Category: ARTS & CULTURE

Carriageworks’ new artist-led nights program in Sydney

Carriageworks arts

Carriageworks, one of Australia’s leading contemporary multi-arts organizations, has just announced its latest program, Carriageworks Nights. The new program features a diverse line-up of talented artists, performers, musicians, and producers who are pushing the boundaries of their respective art forms. Across 10 events, Carriageworks Nights invites audiences to gather after dark for a series of artist-led evenings, spanning performance, music, film and food. When does the Carriageworks Nights program kick off? The program kicks off on Thursday 11 May with Jazz Money and Jason Phu’s “Silly Silly Party.” Taking place in the Blacksmith’s Workshop, the evening promises to be an interactive experience featuring big bubbles, bad face painting by Jason Phu, mystic readings, magicians, and giant games. The night will also include hands-on activities such as a superhero cape making workshop with artist Dennis Golding, and weaving with writer and artist Anne-Marie Te Whiu. A free event for all ages, Silly Silly Party invites everyone to let loose and have a silly time. On Thursday 25 May, artist Frances Barrett presents “Mouth,” a night focused on the voice presented at the Clothing Store Artist Studios. Through poetry, improvised performance, and song, audiences are invited to explore the slipperiness, multiplicity, and power of the voice with artists Sage Pbbbt, Jo Fabro, Tina Stefanou, Sonya Holowell, BLECK, and Tarik Ahlip performing under simulated moonlight. Carriageworks Nights events continue over three months, including video artist and curator EO Gill, who presents “Softcore,” a drive-in cinema featuring rare and classic experimental films. Artists Sidney McMahon, Mistress Tokyo, Demon Derriere,… Read More

Melbourne Design Fair 2023 launches at Melbourne

Melbourne Design Fair woman art

Design enthusiasts in Melbourne are in for a treat, as the annual Melbourne Design Fair has launched at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and will run until May 21. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring the work of more than 150 designers across 60+ presentations from all Australian states and territories. Visitors will have the chance to view and purchase one-of-a-kind, limited edition, and small batch design production, including furniture, lighting, and contemporary jewelry. The fair showcases some of the most cutting-edge designs from established and emerging designers, providing an impressive range of designs that appeal to both collectors and the general public alike. The Melbourne Design Fair features several feature group presentations, including Agency, ALM, Australian Tapestry Workshop, Craft Victoria, C. Gallery, Leonard Joel, MARS Gallery, Modern Times, OIGALL PROJECTS, Origine, Sophie Gannon Gallery, Stanley Street Gallery, Broached Commissions, and Sullivan+Strumpf, among others. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of exciting and innovative designs from these groups. One of the highlights of this year’s Melbourne Design Fair is the new section dedicated to contemporary jewelry presentations. The fair also includes an NGV-curated exhibition, FOCUS, which brings attention to the work of five accomplished Australian female designers and makers. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about their creative processes and inspirations. In addition to the exhibitions, the TALKS series, presented by Major Partner Mercedes-Benz, offers visitors the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of the culture of collectible design while learning how… Read More

New theatre bar coming to Australia: Club Broadway

Archer Street singer bar

Get ready to put on your dancing shoes because Australia’s newest and most unique nightclub experience is hitting Sydney this Saturday, May 20th, and Melbourne in June. Check the website for the full location list. Club Broadway is the first full-scale 18+ musical theatre nightclub to grace Australia, and it promises to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Think Archer Street in London! DJ Dan Murphy, a passionate musical theatre aficionado, will only play musical theatre songs all night long for club-goers to sing and dance along to. But this isn’t just any nightclub – it’s a musical theatre rave! Original versions of showtunes will be played – no dance remixes – so attendees can sing and dance to the musicals they know and love. The night is billed as a combination of a rave with a night at the theatre. So, expect to see some special performances and surprises along the way. Musical theatre themed fancy dress ups are encouraged but not mandatory. Opening night is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the second night on Friday, May 26th, from 8 pm till midnight in the basement of the Imperial in Erskineville, which’ll feature a live performance from singer Jacqui Dark. Tickets are also available for Melbourne’s opening night on Sunday, June 11th, from 5 pm till 9 pm at Sircuit in Fitzroy – performers to be announced. Organiser DJ Dan Murphy said: “This’ll be a dream come true for anyone who loves a showtune. You’ll feel right at home… Read More

Sheldon Riley launches new single: Insane

Sheldon Riley insane

Sheldon Riley’s hauntingly beautiful vocals first captured the world’s attention at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy. A year later, he returns with his much-anticipated single, ‘INSANE.’ The song showcases Riley’s vocal range and emotional depth, and it’s easy to see how the global pandemic played a role in inspiring the musician. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter found himself confined to a red zone during the pandemic and used the time to explore his creativity and delve deeper into his emotions. Riley says that he realized that his strength lies in writing music from the heart and telling his story directly. As a result, ‘INSANE’ is an emotional track that explores the complex theme of loving someone who doesn’t reciprocate the love in the same way. In the accompanying cinematic music video, Sheldon Riley takes on the role of director. He brings his bold and entrancing aesthetic to life, delivering a visual experience that is just as captivating as his vocals. The music video features an outfit made from over 62 meters of ethically sourced human hair that Riley spent over 30 hours designing and constructing. The result is a stunning display of craftsmanship that demonstrates Riley’s passion and commitment to his art. “I wanted to produce a piece that was innovative and original while still retaining a sense of darkness that is uniquely me and effectively conveys the intended story,” said Riley. “I was inspired by some of my favorite movies that explore the subtleties of insanity; big, dark films like the Harry Potter… Read More

Opera Australia puts on Miss Saigon in Melbourne

Miss Saigon soldiers

Opera Australia has announced that the acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical Miss Saigon will be playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from October 29th for a limited season. The Australian cast will be led by Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer, Abigail Adriano as Kim, Nigel Huckle as Chris, Kerrie Anne Greenland as Ellen, Nick Afoa as John, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kimberley Hodgson as Gigi. Tickets for the Melbourne season go on sale Tuesday 6 June, with priority booking available to those who sign up to the waitlist at miss-saigon.com.au. Miss Saigon is a story of love and loss set in war-torn Vietnam, following the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but their love is ripped apart by the fall of Saigon. Created by the same minds behind Les Misérables, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, Miss Saigon has been seen by 38 million people worldwide, performed in 15 different languages, in over 32 countries and 350 cities, and has won 70 major theatre awards including two Olivier Awards, three Tony Awards, and four Drama Desk Awards. The musical features an unforgettable score including classic hits like ‘The Heat is On in Saigon,’ ‘The Movie in My Mind,’ ‘Last Night of the World,’ and ‘American Dream.’ The new production of Miss Saigon, which opened in London in May 2014, was directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design… Read More

Sydney Contemporary art fair returns to Carriageworks Sydney

Sydney Contemporary art fair

Sydney Contemporary is back, and it’s bigger than ever! This art fair, established in 2013, regularly attracts over 25,000 visitors and has recorded more than AU$100 million in art sales since its launch. This year, the fair will feature 96 emerging and established galleries from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore, making it the pre-eminent meeting place for the art world in Australasia. It will run from September 7th-10th, 2023, at Carriageworks, Australia’s largest multi-arts center. Presented in partnership with MA Financial Group, Sydney Contemporary is proud to promote contemporary art, provide a platform for over 500 emerging and established artists, and offer visitors the chance to experience the best of Australian, Indigenous, and international art. The Galleries will showcase artists from over 35 countries, including Australia, China, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The fair highlights not to be missed include presentations from Alcaston Gallery, Chalk Horse, Gow Langsford Gallery, and Yavuz Gallery, as well as solo presentations by acclaimed British artist Antony Gormley, Yol?u artist Dhambit Munu?gurr, and Australian photographer Murray Fredericks. The fair will feature an expanded footprint of galleries, programming, and supporting events, including installations, performances, and talks. For collectors and the art-loving public alike, Sydney Contemporary promises an incredible week of art, not to be missed. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://sydneycontemporary.com.au/.

Lindy Lee’s Latest Exhibition: A Deep Dive into Humanity, Nature and the Cosmos

SUllivan Strumpf art 1

Sullivan+Strumpf is proud to announce their forthcoming exhibition featuring new works by acclaimed Chinese-Australian artist, Lindy Lee. “Lindy Lee: A tree more ancient than the forest it stands in” will be on display at their Zetland, Sydney premises from Thursday, May 4, until Saturday, May 27, 2023. Known for her contribution to contemporary art in Australia, Lee has gained international recognition over the years with her works increasingly moving into the public domain. She has undertaken numerous large-scale public commissions throughout Australia and internationally that focus on creating spaces of belonging and community. The upcoming exhibition presents an exciting opportunity to experience Lee’s latest creations in a more intimate gallery setting. Lee’s multi-disciplinary practice delves into the connections between humanity, nature, and the cosmos, and her process is one of co-creation with the universe. The artist interprets elemental materials of fire, water, metal, and wood, crafting her works accordingly. Informed by her evolving sense of self, as well as Daoism and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism philosophies, Lee’s diverse works have garnered international recognition for translating and transmuting deeply personal experiences into the universal. Her works evoke a sense of wonder and intimate connection to existence. “In a career spanning more than 40 years, Lee has exhibited in over 150 exhibitions around Australia and internationally. She has created more than 40 public artworks, including large-scale sculptural commissions,” said a Sullivan+Strumpf spokesperson. The exhibition will showcase Lee’s latest body, including new sculptural forms in steel, bronze, and wood, in addition to works on paper. It’s the perfect opportunity… Read More

ALERT: The Other Art Fair is coming to Sydney

the other art fair sydney

Whether you’re at the age where you know your tastes well enough to dip the toe into buying real art, or you just like to discover cool people doing cool things first, The Other Art Fair is the one showcase you can’t miss. Coming to Sydney from 11-14 May at The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve, you’ll have the chance to find art that is for everyone. We promise, at The Other Art Fair, there’s no haughty ‘who you know’ vibes. With over 130 artists, unforgettable art experiences and a few surprises, The Other Art Fair continues its mission to reframe art and how it’s enjoyed: offering a fair that’s inclusive, evocative and inspiring, with a vibrant program filled with features, workshops, immersive installations, DJs – and of course a fully stocked bar. “With a program that is diverse and jam-packed, there is truly something for everyone,” says LukePotkin, Fair Director. Highlights Sydney-based Illustrator and graphic artist Aley Wild and her Illicit Illustrations, and thought-provoking works such as ‘Just Curious’ by young performance artists with disabilities. Things not to miss: Illicit Illustrations with Aley Wild: Come visit Aley during the fair and strike a pose with your object of choice and Aley will create for you your very own slightly-naughty nude to take away with you. ‘Just Curious’ – featured performance artwork: The Other Art Fair debuts ‘Just Curious’, a brand new performance and installation work created by young artists with disabilities, in partnership with Together2 Youth Theatre. The work will give visitors the opportunity to… Read More

An opera about Mahatma Ghandi for one night only this May: Satyagraha

Man flame head opera

Opera Australia is set to give its premiere performance of Philip Glass’ Satyagraha, a hypnotic masterpiece featuring minimalist compositions, at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Saturday, May 13. The operatic depiction of Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent protest in South Africa during his early years, performed in its original Sanskrit language, presents a challenging role for Indian-born tenor Shanul Sharma. Sharma, who started off as a heavy metal vocalist, will portray Gandhi for the first time in his career, becoming the first Indian-born Australian to perform as a principal artist in Opera Australia. Opera Australia regular, Australian soprano Rachelle Durkin who was previously appointed for the role of Mrs Schlesen with the Metropolitan Opera in New York, is set to play the same role here. The Opera Australia Chorus will perform the substantial four-part chorus and Opera Australia’s Head of Music, Tahu Matheson, will lead Orchestra Victoria sans brass or percussion instruments. It’s directed by Andy Morton and features a talented cast of Opera Australia principals, including Andrew Moran, Richard Anderson, Sian Sharp, and Alexander Sefton and you know will be an incredible experience. For more and tickets head to the Opera Australia website

DIVA: celebrating the power and creativity of iconic performers in London

Whitney Houston singing

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has announced its major new exhibition, DIVA, which will open in June. The exhibition will be the first of its kind to celebrate the extraordinary power and creativity of iconic performers who have made their voices heard from the 19th century to the present day. Let’s not forget Whitney Houston, for example – watch her documentary on Amazon DIVA will honour the powerful and personal stories of creativity, ambition, and resilience of some of the best-known divas, from opera goddesses and silent movie stars to sirens of the big screen and today’s global megastars. The exhibition will also explore how performers have intersected with society and driven change through their platform and profile for social good and political change, including global civil rights and feminism. Over 60 looks will go on display, many rare or on display for the first time, including stage ensembles, iconic costumes by fashion designer for the stars Bob Mackie, and personal objects and accessories owned by divas. DIVA also includes examples of diva branding and key photographic works by renowned photographers. Kate Bailey, curator of DIVA, said that the V&A is the perfect stage to celebrate the multifaceted diva. “At the heart of this exhibition is a story of iconic performers who have challenged the status quo and used their voice and their art to redefine and reclaim the diva,” she said. One of the divas featured in the exhibition is Dame Shirley Bassey, who said: “It is wonderful to see the… Read More