30 Icons Overview

GOLD COAST ICONS IMMORTALISED FOR THE FIRST TIME

The faces of Gold Coast’s most iconic identities have been immortalised on canvas as part of the inaugural Pacific Fair Gold Coast Icons exhibition.

The Icons were chosen for their contribution to the vibrant cultural city loved by locals and tourists alike. In recognition of this honour, these 30 individuals have had their portrait painted by artists from the Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS).

People from all walks of life, from politicians to magicians and dancers to developers, were nominated by the community to receive the honour of being named as one of the 30 Icons and have their portrait appear in the Pacific Fair Gold Coast Icons Exhibition.

To commemorate Pacific Fair’s 31st birthday and their long history on the Gold Coast, the much loved shopping centre has also been immortalised on canvas as Icon number 31.

“The inclusion of cultural and community luminaries alongside tourism and business leaders and celebrities shows how the Gold Coast has come of age. This campaign confirms what we all know - our city is no longer just a tourist destination,” Pacific Fair Retail Marketing Manager Kate Cox said.

Up to 70 paintings were created by RQAS artists with an independent assessor selecting 31 works to go on display at Pacific Fair for the entire month of August. On Thursday 14 August a public auction of the paintings will be held with proceeds going to the RQAS artists and charity organisation, CREATE Foundation. The auction will feature a who’s who of the Gold Coast with icons, artists and prominent locals attending.

Ms Cox said there had already been a terrific response to the campaign with over 1500 people nominating their chosen Icon and numerous local primary schools signing up to visit the Pacific Fair exhibition.

“We are very excited to see people really get behind the Pacific Fair Gold Coast Icons Exhibition,” Ms Cox said.

“The free exhibition at Pacific Fair will be the one and only chance for people to get up close and personal with the paintings, with all the artworks taking up residence in homes, businesses or corporate boardrooms following the public auction.

“It is really rewarding to see the community take ownership of this campaign and recognise these people who have truly become Gold Coast Icons,” she said.