The University of the Sunshine Coast will open its inaugural Twilight Art Markets to the public from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 28 May as students showcase their creative arts and craft and passion for performing.

USC students and graduates will join artists from the community in selling their handmade goods, presenting fun workshops and producing live entertainment.

To be called A Frank Affair, the markets have been organised by a new student group, FRANKaboutart, in partnership with the USC Gallery as a highlight of Diversity Week from 25-29 May on campus at Sippy Downs.

Johannah Morris, 23, of Currimundi, who helped start FRANKaboutart to encourage an artistic culture on campus, said she hoped the markets would become a regular event each semester.

Ms Morris is a Business student minoring in Event Management who has participated in the Woodford Folk Festival and Caloundra Music Festival.

“The markets will feature Ryan Delaney, a graduate who plays original music, ‘Miss Brown’ who sells items made from recycled paper, Adele the henna tattooist and Bianca, a circus performer who’ll be spinning pois,” she said.

“Local publication Tidal Magazine will do a pop-up art show, student Shannon will host a crystal necklace-making class and seasoned stall holder Leather and Stone will be at USC for the first time.”

Entry is free to the markets, to be held at the USC Gallery Piazza. The Gallery also will be open until 7pm.

Goods, workshops and food will be on sale. USC is a paid parking zone until 6pm. For details email jmorris4@usc.edu.au.

The University’s first Diversity Week will bring together related national awareness days and include a National Sorry Day speech by Aunty Judi Wickes, a seminar with Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Kevin Cocks AM and a panel discussion on human rights including academics from Curtin University.

— Julie Schomberg