still image by Ted Grambeau from The Surfer and the Mermaid which will be turned into a children's theatre production for Bleach*

For those who can't get enough
surf, sand and sun, brace yourself - Bleach* Surfing the Fringe is coming.
The Gold Coast's premiere and 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, and outdoor
projections and cinematic experiences.
"All the events will be geographically spread out and held over different timeframes,
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 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