HOTA reveals its live program for October

Home of the Arts (HOTA) on Queensland’s Gold Coast has today revealed a rich and captivating live program entitled WONDER, to accompany the internationally renowned Gaia installation in its Australian East Coast premiere, from 1st to 11th October.

WONDER will weave powerful live musical performances with magnificent sensory art including dance, soundscapes, circus, film, storytelling, workshops and more, with free and ticketed events for the whole family to enjoy outdoors at HOTA.

The rich and diverse, eleven-day program will orbit the awe-inspiring, major installation that is Gaia, as it rotates and floats serenely, suspended from HOTA’s Outdoor Stage.

Created by UK multidisciplinary artist, Luke Jerram, Gaia will offer audiences the opportunity to view the planet in all its glory as if they were astronauts looking on from outer space; a grand artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface.

HOTA Chief Executive, Criena Gehrke said she can’t wait to welcome this extraordinary installation to the HOTA precinct in October and added “one of the things HOTA does best, is bringing incredible art and people together. And Luke Jerram’s magnificent Gaia is truly enchanting. Not only does Gaia capture both the beauty and fragility of our planet, it will also inspire a timely sense of reflection and connection as it revolves, glistens and glows.

“Over eleven days, WONDER features live performances, events and activities inspired by Gaia that will delight and inspire all ages.”

Two highlights of the program include Saturday night events for the whole family, where audiences can bring a picnic rug, sit under the stars, and enjoy two incredible ensemble concerts beneath the Gaia installation.

On 3rd October, world-renowned guitar virtuosa and ARIA-award winning performer Karin Schaupp curates and directs Sounds of Wanderlust, featuring performances by Orava String Quartet, Yugambeh Youth Choir, Hungarian cello soloist Gyorgy Deri in his Australian debut, and an unmissable solo performance from famed opera star, Jose Carbo.

On 10th October, Return to Earth directed by Gavin Webber of The Farm, provides an evening of contemporary dance, music and circus, with performances by Tenzin Choegyal, Guy Webster, Taree and Caleena Sansbury, Thomas E. S. Kelly, Kayah and Maitreyah Guenther, Aarti Bajaj, and others. 

Kids Take Over makes a comeback for the last weekend of school holidays on 30th September to 2nd October. Kids can step into the land of stories, dream big and get creative in this mini-fest as they learn to write and illustrate their own books, solve mysteries, dance the Haka, sing along with Play School presenter Lucas Proudfoot, enjoy craft workshops, film screenings and more.

All events meet social distancing and hygiene guidelines per HOTA’s COVID safe plan.

For more information on HOTA’s WONDER program visit www.hota.com.au