Kate Fell

Kate Fell is one half of the creative genius behind the most incredible festival the Gold Coast has ever seen. Over 12 action packed days, Festival 2018 will showcase music, theatre, circus, dance, ideas, visual arts and film from across the globe.

We sat down for a chat with Kate about bringing the festival to life and how we can possibly fit in every show on the program.   

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve been part-time living on the Gold Coast for the last 12 months.

What do you love most about living here?
Definitely the early morning runs on the beach as the sun is coming up and then diving into the ocean. What a way to start the day!

You’re the Co-Creative Director of Festival 2018, what’s been your career journey prior to this?
I’ve been a programmer and producer for various festivals, venues and events in Brisbane including Brisbane Festival, Queensland Music Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse and the State Library of Queensland. For the last seven years I’ve been at Circa working on many projects including national touring, managing arTour and other strategic projects.

Tell us about the themes of the festival…
Festival 2018 is based on three acts; Encounters in which we meet the world, Change in which we affect positive change in the world and Aspire in which we uplift and transform ourselves and those around us.

Any highlights we definitely shouldn’t miss?
Oh so many! If you have kids, I would say don’t miss Lost Lending Library. If you love circus and dance, don’t miss the Australian premiere of Block on the Roundabout Stage. If you love Queensland music, take your pick of your favourite artist – I will definitely be seeing Mau Power. If you love music from all corners of the globe, check out the 12 nights of Main Stage events – The Great Australian Songbook will be a particular highlight.

How do you think Festival 2018 will change the Gold Coast’s cultural scene?
There is a great cultural scene here on the Gold Coast with Bleach* Festival and Home of the Arts plus all the fantastic arts companies we’ve been working with (The Farm, Swell and Shock Therapy just to name a few). Festival 2018 will have a long-lasting impact with artists gaining the experience of working on a global event, plus developing new audiences on the Gold Coast for arts and culture.

Any advice on how we can fit seeing everything in?
The idea of the program is that you can stay in one location and be entertained for hours. I would recommend picking a spot for the day/night and immersing yourself in the program. The festival will run across the Coast including in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, NightQuarter, Currumbin, Southport and many other spots. Do check the GC2018 website and app for the most up-to-date information about the festival and getting to and from locations.

What does it take to put something like this together?
It takes a lot of people – producers, technical managers, people looking after flights and visas, administrators etc. There are many Gold Coast locals involved in organising the event as well as many people who have moved here and will stay on post Games.

What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Value the passing time…

Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Cafe: One Café at Bundall – they have the best salads
Beach: Broadbeach
Restaurant: Etsu Izakaya
How does your week usually look? Lots of time in the office, going to the festival sites, many meetings and conversations with artists and the team, and any spare time is spent hanging out with my family, going for a run with my friends or seeing shows.