Fortitude Valley Archives - Page 24 of 26

El’Rosa Gives James Street a Rosier View

Thinking of the perfect place for your next event, or perhaps, a new place to hang out whilst you have a cup of coffee? The new El’Rosa by Arc + Family on James Street in Fortitude Valley will surely brighten your day and help you get into the pink of things.

Husband and wife Ash and Ben Keily, who both design and sell pots, are the two geniuses behind Arc + Family. All the work used to happen in their home studio in Morningside until they finally decided to open their own showroom plus its newest addition, the events & cafe place that now seems to be the talk of town.

With its generous splashes of pink, the place would be hard to miss. Located in the courtyard behind Arc + Family, the venue can host events, bridal showers, engagements, and all other private parties.

Pink has always been the colour of choice for Ms Keily, a former make-up artist and self-confessed fan of the shade. Choosing pink as the anchor for the place’s colour palette, and even its name, was a no-brainer. The idea is to make El’Rosa the place for pink, pots, picks (cactus), and plants in the city.

When it is not being used for a private event, it is open to the public. Everyone is welcome from Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. — the whimsical, airy ambience and steaming cup of delicious coffee make for a great afternoon off from your daily bustle.

Following their successful launch in June, El’Rosa has become a place to see, be seen, and yes, the place to be if you want some interesting snaps for your ‘gram. Insta-worthy, indeed, as regulars would attest.

Address: 85 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

Universal Field Robots in Fortitude Valley Develops Autonomous Robotic Avocado Picker

Fortitude Valley’s Universal Field Robots is currently developing a robotic machinery that could possibly be a game-changing technology in agriculture.

Jeff Sterling, the founder of Universal Field Robots, was particularly interested in developing robots that can work in an outdoor setting as the use of autonomous machines in factories increased.

Photo credit: Twitter/Universal Field Robots‏

The company’s first project is a robotic avocado picker capable of identifying ripe fruits and can harvest avocados as fast as manual picking. The selling factor of this autonomous robot is its ability to operate 24 hours a day without the added costs in labour.

The Universal Field Robots team exhibited their autonomous robots in the recently concluded International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) which happened in 21-25 May 2018.

Credit: Intech Engineers/Youtube

Not only that, their website proudly announces that they are “…already working with avocado farmers to define the needs for the product in this space. Industry applications include: weed control, pruning, fruit picking and mowing.”

The robotic development is not commercially available yet but Mr Sterling was confident that their product will soon be available on a commercial level.

Apart from their horticultural devices, Universal Field Robots’ innovative solutions also cater to the forestry, construction, mining, and solar farm supports. For more information visit their official website or follow them on Twitter for updates on their latest innovations.

World Gin Day On Ann Street In Fortitude Valley

Celebrate World Gin Day in Fortitude Valley on 9 June. This day is dedicated to everything gin so you might want to head on over to these places and get a glass (or two!) of one of the broadest categories of spirits in the whole world.

The Osbourne Hotel

Enjoy a long lunch starting at 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at this hotel to celebrate this day. If you’re looking for an intimate kind of way to celebrate it paired with a full meal, this is a great spot for you.

The menu consists of a four-course degustation by the Head Chef, Ben King. Most importantly, there will be a variety of gin available from Australia, to English, to United States, to Sweden.

Ticket costs $79 each. Book it here.

Address: 766 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

The APO

The APO will also be participating by holding a FREE event from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You’ll get to partake in masterclasses and demos. This is the perfect place to learn and immerse yourself in the wonders of gin.

A select range of Australian and international gins will be featured during the event. Each brand will be making a classic G&T plus a signature cocktail of their choice.

All you have to do is register here.

Address: 690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Fortitude Valley Stages First Ever Fully-Interactive Comedy Game, The Great Debate

You’re Joking is back at The Flying Cock on Thursday, 17 May 2018 with a hilarious new game called The Great Debate.

Following three successful events that left its audience laughing out loud, You’re Joking returns to one of Fortitude Valley’s most beloved watering holes for a night filled with laughter. National and homegrown comedians are set to entertain the audience with the funniest acts in town.

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the first ever fully-interactive comedy game called The Great Debate. The game lets audience members get on the stage to a battle of wits, debating on unconventional topics. Check out the video below to see how it works.

Credit: Adam Hunter/YouTube

Following the debate, Aaron Pratt is set to deliver his headline act. He is known for his offbeat slow and easy delivery style of joke telling that has brought him to several stages nationwide. One of his recent performances is opening for Fiona O’Laughlin, Heath Franklin’s ‘Chopper’, and Kevin Tate (America).

Photo credit: Facebook/Aaron Pratt Comedy

Aaron will grace the stage with the tales of his childhood, observations on the hilarious topic of cultural stereotypes, and what it’s like to literally live in Mordor. It will certainly be a great night with lots of knee slap laughs.

Doors and sign-ups open at 6:00 p.m. with The Great Debate starting at 6:45 p.m. prior to the stage acts.
Marcus Thorpe will be the night’s MC. Performances start at 7:00 p.m. so make sure to get in early.

Common Ground in Negotiations to Secure its Second Site in Fortitude Valley

Following the success of its residential development in South Brisbane, Common Ground is now looking to expand in Fortitude Valley.

The company is currently in negotiations to secure its second site in a prime location in Fortitude Valley.

Common Ground is driven to end homelessness in areas where they operate with the help of Supportive Housing solutions. This is made possible through their effective community, public, and private partnerships.

Photo credit: www.commongroundqld.org.au

To support Common Ground’s social housing project, the Queensland Government invested $1.8 billion on 12 June 2017 to help increase the number of affordable and social housing that they offer.

Common Ground has proven that their Supportive Housing model truly works. Based at 15 Hope Street, South Brisbane, Brisbane Common Ground’s successful Supportive Housing is currently home to more than 140 formerly homeless and low-income tenants.

Their success helped in improving the community’s quality of life while saving the Queensland Government $13,100 a year for every formerly homeless person who resides there.

The exterior of the former Prince George Hotel at 14 East 28th Street, Manhattan, New York City, now one of the housing facilities of Common Ground
Photo credit: Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia Commons

The Common Ground Supportive Housing model originated in New York City over 20 years ago. With the model’s proven success in ending homelessness, six Australian States and Territories now have at least one Common Ground development.

For Common Ground Queensland, Brisbane Common Ground is its first supportive housing initiative. They have adapted and used the principles of the New York City Common Ground model to implement a specialised Supportive Housing property and tenancy management approach at Brisbane Common Ground.

While the site for the Fortitude Valley site is still under negotiations, Common Grounds is also set to work with a wide range of corporate and government organisations this 2018 to encourage workplace giving which will help in raising funds to help people who had been homeless have a productive future.

For The Older Folks: Apia Young At Heart’s Seniors Film Festival In Fortitude Valley

The Apia Young At Heart – Seniors Film Festival is back for its 13th edition and this year, catch quality flicks from yesteryears at the Palace Centro in Fortitude Valley.

The festival, which is the country’s only film festival for seniors, kicked off on 2 April in Adelaide. In the Valley, it will run from 17-25 April.

The festival will kick off in each city with a grand opening afternoon tea with the movie The Bookshop, which is a film adaptation by Penelope Fitzgerald. The opening will start at 3:00 p.m. here in the Valley.

This year’s movie-line-up includes the following:

Get your tickets here.

80s Inspired Bar Set To Open In Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley is set to welcome a new bar that will be filled with 80s vibe.

Called Blute’s Bar, the new venue will open in the Brunswick Street Mall underneath Black Bear. The owners are targeting to open the bar in mid-April 2018.

Jesse Barbera, one of the owners of The Brightside and Black Bear Lodge, named the new bar after his friend for more than 30 years, Jon Blute. The two grew up together in the United States before Mr Barbera moved to Brissy to open a number of live-music venues with business partners.

Blute stayed behind and pursued a career in a law firm. Back in the days, the two always dreamt of starting their own bar and now, that dream is in the works and slowly turning into reality.

The bar will take inspiration from classic Australian pubs of the 1980s, complete with exposed brick walls, tiles, and Australian hardwood. A deck area and a beer garden will also be made.

They will offer 14 beer taps and an extensive wine list.

The 350-seat bar will also showcase their personal stuff such as their portraits and other replicas they currently have in their homes.

Food will also be available and brunch every weekend is included in the plan.

Sip Wine and Paint at Brush & Barrel in Fortitude Valley

Unleash the Van Gogh in you at Brush and Barrel in Fortitude Valley.

The art studio allows participants to paint whilst having a glass of red. In fact, they encourage participants to come in early to mingle with fellow painters, grab a bottle and unwind before the start of the painting session.

Whether you’re a newbie or you are confident you can paint like a virtuoso, this is one of those places that can help you de-stress and discover your creative side.

Studio for Everyone

This intimate art studio brings painting to the next level.

Mind the brush strokes whilst you sip a glass of red. Or if you’re up for more, why not get a cheeseboard to accompany your vino.

Brush & Barrel is a “studio for everyone,” encouraging everybody to try their luck on art because it’s good for the mind, body and soul. It was established by Jimmy Truong and Matthew Dewacht following their experience at a friend’s birthday party at a painting studio where they were served liquor. Now, they have two locations, one in Brisbane and another one in the Gold Coast.

Interested to sip and paint? All you have to do is book your session of choice. Each session has a featured theme and runs for two hours. The studio provides all the painting tools. A social painting instructor will be there to guide you through the process, so there’s no need to be afraid if you have no experience in painting.

You can book here.

Address: Shop 12, 421 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley Streets to Come Alive as Artists Converge for Brisbane Street Art Festival 2018

The 3rd Annual Brisbane Street Art Festival (BSAF) has been announced and Fortitude Valley will be at the centre of many of the events that will happen throughout the festival.

Brisbane Street Art Festival 2018 will run from 31 March up to 15 April. Brisbane’s walls will be put to life with live mural creations by more than 50 local and international artists. Live murals will happen in Brisbane CBD as well as in South Brisbane, Spring Hills, Paddington, and Annerley.

Aside from Australian artists, there will be seven international artists who will be showcasing their work in Brisbane. Six of those international artists will be doing their first Australian work in Brisbane.

Launch Party

To kick-start the event, a Launch Party will be held at Ric’s Backyard on Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley on Sunday 1 April from 5:00 p.m. until midnight.

The free event will see performances by The Gametes, YELLOWCATREDCAT, and Feelsclub.

Scribble Slam

Live art battle Scribble Slam is making a return on Sunday 1 April in Fortitude Valley. Hong Kong-based artist Bao Ho and EJ Zyla will battle it out in 90 minutes, working on a 2.4m x 2.4m wall.

Scribble Slam has been running monthly for three years and used to be held at Kerbside Bar. This time around, it will be at Ric’s Backyard on Brunswick Street.

Live Murals

Many of the live murals will happen in different parts of Fortitude Valley. Head over to these locations to witness the exciting mural creations in the suburb.

The Tivoli, 52 Costin Street

Fuzeillear, known for artworks that bring calmness and stillness, will be taking her artistry at The Tivoli Theatre on 52 Costin Street.

Viewing Time:
Sunday 1 April, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

251 Wickham Street/49 Warner Street

Several local and international artists will be painting the walls on 251 Wickham Street on Sunday 1 April. Artist line-up includes ASIO, Leah Falcocchio, Mandy Schöne-Salter, Rosie Woods, Sarge Jhorgenson, Sirmano, Xandolino, Julia Townsend, TBC, Kenji Chai, EJ Zyla and Benny Pierce.

Viewing Time:
Sunday 1 April, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Rail Bridge, 89-101 Gipps Street

Indonesian artist Tuyuloveme will be bringing his street artistry to Gipps Street. Catch his live mural on Sunday 1 April.

Viewing Time:
Sunday 1 April, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ric’s Backyard, 321 Brunswick Street

In the evening, Gus Eagleton and Drapl & Treazy will be doing live murals at Ric’s Backyard.

Viewing Time:
Sunday 1 April, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sabotage Social, 143 Wickham Street

Sydney-based illustrator Sindy Sinn will be at Sabotage Social to bring his bold rad artwork to Fortitude Valley.

Viewing Time:
Sunday 1 April, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

BSAF 2018 events will be scattered around Brisbane and will also include workshops and exhibitions.

See the full list of BSAF 2018 events.

Visit the BSAF website for more details.

Fortitude Valley’s New Globe Theatre Faces Final Curtain, but There May be Hope of Saving It

New Globe Theatre in Fortitude Valley has announced that it will close for good at the end of April 2018.

The organisers shared the sad news on Facebook earlier this month, after extensive discussion with stakeholders of the live music venue.

The announcement came as a shock to many who had fun memories of the music and arts venue. Known for presenting live music, cult films, burlesque, slam poetry, musical theatre and drag shows, New Globe Theatre prides itself on supporting local live music and arts.

Despite the impending closure, the venue remains committed to all the shows that have been booked up until the end of April.

Fund Raising

Hope may not be completely lost for the live music and arts venue as supporters are finding ways to save it.

One move is a GoFundMe campaign called “Save The Valley’s #1 Arts Venue,” spearheaded by Aurora Storm Baxter. The campaign is not intended to save the New Globe Theatre per se, but to fund a new venture that will keep the spirit and vibe of the beloved local venue.

Funds will go to licensing, equipment and stock and basically securing the lease for a rebranded venue. The campaign aims to raise $50,000, but in case the goal is not reached, all money plus fees and charges will be refunded to the donors.

Ms Baxter is also doing fundraising shows until April to help refurb and re-open the venue after closing.

See the GoFundMe campaign here.