Salt. Screen. Story.
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
For two weeks this May, surf culture, film and photography are set to collide in spectacular coastal fashion.
From 1–14 May 2026, the Southern Gold Coast once again becomes a living, breathing canvas as the Flotsam Festival returns for its fifth annual celebration of surf culture, visual storytelling and contemporary coastal art.
Anchored across Coolangatta to Burleigh, this two-week cultural swell transforms sand, streets and screens into an immersive gallery experience. Backed by the City of Gold Coast and a new three-year partnership with Experience Gold Coast, the 2026 program is set to be the boldest yet — expanding its coastline-led storytelling and championing both emerging and internationally recognised creatives.
A major highlight is the return of the much-loved Flotsam Immerse Hub — a jam-packed, free beachside program of outdoor film nights, live music and hands-on workshops running across one spectacular weekend. Designed for locals, visitors, surf tragics and culture seekers alike, it captures the festival’s signature energy: salt-air cinema, art under open skies and community connection at the water’s edge.
Across the fortnight, audiences can explore large-scale outdoor photographic trails, immersive exhibitions, filmmaker panels, youth showcases and surf film screenings. The Flotsam Focal Point Exhibition once again places iconic surf photographs back into the very landscapes they were captured from — this year enhanced with augmented reality — while solo and group exhibitions celebrate masters of the lens alongside the next wave of talent.
From female-led surf film panels and climate-focused screenings to analogue photography showcases and live music collaborations, Flotsam continues to blur the lines between art, ocean and audience.
Sun-etched, surf-adjacent and globally connected, Flotsam is more than a festival — it’s a cultural tide. Mark the calendar. May on the Gold Coast belongs to Flotsam.
The story behind Salt Screen had such a creative and grounded feel, especially the way the process and inspiration were explained so naturally. I remember helping a friend with a small art showcase in college, and seeing people connect emotionally with visual storytelling was surprisingly rewarding. During that hectic period, I also looked into options to take my online class because managing deadlines alongside projects became overwhelming. Articles like this show how meaningful creative work often grows from genuine experiences.
The Flotsam Festival presents a fascinating case of how art and culture can thrive in a coastal environment. This initiative highlights the intersection of surf culture and visual storytelling, reflecting on our relationship with the ocean and environment. However, I can't help but wonder how such events like The Pokies https://www.civilunions.org.nz might influence the local dynamics, considering the allure of leisure activities in proximity to cultural events.