Angie Bell (Moncrieff, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Youth) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently had the pleasure of attending my first event as the shadow minister for the arts, a topic I'm deeply passionate about. As part of a strategic cultural partnership between the European Union, Arts Queensland and the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts, locally known as HOTA, I explored the new and acclaimed exhibition Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life. It was a delight to meet with the European Union ambassador, Gabriele Visentin, at that event. We engaged in rich discussion about the displays, along with opportunities that could be available to Gold Coasters and Australians more broadly as part of the Australia-European Union free trade agreement. This free trade agreement was something that began under the former coalition government back in 2018, and I note that it still has not been finalised under the Albanese government after a number of years of negotiations. The free trade agreement would allow for a significant amount of two-way trade between both Australia and the EU and foster stronger relationships and more opportunities for Australians.

The Pompeii display is a unique European arts touring exhibition, photographed during the quiet of COVID, showcasing many areas generally not accessible to most tourists if they were to visit in person. The pandemic allowed an unprecedented type of photographic access to the site by artist Luigi Spina—gracias, senor. It was a rare and intimate look at one of Europe's most iconic historical sites, available to Gold Coast residents for the first time. Photographs were taken during a period of unprecedented quiet during COVID, and Spina has curated 38 large-scale works offering a rare glimpse into the homes of the perished residents of the ancient city. I was quite surprised by the power and strength of the colours and angles and the details within the photographs, which weren't the usual ashy remains someone may think of when you talk about Pompeii.

I was pleased to be joined by several of my Gold Coast City Council and state MP colleagues, as well as supporters of the local arts and members of our community. We had an incredible time exploring the gallery and taking in the timeless exhibit. I'd like to acknowledge the support for this stunning exhibition from my Gold Coast colleague and friend the Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek. JP proudly supported this remarkable exhibition as the Crisafulli government contributes to the success of the arts sector in Queensland.

The free exhibition will be on show until 31 May 2026. I would encourage Gold Coasters and Brisbanites—and, indeed, and anyone passing through—to take the time to explore the fascinating mix of history and art while it's on display at the Gold Coast Home of the Arts, right there in the centre of the Moncrieff electorate, Surfers Paradise, of which I'm very, very proud.