QUT ‘octopied’ by Sand Safari creature

Commuters marveled at the octopus floating from the roof and balconies of the riverside QUT Business School, a big-city stopover before it heads south to join others for the renowned family-friendly event.

The vibrant creatures of the deep are the crafty work of renowned UK inflatablist Luke Egan (aka Filthy Luker) who will be returning to Sand Safari for a third year to showcase his clever art installations from iconic buildings throughout Cavill Mall and on Surfers Paradise beach.

Having curated inflatable art around the world for more than 20 years, Luke Egan has created iconic works for famous international brands including a giant pop-up stunt for Greenpeace, touring stages for Cirque du Soleil and a gigantic whale covered in a thousand twinkling lights for the Paralympic opening ceremony of London 2012.

QUT Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Suzi Derbyshire said Gardens Point campus was the perfect location to preview such innovative installations, given its position as Brisbane’s only CBD-based university.

“We have a long-standing record of attracting high-calibre international artists to our campus through the QUT Art Museum,” Professor Derbyshire said.

“QUT was also the first university in the world to establish a Creative Industries Faculty, so it is fitting that we support the Sand Safari Arts Festival, which is dedicated to nurturing creative professionals.”

An initiative of Surfers Paradise Alliance (SPA) and supported by Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, Timezone and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Sand Safari is a free 17-day festival known as the Asia Pacific’s foremost sand-and-sea inspired arts event.

SPA CEO Mike Winlaw said Sand Safari promotes diversity of creative expression and Luke’s installations are a fitting reflection of that goal.

“We are proud to present this exhibition as part of a range of new and thought-provoking elements of this event that together enhance the reputation of Surfers Paradise as a family-friendly destination,” he said.

“As well as providing a unique and colourful focal point for the event, this exhibit will encourage foot traffic throughout the precinct, bringing increased business to our local traders as visitors discover the many restaurants, retail and other attractions on offer in Surfers Paradise.”

Mr Winlaw noted the vital role the Brisbane market plays in the festival’s overall success with Surfers Paradise fast becoming the family holiday choice for Brisbane families.

“There is an increasing trend for Brisbane locals to visit Surfers Paradise during the month of February to enjoy the last of the summer sun at a traditionally off-peak period.

“It’s a great time to visit the area with the weather perfect for enjoying the beach and Surfers Paradise is alive with the excitement, colour and fun the Sand Safari Arts Festival provides.”

Sand Safari Arts Festival will include the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, childrens activities with the colourful cast from the Henry and Ethan’s Neptune’s Games Adventure book series, a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt for the most number of sandcastles built in one hour, mermaid swim schools, mermaid book readings, sand art workshops, live wood carving, live artist paintings, an interactive sand trail and more.

To view the full event program, please visit www.surfersparadise.com.

Media contact:

Chanelle Mihailoff, Ruby Communications, (07) 5532 3808, 0423 892 557,  chanelle@weareruby.com.au