Brisbane’s Creative Cup

Editorial

In case you hadn't heard, the BNE is through with its adolescence. A gangly kid-brother to Sydney and Melbourne no more, this is a town well into its later youth. And, like all brooding twenty-somethings, it has turned its attention to the arts.

While growth to Brisbane's private gallery sector has remained relatively slow, a number of courageous venues have recently rushed to welcome art of all kinds through the door. Hospitality and inspiration meet in the bars and cafes of the inner 'burbs.

Bodhi Mary Hunter is principal "Lifestyle Curator" of local pocket essential The Good Guide. Charting the changes in the city's embrace of the arts is, rather literally, her business. Of the transformation, she says "Brisbane is abuzz with supporting the arts and good food. Who needs to choose one or the other when you can serve both to adoring fans?" asks Hunter

Venues such as Flamingo, Blackstar, Brew, Grind House, X&Y Bar, Urban Grind, Stop 16, Junk Bar and The Laneway Bar are all places where "cuisine, creativity and culture collide."

West End has long been a lovely niche where the term "outsider" has little currency and fringe-arts have formed part of the furniture. It's here you'll find Black Star Coffee,  Ph 07 3217 2323. The joint is known for its ethical coffee, its killer cold press (non-Brisbanites, it's a Queensland thing and you simply must betray your better instincts and try it) and a regularly rotating exhibit of emerging artists.

Poised to help the northern capital claim the title of Australia's Most Caffeinated is another independent joint, Grindhouse Espresso; no phone. This joint, at 9/360 Logan Road, opened in early 2011 and is broadly held to be part of the Stones Corner revitalisation. At the time of writing, exhibitions are moving from haphazard displays to a more carefully curated showcase for local artists.

Hunter promises "guerrilla piano" at Jam Jar in Bowen Hills QLD 4006; ph 07 3852 3205. At Jamie's Espresso + Bar in the Valley pop in for video installations; ph (07) 3257 1010. At Lucky Duck Espresso at 15 Gladstone Rd, Highgate Hill, spot a little street art.

In the BNE, work your way through a measure of coffee or booze and find art at the bottom of your glass.

Helen Razer, Citysearch