SURFACE

Banksy
Screenshot by phb | Banksy in Hamburg 2024

Surface Festival Street Art | Murals | Website

🎨 This post is about the SURFACE Festival in Miami, QLD.

From 2–16 July 2025, the streets of Miami on the Gold Coast will transform into a vibrant canvas of urban street art, large-scale murals, live music, and creative exhibitions A.

Here’s what makes it special:

  • Massive murals by local and international artists
  • Live performances and music events that bring the streets to life
  • SLICK SURFACES: fun, hands-on art activities for kids
  • Fence Line Exhibition: showcasing art along Miami’s iconic fences
  • Collaborations with Santa Cruz Skateboards and Miami SHS for youth-focused events

The festival is proudly produced by Miami Markettain with support from the Gold Coast City Council, celebrating the rich artistic spirit of the Yugambeh, Kombumerri, and Bundjalung peoples.

Want to explore the mural map or check out the full program? You can find it on the official SURFACE Festival website.

Today Thu 10 Jul 2025 I will spend a few hours around the area, where I live since 2015, having retited as a High School Teacher in Lower Saxony, Germany, after 35 years of teaching Languages and Literature in Germany, Namibia and Australia.

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Program
Program

More about Banksy & Street Art in Queensland here later.

Street Art in Penang ~ George Town

All my photos are copyright protected! Pls respect!

Penang | Credit phb
Penang | Credit phb
Penang | Credit phb

Author and Blogger from the Gold Coast

Peter H Bloecker, Director of Studies

(retired)

Profile

Updated Thu 10 Jul 2025.

OZ | Credit phb
OP Shop | Credit phb
Mural Miami QLD | Credit phb

PHB is The Teacher

Outback Birds
Street Art Miami QLD | Credit phb
Street Art Miami QLD | Credit phb
Street Art Miami QLD | Credit phb

Impacts of SURFACE Festival on the Miami Community


  1. Economic Boost

SURFACE Festival drives significant economic activity in Miami by attracting visitors and spotlighting local businesses.

  • Increased foot traffic along the 4 km art trail benefits cafes, galleries and retail outlets.
  • Job creation and vendor income from pop-up markets and workshops.
  • Sponsorship and council support foster longer-term investment in public art infrastructure.

  1. Social Cohesion & Well-Being

By transforming suburban laneways into shared creative spaces, SURFACE strengthens community bonds.

  • Collaborative murals and fence-line exhibitions encourage neighbour-to-neighbour interaction.
  • “Kool Kids Miami” workshops engage families, enhancing intergenerational connections.
  • Festival gatherings reduce social isolation, promoting civic pride and local ownership.

  1. Cultural Placemaking

SURFACE cements Miami’s identity as a grassroots arts hub, celebrating both emerging and First Nations creators.

  • Over 250 local, interstate and international muralists showcase diverse styles and narratives.
  • First Nations works by Adnate & Luther Cora highlight cultural heritage and earned national awards.
  • Community-driven curation ensures authentic representation of Miami’s creative spirit.

  1. Tourism & Visibility

As a winter-school-holiday highlight, SURFACE elevates the Gold Coast’s cultural tourism offering.

  • Guides and apps map murals, turning Miami into an outdoor gallery for visitors.
  • Engagement on social media and in travel guides increases the suburb’s profile beyond Queensland.
  • Repeat attendance creates a festival-driven visitor economy during off-peak seasons.

  1. Environmental & Planning Considerations

Large-scale street-art events can strain local resources without careful management.

  • Organisers mitigate waste and transport congestion through partnerships with Translink and EasyPark.
  • Future planning focuses on sustainable materials, green power for lighting and traffic-flow strategies.
  • Ongoing dialogue with residents helps balance creative activation with everyday lifestyle needs.

Further Reading & Resources

  • SURFACE Festival official site: https://surfacefestival.com.au/
  • What’s On Gold Coast guide: https://www.whatsongoldcoast.au/All-events/Surface-The-Miami-Street-Art-Festival-1
  • Gyasi et al., “Exploring the Effects of Festivals on Local Tourism Growth” (2024)

Copyright:

Author Peter H Bloecker, Gold Coast (Retired Director of Studies).

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Updated Sun 13 Jul 2025 by Author #phb.