4 minute read
37 Criena Gehrke
from Cove magazine
CREATING A LEGACY
HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke is on a mission to make the Gold Coast a cultural heartland.
WORDS STACEY SHAPIRO
HOME OF THE ARTS (HOTA) CEO Criena Gehrke is as passionate about art as she is about the Gold Coast.
“I fell in love with the Gold Coast and now I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” she says.
“There’s something about this city that gets under your skin – warm, laidback, ambitious, surprising and a little bit maverick.
“It just feels like home.”
The Gold Coast has always been synonymous with sun, surf and theme parks with most tourists bypassing the region when looking for art and culture.
Criena is on a mission to change that perception and as the CEO of Australia’s largest regional art gallery, her vision is coming to life.
“The opening of the HOTA Gallery has been a game changer for the Gold Coast and the precinct,” she says. WORDS STACEY SHAPIRO
“We have welcomed thousands of first-time visitors and I think locals have a growing sense of pride when it comes to art on the Gold Coast.
“I hope in not too many years we will be welcoming everyone to a new performing arts centre,” she adds.
Like most people who work in the arts, Criena has had an eclectic career.
“I was actually performing as a monkey in a children’s show for Queensland Theatre Company when I met my husband.
“I discovered, however, that what I love and am good at is bringing artists and audiences together to share incredible experiences.
“But I enjoyed being a monkey while it lasted,” she says.
Along with many other roles, Criena has worked as a production manager, artist agent, policy advisor and strategist for government.
Before taking up the reins at HOTA, she was Executive Coordinator of the City of Gold Coast’s Arts and Culture Unit where she was instrumental in the development of the Gold Coast’s Culture Strategy 2023.
Part of that strategy was the redevelopment of the old Arts Centre precinct, and as the HOTA gallery settles into its new home, a six storey, multicoloured building framed by the iconic Surfer’s Paradise skyline, the quality of art on display is world class.
The Gallery’s second major exhibition, Lyrical Landscapes: The Art of William Robinson runs until 3 October, while later in the year comes the world premiere exhibition Contemporary Masters from New York, presenting a selection of works from Andy Warhol to Jeff Koons – artists who revolutionised art in the late twentieth century and beyond.
Criena has also been sure not to forget the importance of sharing art for little minds and hands.
Weekly and fortnightly workshops plus the Kids Imagine program provides a hands-on opportunity for the next generation of performers and budding artists to participate in creating works with professional artists.
While excited by the opportunities the new cultural space offers, Criena is stoic when discussing Covid and its effects on the HOTA precinct.
“There continues to be a lot of uncertainty and the impact on the arts and entertainment industry has been devastating,” she says.
“I worry for the wellbeing and livelihood of artists and cultural workers and the HOTA team.
“It is a constant juggling act balancing reduced venue capacities and Covid restrictions with budgets, revenue targets and community safety.
“What I do know is that we need art now more than ever.
“So, it doesn’t matter how hard it is, HOTA will keep presenting art no matter what.”
When the stresses of life and work begin to take their toll, Criena takes her Vespa for a ride along the beach road.
“It reminds me of why I love this city, the freedom and beauty of this place,” she explains.
“I also love high impact workouts – the HOTA team joke that I should do yoga but an accelerated heart rate is my Zen.
So how does this dynamic and talented woman face problems when they arise?
“I seek advice and ask for help,” she says.
“I am fortunate to be surrounded by some great colleagues, peers and friends who always provide insights and are fearless in telling me the truth.
“My husband is also the best.”
Whether it’s enjoying time with her two children Felix and Rosie, or indulging her passion for fast cars and mid-century furniture, Criena’s life philosophy is a beautiful one. “Be curious and be kind.
“Humans are infinitely fascinating and always have a story to tell.
“In the arts, our currency is humanity.”
It is this passion and drive for bringing people and art together that will ultimately be Criena’s lasting legacy.
By developing a cultural heartland for the Gold Coast, it will be her gift to both the present and future generations.
“HOTA belongs to the people of the Gold Coast, so I want the community to feel that it is their place and the experiences you have, are of the Gold Coast,” she insists.
“HOTA is a place where you can experience art how you want to – whether that is wearing a cocktail dress watching opera in the theatre, sitting on a picnic blanket at an outdoor gig or in wet boardies after swimming in the lake.
“Art is democratic and belongs to everyone.”
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