U4IA Exhibitions is a rotating gallery activation and creative exhibition series presented in collaboration with Gritty Garms, transforming the space into an evolving environment for local artists, live art and underground creative culture.
Launching with Mari as the first featured artist, the activation introduces a new direction for the space through artwork displays, live painting and collaborative visual installations throughout the store. The project is designed to continuously evolve over time, with new artists and creative activations regularly being introduced into the environment.
More than a traditional exhibition, U4IA Exhibitions aims to create an immersive and community driven experience where art becomes integrated into the physical space itself. Alongside framed and displayed works by Mari, multiple artists will also contribute to live painting sessions and permanent creative additions throughout the venue, including custom painted change rooms.
Hosted inside Gritty Garms at Mermaid Beach, the exhibition naturally connects with the surrounding culture of vintage fashion, independent style and alternative creative expression already associated with the store. The collaboration between U4IA, Gritty Garms and the participating artists reflects a shared vision of creating accessible spaces where local creatives can showcase work outside of traditional gallery systems.
The afternoon is intended to feel open, relaxed and highly visual, encouraging visitors to move throughout the space, engage with the artwork closely and experience the crossover between art, fashion and underground culture. Rather than separating creative disciplines, U4IA Exhibitions brings them together into one evolving environment built around collaboration and experimentation.
As the exhibition series develops, the space will continue to feature rotating artists, new installations and ongoing creative contributions from the wider community. Mari marks the first featured artist within the series, helping establish the visual direction and atmosphere for future activations to come.
U4IA continues to focus on building opportunities for emerging artists through exhibitions, markets, publications and collaborative events across South East Queensland. Through projects like U4IA Exhibitions, the goal is to create long term creative environments that support independent artists while strengthening local creative culture and community connection.
Featuring Mari
Live Art by Various Artists
Vintage / Coffee / Exhibition
Friday 15th May
1pm–5pm
Gritty Garms
2550 Gold Coast Highway
Mermaid Beach QLD 4218