Lounge, an installation by Kirsha Kaechele at Tassie‘s Mona, became the centre of a legal controversy. Ladies Lounge is a lavish space filled with exclusive artworks – but they’re only visible to visitors who aren’t men.
The installation recreates and subverts gendered power imbalances by prohibiting men’s access to it. But the message behind the work came full circle when a disgruntled male museum visitor sued for gender discrimination.
After a lengthy legal battle, the artwork eventually won the right to exclude men, and recently concluded its acclaimed run in Mona earlier this year. Excitingly, and likely to the chagrin of that one guy that started this whole legal mess, Ladies Lounge is back – and it’s going on tour.
Leaving MONA (and Tasmania) for the first time, the work is coming to the Gold Coast where it will exhibit at Home Of The Arts (HOTA) for 10 days as part of contemporary arts festival BLEACH*. It will be on display for free (for gals only!) between 31 Jul and 10 Aug.
The Ladies Lounge leaves Tasmania for the first time and will appear in the Gold Coast’s HOTA Gallery as part of BLEACH* Festival. (Image: Supplied)
Also on the festival’s programming is a display of Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales, a conversation with acclaimed American artist Jeff Koons and other big names in the art. Beyond that, catch music, opera, drama, food and more. It’s an action-packed programme that’s putting the sunny region on the map as a contemporary arts hub.
No such thing as too much art? Plan a trip to our favourite Gold Coast art galleries while you’re there.
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.
Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.
The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.
1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025
While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.
Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.
In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.
Catch live music and more.
2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500
11-13 July, 2025
Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.
Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.
See supercars take over Townsville.
3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music
25 July – 2 Aug 2025
Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events, The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.
The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.
Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)
4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025
Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.
Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.
Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)
5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition
23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025
Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.
And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.
See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)
6. Wallabies v Argentina
6 September
Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.
The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.
See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)
