An intimate vinyl listening bar, leading Brisbane DJs, captivating pop-up performances and access to the major immersive exhibition ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’: the Gallery of Modern Art is the perfect after-work retreat every Friday night throughout May and June.

From 1 May until 26 June 5.30pm to 8.30pm at the Gallery of Modern Art ‘GOMA Friday Nights: Presence’ offers a whole new way to finish the week.

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Director Chris Saines said: ‘We are thrilled to present GOMA Friday Nights: Presence, a new way to experience what has been described by a leading critic as 'one of the most beautiful exhibitions of the year'.

‘Exclusive to Brisbane, ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’ displays major works by one of contemporary art’s pre-eminent figures. From large-scale works that play with light, colour and perception to a meticulously constructed riverbed — this exhibition comes to life as we move through it and experience each moment in succession.

‘By night, visitors can bask in the pervasive glow of title work Presence 2026, a vast sun that seems to pulse with energy, be entranced by the colourful SOS signal sent out into the darkness by Your lost lighthouse 2020 and touch a shimmering dream-like rainbow emerging from the shadows in a curtain of mist in Beauty 1993.’

Head of Public Engagement, QAGOMA, Tamsin Cull said: ‘GOMA Friday Nights is an invigorating end-of-week boost and the perfect place to connect after work, surrounded by mesmerising artworks and curated music.

‘We are excited to introduce an all-new experience to the Gallery with a Vinyl Listening Bar, GOMA’s take on the global listening bar tradition. Experience moody lighting, Japanese-inspired cocktails and delicious snacks, and records played the way they were meant to be heard, with a different selector taking you somewhere new every Friday Night.

‘The night comes alive with performances, by dancers from the local freestyle community paying energetic tribute to Olafur Eliasson’s early passion for breakdancing, Brisbane’s best DJs spinning sets inspired by ‘Presence’ in the River Room Bar and live sound responding to the artworks of ‘Presence’ composed by award-winning percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson.’

GOMA Friday Nights: Presence is an all-ages event. For more information, a full list of DJs, weekly Vinyl Listening Bar themes, and to purchase tickets visit: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/gomafridaynights

‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’ 'is supported by the Queensland Government through Strategic Partner, Tourism and Events Queensland; Major Partners Shayher Group and Viking; Grantors Gordon Darling Foundation and New Carlsberg Foundation; and Tourism, Media and Supporting Partners and a generous group of Exhibition Patrons.

ENDS