The HOTA Education Awards honour the artistic achievements of upper primary and secondary school students studying the Creative Arts. We believe that acknowledging students' passion, skill, and dedication during their school years helps lay the foundation for a vibrant cultural future in our region. Please click to find out more and to apply.

For more than 30 years, ENERGIES has provided a platform for local senior secondary visual art students to exhibit their work in a professional gallery setting. ENERGIES alumni boasts acclaimed contemporary artists Michael Candy, Abbey McCulloch, Rebecca Ross and Michael Zavros.

Presented in partnership with Gold Coast Visual Arts educators and in consultation with our HOTA Gallery and Visual Arts Education Reference Group artworks are selected from Gold Coast students based on individual merit and skill.

ENERGIES showcases exemplary student work, best practice for teaching, and supports career pathways and further study into the arts.

The next iteration of ENERGIES will take place over nine weeks, and we are so excited to welcome the next crop of emerging artists centre stage in HOTA Gallery.

We’re thrilled to relaunch the reimagined Fridays on the Lawn – Student Edition! This exciting event highlights the talents of local student solo acts, bands, and DJs, offering a dynamic platform for young musicians to shine.

Set in a lively and supportive environment, the event nurtures creativity, collaboration, and community connection. It’s an incredible opportunity for budding artists to gain real-world performance experience, guided by HOTA’s professional staff, while showcasing their skills in a premier arts industry space.

Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of young talent, bringing the community together and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Attention Young Filmmakers! 🎬

HOTA Education is excited to launch our new Student Film Festival, REELZ.

Are you a creative student with a passion for filmmaking? Don’t miss your chance to shine at the REELZ Student Film Festival! This exciting event invites Gold Coast and Northern NSW students in Years 7-12 to showcase their finished Media Arts, Film, Television & New Media, and Visual Arts short films on the big screen at HOTA. This is your opportunity to gain exposure and recognition in the world of film.

Submit your work, connect with other young creatives, and let your talent take centre screen.

Suitable for Years 7-12, The Scene Project is Queensland Theatre’s largest educational offering. It builds connection, wellbeing, and collaboration by empowering participants to engage in the creative process of theatre making in a way that resonates with them and their community. Now in its 11th year, the program has a long history of bringing valuable insight into the development of new work, and for igniting ownership and passion within participants across the state.