An exciting new project to boost creative arts in the Gladstone region commences soon with the official launch of ‘Sea Dreams' by Mayor Gail Sellers on Saturday April 16.

The ‘Sea Dreams Festival of Arts' to be held in late August is planned to showcase creativity in dance, drama, writing, music, painting and photography.

LINK for more on the Sea Dreams Festival of Arts

The festival will take place over a week at a number of venues. While it will include select performances and exhibitions from some of our best local talent, contributions will be invited from across the community. Practical workshops will be held in the lead-up to the festival.

Sea Dreams is a partnership between CQUniversity and the Gladstone arts community.

Co-ordinator Dr Andrew Wallace said the festival will be distinctive in having many kinds of creative work that address a common theme, all happening in the same week.

"The festival will be a chance for Gladstone to have a creative conversation about something that is a vital part of our lives. The sea provides us with a living or a way to relax; it is part of our environment and central to our history," Dr Wallace said.

The launch of the project will feature veteran Brisbane actor Paul Sherman delivering speeches from Shakespeare's play The Tempest as well as a symposium on community arts with high-profile representatives of various art forms, including author Mark Svendsen, whose new sea adventure To Die For is set in this region.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the launch at the Leo Zussino Building, CQUniversity Gladstone campus from 5pm-6.30pm.