Introducing Arts Connect Inc.

Arts Connect Inc. encourages excellence in the arts through shared opportunities such as workshops, exhibitions and arts events. We are a not-for-profit organisation with members drawn from the Sunshine Coast with a diverse range of skills and experience across many art forms.

Our History

Arts Connect Inc. is a membership driven not-for-profit organisation, and we are based on the Sunshine Coast. Our artist members are drawn from as far south as Beerburrum, and up to Eumundi in the north of the region, and have a diverse range of skills and experience across many art forms. Social members are invited to join also and there is no regional restrictions to membership.

Arts Connect Inc. began when in 2007 the present organization evolved from the ashes of ‘Montville Community Arts’. The first initiative was ‘Artists on the Green’, a monthly art markets on the Montville Village Green commencing in 2008 and supported by Sunshine Coast Council’s Grant Scheme through a professional website development.

Over the last 13 years the organisation has supported artists with opportunities such as social events, workshops, exhibitions, and our popular annual events Sculpture on the Edge and Open Studios.

Sculpture on the Edge (SOTE) was initially a collaboration with Maleny Garden Clubs’ Open Gardens Festival in 2010. That success led to a stand-alone event in 2011, sponsored by the Spicer’s Group. Initially works were installed at Spicer’s Clovelly, Montville, but since 2012 work has been displayed in the grounds of Spicer’s Tamarind Retreat, Maleny. In 2022 the event was moved to Flaxton Gardens, Flaxton. For current information about this project please visit our new Sculpture on the Edge website via the Events tab above.

Our Open Studios program was originally designed to complement the Sunshine Coast Hinterland ‘Festival of Walks 2010’. Further development has seen this program well supported by the community since 2011. In 2020 Open Studios was revamped as Open Studios Sunshine Coast.

What We Do

Arts Connect Inc’s growing membership enjoys a yearly schedule of workshops, exhibitions, social events, and major arts events.

Our dedicated committee of volunteers aim to deliver a program which provides opportunities to artists as well as develop and enrich their arts practice at all experience levels.

Membership Benefits

Social networking events and functions
Online Member profile to showcase your work
Scheduled creative and practical workshops subsidised by ACI
Opportunities for members to showcase and sell their work through competitions, exhibitions, and Open Studios
Monthly Newsletter packed full of arts news and events
Resources designed to help emerging and established artists navigate the industry
Workshops targeting training in business, marketing, and mentoring
Collaborations with artists and arts groups
Membership discounts at local supporters of the arts on the Sunshine Coast

Click here to find out more about becoming a member, or to join today.

Our Committee

A team of dedicated individuals volunteer their time to create our yearly program, implement strategies, and ultimately deliver exciting opportunities for our members. Click here to meet or join our vibrant and energetic committee… we’d love to welcome you on board!

Click the button below to meet our fabulous committee members, as well as past members…

Meet the committee

Our Supporters

Through our major events such as Sculpture On The Edge and Open Studios Sunshine Coast, ACI receives the generous support of many corporate sponsors as well as the ongoing support of the Sunshine Coast Council and the Regional Arts Development Fund.

Click the button below to see who is ensuring the Arts are alive and well on the Sunshine Coast…

Meet Our Supporters

Sunshine Coast Arts

The Sunshine Coast is a mecca for the arts! Generously supported by the Sunshine Coast Council, arts in the region rivals anywhere in Australia. Every weekend the coast, the hinterland, and everywhere in between is alive with galleries, exhibitions, cultural events, and performances.

Keep up to date with what is happening in the Arts on the Sunshine Coast on our Events page.

Arts on the Sunshine Coast

More About Arts Connect Inc.

Our Mission Statement: Supporting and connecting artists on the Sunshine Coast

Our Vision: To see artists thrive in a nurturing environment, whilst showcasing their work to an engaged community

Arts Connect Inc. (ACI) supports and promotes the practice and enjoyment of the arts across the Sunshine Coast from Beerburrum to Eumundi… Cabooluture to Coolum… Caloundra to Connandale.

ACI is a not-for-profit organisation and membership is open to everyone – artist, art lover or patron. We continually search for opportunities to expand our members’ professional development and marketing potential. Our goal is to establish and promote our region as a unique ‘arts destination’, and to stimulate a greater understanding of the arts within local communities.

We have developed several signature events over the last few years, Open Studios and Sculpture on the Edge. We are always open to new ideas and opportunities.

Members Exhibitions are held in local galleries and arts spaces allowing members to showcase their work and potentially attract sales and recognition.

Workshops are presented monthly and are very popular as a social and collaborative way to develop skills and experience.