Bleach* Surfing the Fringe Festival Readies for Debut

Gold Coast, Australia, 12th December 2011 ~ For those who can’t get enough surf, sand and sun, brace yourself - Bleach* Surfing the Fringe is coming.

The Gold Coast’s inaugural Surf Culture Festival will celebrate artistic expression and creativity inspired by surf and beach culture via an eclectic mix of pop up art installations, photography exhibitions, film screenings, music, food, theatre and fashion events all targeted to represent the surf lifestyle. Bleach* will descend on the spectacular beaches, foreshores and major venues unique to the Southern Gold Coast from 11- 26 February, 2012.

An initiative of Connecting Southern Gold Coast, Bleach* will showcase the work of over thirty local and international artists, including celebrated designer, artist and photographer Claudio Kirac, photographers Ted Grambeau, Shelli Bankier, Peter Joli Wilson Trent Mitchell and Sean Scott, and author Tim Baker, with more to be announced.

Louise Bezzina, Artistic Director of Bleach* and Creative Producer Events and Festivals at Connecting Southern Gold Coast, said the festival will incorporate more traditional gallery settings like Surf World Gold Coast as well as a series of beachside pop up events liberally scattered across the coast, including art housed in shipping containers, mobile music truck concerts, children’s theatre performances and workshops, a street party in Currumbin, exclusive gourmet dining events, and outdoor projections and cinematic experiences.

“All the events will be geographically spread out and held over different time-frames, making each event seem small and organic in feel, yet Bleach* will be the largest arts festival in geographic size, scope and duration ever held on the Gold Coast. And despite the Gold Coast being home to many of the world’s most iconic surf breaks, it will also be the first time that the Gold Coast has hosted a festival that explores the creative side of surf culture. So it’s set to be really unique experience, and we’re expecting a great response,” Bezzina said.

Bleach* will also be timely. This two-week celebration will ignite across the Southern Gold Coast’s iconic surf spots and entertainment venues while the world spotlight is upon them. Nestled in timeframe between elite surfing events like the Breaka Burleigh Pro, the Kirra Teams Challenge, and the world tour Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro, Bleach* Surfing The Fringe will showcase Gold Coast’s surf inspired arts and culture to countless thousands of international and domestic visitors.

All exhibits have been hand picked to ensure a standard of workmanship that will impress. Prior to Bleach* Bezzina has held a range of high profile arts positions including Managing Producer for MAPS for Artists for for Metro Arts, Program Manager for the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Producer at the Brisbane Festival, Director of Mackay Festival of Arts, and has directed various works. Familiar with what it takes to operate a successful arts festival, Bezzina is certain Bleach* will astound attendees.
“We’re delighted with the depth of artistic talent we’ve brought together for Bleach* – it’s going to be world class.”

For more information about Bleach* visit www.bleachfestival.com.au