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Arts & Culture

Each year a busy calendar of exhibitions, lectures, films, music and drama performances is presented at galleries, art spaces, theatres and festivals throughout the Capricorn Region.

The Rockhampton Art Gallery is a leading public gallery with a nationally significant collection of around 1,500 Australian, British and Japanese art works, including paintings, works on paper, ceramics, small sculpture and textiles. To view upcoming exhibitions for 2010, visit the Arts CQ website.

The Capricorn Coast hosts a vibrant arts scene, with the Paint Pot Gallery in Yeppoon, run by local artist members who assist in running the Gallery and social gatherings with guest speakers every three months. The Gallery in Emu Park displays regional artists' work, including paintings, pottery, tapestry, sculpture and jewellery, with new exhibitions held every two months.

Interested in art with a local twist? Nob Creek Pottery is a large craft gallery in the Byfield forest about 30 minutes north of Yeppoon. Visitors can meet resident potters, Steve Bishopric and Sue McBurnie, see the workshop and view a display of craft work by some 40 Australian craft artists, including glass, jewellery, woodwork and sculpture.

The Central Highlands is not be forgotten, with Emerald boasting the world’s biggest Van Gogh Sunflower painting, situated in Morton Park. The painting celebrates the Central Highland's history as a major sunflower production. Rare and ancient indigenous rock art can be found at breathtaking Carnavon Gorge. Learn about the area’s significance to the Aboriginal people by taking the 500m self guided walk to Baloon Cave, or a half-day walk to the impressive Art Gallery.

Those interested in live performances will not be disappointed as the Capricorn Region boasts a huge array of events throughout each year. Enjoy a rang of film festivals and escape the mainstream with the Rocky Flix art-house film club, celebrate arts and music at the Village Festival, or enjoy theatre, live music and comedy at the Pilbeam Theatre.

Other highlights in the year include Big River Jazz, an annual jazz festival celebrating fine wining, dining and live music. Yeppoon Pinefest is celebrated annual event on the Capricorn Coast social calendar, with a variety of free family events including a large festival parade and the crowning of “Miss Pinefest”.

Looking to strike it lucky? Spoil yourself with hidden treasures at Gemfest – Festival of Gems, a festival celebrating sapphires and precious gems at Anakie in the Central Highlands. Or, get swept up in the gold rush at the Golden Mount Festival at Mount Morgan, featuring attractions including “Running the Cutter”, a range of stalls, a street parade and more.

This is just a taste of the events, festivals and cultural attractions in Capricorn. To find out what’s happening when you visit the region, click here to view the events calendar.