Stoked Surf Art Exhibition celebrates ocean conservation
Stoked Exhibition opens 4 May at Dust Temple Currumbin with surf art, auctions, and ocean conservation through 30 May 2025.
What’s happening?
The Stoked Exhibition launches on Sunday, 4 May 2025, from 6pm to 10pm at Dust Temple, Currumbin, as part of the 2025 Flotsam Festival.
This surf photography, film, and art exhibition brings together iconic visual storytellers to ignite awareness of ocean conservation and the importance of protecting surfing ecosystems.
Organised by the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc (GCWSR), the event runs until Friday, 30 May 2025, and coincides with the start of the Gold Coast Pro WSL World Tour event. The show features submissions from top surf photographers, covering the coast from Burleigh to the Border.
The opening night will feature live music from Keo Bartholomew, a panel discussion with Donna Liver and AndyMac, and will be MC’d by Currumbin legend and award-winning camera operator Gordo the Great.
Dale Paget’s documentary “Waves of Paradise”, a unique glimpse into the Gold Coast surf scene of the 1990s, will also be screened. It features the early arrival of Kelly Slater with hair, before the formation of the Snapper Superbank.
Why it matters?
This exhibition provides a creative platform for environmental advocacy through the lens of surf culture.
The Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, which stretches 16km from the QLD/NSW border to Burleigh Beach, is celebrating its 10th anniversary (2016–2026) and will host the World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC) in February 2026 at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus.
“We are super stoked to be part of the 2025 Flotsam Festival and like to thank Caz and her mighty Flotsam Team for putting together this massive photography & film program!” said Andrew McKinnon aka AndyMac, President of GCWSR and Chair organiser of WSCC 2026.
The exhibition also supports a fundraiser for Jaggar Bartholomew, son of world champion surfer Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, who is currently in the fight of his life. All proceeds go directly to his GoFundMe campaign: Jagger Bartholomew Campaign
Local Impact
The Stoked Exhibition is a major community moment, showcasing works by some of Australia’s most respected surf photographers and artists. Confirmed contributors include: Eddie Sawden, Martin Tullemans, Dick Hoole, Peter Sturm, Geoff Charters, Luke Sorensen, Travis Johnson, Scott Amos, Shayne Nienaber, Simon Williams, Ted Grambeau, Josh Bystrom, Currumbin Ali, Alby Falzon, Trent Mitchell, Stephen Fleay, George Williams, Terry Baker, Mal Sutherland and the first-ever public display of Peter Ramsay’s Ocean Surf Art.
Also on display:
“Resurrection of a DVS Surfboard” (1975 to 2025)
Auction items include:
Photos by Ted Grambeau
Iconic images of Michael Peterson and Rabbit Bartholomew by the late Peter Crawford (thanks to Justin Crawford)
Self-Portrait Peter Ramsay/Josh Bystrom cutout print
A brand-new colour channel bottom surfboard by legendary shaper Ian Byrne (House of Byrne)
“Don’t miss the opening night for Stoked,” said McKinnon. “It will be an extraordinary night of live entertainment, ocean conservation themes and pure adrenaline stoke. Book your tickets early to share in the Stoke.”
By the Numbers
📸 20+ photographers and artists will showcase original work from Burleigh to the Border.
🏄♂️ The GCWSR spans 16km and marks 10 years of ocean stewardship (2016–2026).
🎟️ Entry to the Opening Night is just $10 and includes tapas and a souvenir event poster postcard.
Zoom In
The Dust Temple event space in Currumbin provides the perfect backdrop for the Stoked Exhibition’s eclectic mix of surf culture and art.
Expect high vibes, epic music, storytelling, and a passionate community coming together to honour the past, present, and future of ocean-loving life.
Guests will experience a deep dive into surfing heritage, iconic art, conservation advocacy, and a sense of community support for Jaggar Bartholomew.
Zoom Out
As the 2025 Flotsam Festival gets underway, the Gold Coast cements its role as a global leader in surf culture and conservation. Events like Stoked demonstrate how grassroots efforts can champion environmental causes through storytelling, fundraising, and celebration.
What to Look For Next?
Keep an eye on the World Surfing Conservation Conference coming to Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus, 23–26 February 2026.
Expect surf leaders, scientists, and environmental activists to unite for one of the most important ocean conservation gatherings in the world.
🎟️ Opening night tickets: Buy via Oztix or at the door if available.
