HOTA Wonder

HOTA, Home of the Arts has revealed a rich and captivating live program entitled WONDER, to accompany the internationally renowned Gaia installation in its Australian East Coast premiere, from October 1 to 11.

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 literally 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 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth's surface.

HOTA CEO, Criena Gehrke said she can't wait to welcome this extraordinary installation to the HOTA precinct in October, just in time for the glorious Queensland spring weather. "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," she said.

"Over eleven days, WONDER features live performances, events and activities inspired by Gaia that will delight and inspire all ages. It's the perfect excuse to get your friends and family together to share an incredible experience in the beautiful HOTA parklands."

From October 1 to 11, Gaia will be open to the public for free day and night viewing against the backdrop of the Gold Coast city skyline, with a specially made composition by BAFTA award-winning composer, Dan Jones.

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 October 3, 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 October 10, 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 September 30 to October 2. 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.

For the adults, HOTA's Lawn Bar opens on Fridays (Oct 2 & 9) during WONDER, with live local music backdropped by the Gaia installation as the sun sets over the parklands.

On Sundays (Oct 4 & 11), locals can start their morning right with free yoga led by experienced coach, Ian Cariaga under the awe of Gaia, followed by the Bundall Farmers' Markets.

Uncover hidden stories of the parklands armed with a picnic basket, radio and map during the audio-led experience Hear, Here on October 9 to 11. The pop-up picnic radio station has been made specifically for listening in the HOTA precinct by Gold Coast artist Daniele Constance. Then on October 11, a special broadcast performance of Hear, Here will be showcased via the lake where a special guest will be floating on a boat, as a live soundscape is created using specialised sound equipment diving beneath the surface of the water.

The Birth and Death of Stars rounds off the program on October 11, with live music and a new show from multi-award winning, international touring group – Mzaza – playing underneath Gaia. Their exotic rhythms and melodies tap into the beating heart of humankind taking audiences on a musical ride.

All events meet social distancing and hygiene guidelines per HOTA's COVID safe plan and is available on their website. For more information on HOTA's WONDER program, visit: www.hota.com.au