The Coolum Art Collective has been encouraging, supporting and promoting the visual arts on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for more than fifty years. Founded in 1968, the group has grown from a small gathering of local artists into one of the region’s most respected and enduring art organisations.
Based in the beautiful coastal community of Coolum Beach, the Collective brings together Sunshine Coast artists who share a passion for creativity, artistic excellence and community engagement. Our members include both emerging and established Queensland artists working across a wide range of styles, subjects and media.
Visitors to our exhibitions can experience an impressive variety of artwork, including landscapes, seascapes, abstract art, wildlife and animal paintings, portraits, children’s themes and contemporary Australian art. From dramatic coastal scenes and hinterland landscapes to colourful abstract works and detailed wildlife studies, our exhibitions reflect the diversity and character of the Sunshine Coast and Australia.
Celebrating Art on the Sunshine Coast
The Coolum Art Collective is best known for its popular Easter and Spring Art Exhibitions, held each year at the Coolum Civic Centre. These major art exhibitions on the Sunshine Coast have become established events on the local cultural calendar, attracting art lovers, collectors and visitors from across Queensland and beyond.
Each exhibition showcases the work of talented Sunshine Coast artists alongside selected artisans and craftspeople, creating a vibrant celebration of local creativity. Whether visitors are seeking original paintings, unique handcrafted works or inspiration from the region’s artistic community, the exhibitions offer something for every taste and interest.
As part of our commitment to the community, local charities are supported through each exhibition, receiving both financial assistance and valuable public exposure. This tradition of community involvement has been a defining feature of the group for more than five decades.
Supporting Local Artists and Creativity
Encouraging artistic development and supporting local artists remain central to the Collective’s purpose. We provide opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work while fostering friendships, collaboration and the exchange of ideas within the Sunshine Coast arts community.
The Coolum Art Collective is grateful for the ongoing support of the Sunshine Coast community, our generous sponsors and Sunshine Coast Council. The use of the Coolum Civic Centre and the Beachside Gallery in Tickle Park provides valuable exhibition spaces where artists can share their work with residents and visitors throughout the year.
Our members continue to build upon the legacy established by generations of artists before them. Through exhibitions, artistic collaboration and community engagement, we remain dedicated to promoting art in Coolum Beach, supporting Sunshine Coast artists and contributing to Queensland’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Our History
The story of the Coolum Art Collective began in 1968 when local resident Daisy Murphy approached the Adult Education Department seeking the establishment of art classes in the Coolum district. Her vision was to create opportunities for local people to learn, practise and enjoy art within their own community.
The first classes were led by art teacher Hazel Coulson, assisted by Thelma Browne, and were held in the local CWA Hall. Interest quickly grew as more residents discovered a shared passion for art and community involvement. Before long, the group outgrew its original venue and expanded its activities outdoors to accommodate increasing numbers.
In 1972 those pioneering artists laid the foundations for what would become one of the longest-running art groups on the Sunshine Coast. Their commitment to artistic expression, community participation and charitable support established values that continue to guide the organisation today.
More than fifty years later, the Coolum Art Collective continues to foster creativity, celebrate artistic achievement and promote the visual arts in Coolum Beach, across the Sunshine Coast, throughout Queensland and within the broader Australian arts community.
We invite you to visit our exhibitions, meet our artists and discover the diverse range of original artwork created by members of the Coolum Art Collective.
About the Coolum Art Collective | Sunshine Coast Artists Since 1968