Under the guidance of new President Bronwyn Davies, the Tamborine Mountain Arts Collective (TMAC) is evolving in exciting new ways, with dedicated focus groups on the committee working to foster creativity across generations and art forms.
As TMAC continues to grow, these specialised groups are driving initiatives that strengthen connections between artists, audiences, and the wider community.
Supporting the Next Generation – Youth Focus Group
A new Youth Focus Group has been established within TMAC, bringing together four passionate high school art teachers from local schools. Their first major project is the Regional Arts Student Showcase at Tamborine Mountain State School, led by Andrew Guillaume and Lucas Johnson, forms part of the 2025 Arts Trail. This exciting exhibition will feature works from students across local schools — demonstrating TMAC’s commitment to nurturing future creatives and reinforcing that art is a viable career pathway.
Celebrating Three Years of the Arts Trail
Now entering its third year, the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail, coordinated by Renee Martin of The ArtPost, continues to expand its reach and reputation. In 2025, over 70 artists from across the Scenic Rim will open their studios and exhibit in a range of stunning venues, including partnerships with local businesses such as The Escarpment Retreat, Grand Chameleon, Viking Framers, Main St Provedore, Peddly Picnics, Under the Greenwood Tree and Tamborine Mountain Glades.
Amplifying Local Music – Music Focus Group
The Music Focus Group, led by TMAC’s Jess Marsden, continues to highlight Tamborine Mountain’s music scene. For nearly three years, Jess has managed the local What’s On Gig Guide, connecting musicians with new audiences. In February, this expanded to a recording project at Margy Rose’s Craic Studio, offering low-cost sessions with sound engineer Tom Hawker, plus photography, videography, styling, and mentorship from Angie Varnam to help build musician profiles. TMAC member profiles will be featured on the TMAC website, alongside an updated What’s On calendar with gig listings, photos, bios, and links.
Elevating Artists – Professional Development Team
TMAC’s Artist Professional Development Team, led by Bronwyn Davies, Renee Martin and Nicci Parry Jones, organised a series of Level Up Workshops designed to equip artists with the tools to succeed. The series covered essential topics such as finding your artistic voice, building your profile, and even a speed dating event with Brisbane gallery owners. A flagship workshop on exhibition development, led by Michael Wardell, former Gallery Coordinator of Logan Regional Art Gallery, supported artists in building professional, exhibition-ready proposals.
Bringing Art to the Streets – Sculpture Team
The public realm is also coming to life thanks to the Sculpture Team, with Fred Beel leading the Sculpture Showcase. As part of the May 2025 Arts Trail, a temporary exhibition of public artworks will be installed along Main Street, Tamborine Mountain, transforming everyday spaces into open-air galleries.
Capturing Creativity – Photography Videography Focus
Photography, coordinated by Jess Marsden, has become an important focus area within TMAC, supporting local artists to elevate their professional profiles through high-quality imagery. March saw a series of professional photography sessions delivered by Waylene Currie, providing artists with the opportunity to complete profile and product photography, helping them present their work professionally, strengthen their online presence, and enhance future opportunities. Nathan Hoad and Lilly Piri have created a series of artist profile videos to promote the Arts Trail and showcase the stories and talent behind the artworks.
Tracking Impact – App Development
In 2024 a new app development project, led by Nathan Hoad, is providing TMAC with innovative tools to evaluate the success of major events such as the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail. The app allows visitors to check in at venues, giving TMAC valuable real-time
data on visitor numbers, movement patterns, and engagement. This data will help shape future programming, provide essential reporting for funding bodies, and ensure TMAC can demonstrate the ongoing value and economic impact of creative events across the region.
With community connection and creative innovation at its core, TMAC’s evolving structure ensures local artists across all disciplines are supported, celebrated, and given opportunities to share their stories with visitors and locals alike.
