Thousands of culture vultures, art aficionados and music lovers explored the side lanes of Surfers Paradise today as the oneway project provided the ultimate block party.

Part of the inaugural Surfers Paradise Festival, which has seen thousands of people flock into the precinct over the past four weeks, oneway project offered crowds the opportunity to absorb artistic creations from local and international artists, whilst listening to some of the best local bands around, as the very heart of Surfers Paradise was transformed into a creative precinct.

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Rowena Howe see’s the oneway project as a groundbreaking initiative, unlike anything seen before on the Gold Coast and as an event that fulfils one of the Surfers Paradise Festival’s key promises; the promotion and celebration of the Gold Coast’s grassroots culture.

“oneway project is an innovative event, and today we saw Appel and Alison St’s right in the heart of Surfers transformed into a mix of arts, music, fashion and food,” said Ms Howe.

“The day showcased the incredible talent to be found in the Gold Coast and South East Queensland’s amazing grassroots cultural scene- a key aim of the Surfers Paradise Festival.”

“It was incredible to see the array of artists working on various mediums from old caravans to a group creating a massive mural on a building’s wall and seeing the crowd interact and enjoy every second of what was the largest block party of its kind the Gold Coast has seen.”

Gallery Director Mariam Arcilla from iconic Gold Coast gallery 19Karen- that assisted Surfers Paradise Alliance in bringing together a number of artists- including Billabong Creative Director Claudio Karic, Brisbane’s Trailer Trash Collective and Mymo from Germany- was excited to be part of an event that exemplified one of the Surfers Paradise Festival’s key aims, transforming Surfers into a cultural hub.

“The opportunity to be involved in such an event that exposed the wider community to a broad variety of incredible local artists including those whose work is displayed through 19Karen is something I am really excited to be part of,” said Ms Arcilla.

“To see an everyday street transformed in such a way with skate deck art, a trailer park and market stalls was amazing and Surfers Paradise Alliance did a fantastic job in putting it together.”

“19Karen has also brought to the Gold Coast acclaimed international artist Mymo from Germany for oneway, where she worked with a collection of great local artist on a massive mural that will be built upon every year.”

SPA Surfers Paradise Festival event coordinator Jolie Hertzberg saw the oneway project as an opportunity for the incredible young talent on the Gold Coast to be provided a space to showcase their abilities, as well as a vehicle for natives to take some time out and explore the enclave that will be created for them.

“oneway project will offered Gold Coasters a chance to take a detour from the mainstream and to soak up the flourishing local cultural scene in the region,” said Ms Hertzberg.

Music and art are the perfect match and in-line with its local focus, oneway featured as headliners Gold Coast group Rogerthat supported by Cool Calm Collective, Anarchist Duck, Pam Pam Pam and Brothers - a set list that according to Jolie Hertzberg represents some of the city’s best up and coming bands.

“oneway’s music line-up represents some of the Gold Coast’s best new acts, and it was great to have them providing the soundtrack to what was an incredible afternoon and evening out,” said Ms Hertzberg.

Produced by Surfers Paradise Alliance, in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government, the inaugural Surfers Paradise Festival will see the beach, streets, parks, venues & eateries of Surfers filled with energetic live performances, engaging art displays, vibrant outdoor festivals and foodie events throughout May and June.