Open Weekend

Overview

Sydney's been running a little short on Australian art lately. The Art Gallery of NSW's Australian collection went missing not long ago, as the art institution took advantage of these galleries' remodelling to stage its big Picasso show. Remodelling over, they're back, taking advantage of the grand reopening to stage an Open Weekend showing off its returning collection.

As well as offering ongoing shows like the Archibald and the newly opened Australian Symbolism exhibition, the weekend will fill itself with art and the ideas around it. Thomas Keneally will narrow his focus to colonial Sydney, architect and acting director talk up the new space and its design, Wendy Whiteley talks about the life and work of Brett, and Delia Falconer, author of Sydney, talks about the same.

Get practical skills at the free, Margaret Preston-y Saturday print-making workshop, or weaving from Vickie West. Screening downstairs, Outsiders in Australian Film collects three short features on Saturday. On Sunday, Colin Friels face off against Miles Davis in the jazz showdown that is Rolf de Heer's little-known film Dingo. Richard Gill talks music and story and Holly Throsby sings in the lobby, adding to your musical options.

Does a whole weekend of such Australian artiness all leave you with a powerful opinion? The gallery plans to collect those as well.

Photo credit Mark Tedeschi.