Category: CITIES

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

Hershan’s HAULIER collection: clothing done right

Hauler man model red jumper sunglasses

Australian independent designer, Jeremy Hershan unveiled the highly anticipated HAULIER Spring Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week at the stunning 25 Martin Place in Sydney. The iconic Harry Siedler-designed office tower served as the perfect backdrop for the presentation, leaving Hershan feeling privileged to present his collection on schedule for the first time. Hershan, who trained at RMIT and previously worked as a design director at Alfred Dunhill in London and R.M. Williams, is renowned for his keen attention to detail and draws inspiration from architecture, air travel of the 60s and 70s, and cinema. His latest collection builds upon the brand’s philosophy of Enduring Goods and presents an elevated take on everyday utility – clothing designed to be worn for life in transit. Taking inspiration from celebrity travel and the Cannes red carpet of the 70s and 80s, Hershan’s unisex collection blends elements of athletic wear, military, workwear, and tailoring to create a carefree fusion that feels both effortless and timeless. The new-generation label’s signature Utility Toe bag, which launched in 2020 and is stocked by luxury e-commerce giants Matchesfashion, Mytheresa, and Ssense, has already earned cult status. For the Spring Summer 2024 collection, Hershan partnered with Kult Australia to cast a procession of unique characters, including Rhys Kosakowski, Rachel Rutt, Taara McLean, Louis Steele, and Fraser Johns, who embody the carefree and irreverent HAULIER spirit. Esteemed multi-disciplinary artist Kristyan Low created his signature clean, fresh-faced dewy skin make-up look with a focus on gender-neutral and healthy skin. Hair stylist Aimee… 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

Diamonds, but not like you know them: we speak to Moi Moi in Melbourne

Diamon finger woman

As the world becomes more conscious about the impact we have on our planet, many are seeking ethical and sustainable alternatives to traditionally sourced products, including diamonds. That’s why lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular among consumers who want the beauty and durability of a diamond without the negative environmental and social costs associated with mined diamonds. Some hardcore diamond enthusiasts may still have reservations about lab-grown diamonds. They may believe that they are somehow inferior to mined diamonds, but the truth is, they are virtually identical in every way. Both are made of carbon, and lab-grown diamonds are created under controlled conditions that replicate the natural process that occurs deep within the earth. We spoke to Lauren Chang Sommer, the founder and managing director or Moi Moi, who said, “One of my favourite things about them is that they come at a fraction of the price of mined gems which makes it possible for our customers to purchase their dream jewellery and afford bigger stones. LAVANA Lab Grown diamonds are ethical and socially responsible and come with a guaranteed source of origin, promising that brilliant jewels don’t need to cost the earth.” In fact, lab-grown diamonds are so similar to mined diamonds that in 2018, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruled that a diamond is a diamond no matter where it comes from. This means that lab-grown diamonds can be graded, certified, and sold in the same way as mined diamonds. At Moi Moi, they offer LAVANA lab-grown diamonds and SUPERNOVA Moissanite, which is… Read More

What’s on for Dark Spectrum this VIVID Sydney

Dark Spectrum Sydney light red

Sydney on 26 May, running until 16 July before touring the world.After three years of intense preparation, the highly-anticipated immersive journey of light and sound known as Dark Spectrum is set to debut in Australia’s largest festival, Vivid Sydney. The first of its kind in the world, Dark Spectrum aims to take visitors on a intense exploration of the human experience, featuring themes such as separation, pressure, reflection and revelation, all represented by individual colours of light which explode within eight unique spaces. Incorporating state-of-the-art technology such as music, robotics, and laser systems, visitors will be able to step inside each artwork as part of a six-week long display. As they wander through the tunnels, visitors will be treated to a five-minute soundtrack in each space, accompanied by a constantly evolving atmosphere, resulting in an overload of light and sound that will trigger unique emotions with every transition. The experience will be highly immersive, with restricted visitor groups entering the tunnels in order to avoid overcrowding. Some portions of the tunnels, originally built in the 1930s as part of Wynyard Station’s unused Platforms 1 and 2, have never before been open to the public, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to the already highly-anticipated event. As visitors move from one tunnel to the next, they will enter new colours of the spectrum, each with its own unique energy, music, and visual effects. Each room in the display is thematically arranged to represent different aspects of the human experience. For example, the first room, titled “Separation”,… 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

Perth: is it really a good place to live?

Perth city capital

As the capital city of Western Australia, Perth is a melting pot of cultures, boasting a warm climate, stunning beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. But, is it really a good place to live? In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the factors that contribute to Perth’s livability. Climate Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means it gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C, while summers can be scorching, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The dry and warm climate makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as swimming, cycling, and hiking. It’s also super close for a flight to basically any Asian destination, too. Think Cebu in the Philippines! Cost of Living Compared to other major Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, the cost of living in Perth is relatively lower. Housing prices are more affordable, and the cost of groceries and services is also reasonable. However, it’s worth noting that Perth has a higher average weekly income than most other Australian cities, so locals can afford a higher standard of living. Employment Opportunities Perth is home to a diverse range of industries, including mining, construction, healthcare, and hospitality. The city boasts a low unemployment rate, making it one of the best places in Australia to find work. Additionally, Perth has a thriving startup and technology scene, with several co-working spaces and innovation hubs popping up in recent years. Education Perth is home to world-class universities, including the… Read More

Melbourne’s best bottomless cocktails at Brogan’s Way, Richmond

Negroni Spagliato cocktail

Bottomless cocktails, delicious tacos, and a cozy atmosphere – who says you have to wait until summer to enjoy all of these things? Thanks to Brogan’s Way Distillery and Bar in Richmond, cocktail-lovers can indulge during the colder months too. Starting on 20th May, Brogan’s Way is hosting Bottomless Cocktail sessions on selected Saturdays from May through to September. Each session will run for two hours starting at 3pm and will take place at the Brogan’s Way Distillery and Bar on North Street, Richmond. Guests will be treated to unlimited G&T pairings, select gin cocktails, and bottomless bubbles. Some of the G&T pairings on offer include the popular Everyday Salvation Gin & Tonic and Strawberries & Cream Gin & Tonic. Meanwhile, the cocktails on offer will be on rotation, including the Mando Sour, Mulled Gin, and Blood Orange Negroni Spritz. Not into alcohol? Don’t worry, Brogan’s Way also offers a non-alcoholic menu featuring delicious mocktails, select soft drinks, and alcohol-free wine. But that’s not all – guests can also indulge in tasty tacos from the Special Event Taco menu. Both meat and vegetarian options are available. Tacos start from $13 for two and can be ordered during the Bottomless Cocktail sessions. The Bottomless Cocktail sessions are a great idea for those looking to catch up with friends and family on a Saturday afternoon with refreshing and unique drinks and delicious food. And with tickets for the bottomless Gin Cocktails Drinks Package priced at $58 pp and the unlimited non-alcoholic Cocktails and Soft Drinks Package at… Read More