Gladstone festival sparks creativity, innovation and climate action

By Priscilla Roberts

Hundreds of people turned out across Gladstone and Tannum Sands for the inaugural Art, Science & Innovation Festival (ASIF) - a free two-day event that blended creativity, climate action and community.

The festival brought together artists, scientists, researchers, First Nations voices and industry leaders to reimagine the region’s future through STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

Festival Curator and Creative Producer Dr Rebecca Cunningham said ASIF was born from a shared vision with Dr Heidi Edmonds to connect community and climate action in inspiring new ways.

“This festival came to life from a simple idea – that art has the power to spark climate action,” Dr Cunningham said.

“Heidi and I both grew up in Gladstone, and when our paths crossed again in 2024, we wanted to create something that brought our community together in a playful, hopeful way. Change is hard, but art can help us imagine new possibilities.”

Highlights included artist commissions by Jen Hollstein and Melissa Peacock, an international sound premiere by Professor Vanessa Tomlinson, a low-carbon picnic with Chef Steve Bell, the premiere of filmmaker Kal Glanzig’s Rising Up, and hands-on workshops from VR and robotics to watercolour painting.

Events spanned CQUniversity’s Leo Zussino Building, the Gladstone Marina and Canoe Point Parklands, offering opportunities for learning, play and connection.

CQUniversity STEM Leader and Deputy Dean of Research Associate Professor Linda Pfeiffer said the festival was a proud achievement for the region.

“The Art, Science & Innovation Festival was a huge success – it was inspiring to see families, students, researchers, artists and industry voices all coming together to celebrate creativity and innovation,” Dr Pfeiffer said.

“CQUniversity is proud to have partnered with the festival and to have hosted the opening day on campus. Events like this show the power of collaboration and the unique role regional communities like Gladstone can play in driving a sustainable future.”

Supported by National Science Week and CQUniversity, the festival had inclusivity at its heart, with a strong focus on First Nations voices, women and girls, regional communities and people from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Dr Cunningham said the community’s response had already sparked conversations about future events.

“Gladstone is experiencing all the global pressures of a changing climate, but together, we can find a way through,” she said.

The event was one of only three to receive Inspiring Australia National Science Week grants in Queensland.