Biennale, Schmiennale. Okay, fine, I don't really mean that, but while famous people are putting on big shows at buildings with landmark status and getting schoolbusloads of guests of the "I also saw the Archibald" variety, it's awesome that little tiny galleries continue bringing you plastic cups of wine and laser-printed price lists. Happening in and around artist-run initiatives (the by-and-for alternative to museums and commercial galleries) in Chippendale, Waterloo and Surry Hills, safARI is a kind of off-Broadway component to May's visual arts schedule. MOP Projects, Firstdraft, Locksmith Project Space, Serial Space and FBi Radio are hosting, and 14 artists are showing. The month-long festival features parties, talks and guided walks as a way into what Sydney artists are doing now, and the event as a whole is an exploratory contribution to the atmosphere of a city being curated. As a first-time (ad)venture, and one that is based on new works that have been hunted down rather than evolved according to a theme, safARI is a suit with many pockets. Forget stranger danger and take the sweets it offers you. Image: Platform by Rolande Souliere.
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
If you've ever worn a little black dress, then you owe Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel a big thank you. Depending on your choice of suit, bag and perfume, you might owe her some gratitude there as well. The French designer's influence upon 20th-century fashion extends far and wide — and, even though she passed away in 1971, her imprint can be felt in the 21st century as well. So, when the NGV International sends some love her way at its next blockbuster exhibition, it'll have plenty to cover. Displaying at the St Kilda Road gallery from Sunday, December 5, 2021–Monday, April 25, 2022, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will arrive fresh from its current stint at Paris' Palais Galliera. Its stop in Melbourne is its first international jaunt, in fact. On show will be pieces from the French venue, as well as from the Patrimoine de Chanel, the fashion house's heritage department. More than 100 garments will grace the NGV's walls and halls, with the exhibition charting her career. You'll also be able to see what Chanel achieved with perfume, jewellery and accessory design, too. Some pieces will date back more than a century, given that the fashion icon opened her first boutique in Deauville in 1912, before making the leap to her own Parisian couture house in 1918. Expect to check out everything from black threads — obviously — to lace gowns, wool jersey and tailored tweed suits, and an array of beaded garments. As you peer at Chanel's designs, you'll see how womenswear developed, and both how and why she's left a mark that still lingers today. [caption id="attachment_819495" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Gabrielle Chanel (designer). Dress, spring–summer 1925, silk guipure lace, silk organza flower. Patrimoine de Chanel, Paris. Photo © Julien T. Hamon.[/caption] The NGV is also adding its own Chanel pieces to the exhibition, such as a white lace Evening dress that dates back to 1933, and a shirred red silk velvet and marabou-lined evening cape from around 1924–26. They'll form part of a showcase that's split into themed sections, with different parts devoted to her early work, the way her design language evolved in the 1920s and 1930s, the iconic scent that is Chanel No 5, and how the brand's pieces have favoured a look best described as "austere luxury". Also getting their own themed strands: suits, accessories and jewellery. To launch Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, which will be ticketed — and will be the first-ever exhibition in Australia that'll solely focus on Chanel's contributions to fashion and culture — the NGV is bringing back its black-tie NGV Gala, which'll take place on Saturday, December 4. [caption id="attachment_819496" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Gabrielle Chanel, c. 1930s, photograph by André Kertész. Médiathèque de l'architecture et du patrimoine. Photo © Ministère de la Culture–Médiathèque del'architecture et du patrimoine, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais /André Kertész. Courtesy of the National Gallery of Victoria.[/caption] Announcing the exhibition, NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM said that "there is no bigger name in 20th-century fashion design than Gabrielle Chanel. Her originality, timelessness and elegance forged a radically modern vision of fashion and a singular style. Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will be expansive, visually sumptuous and will reveal the achievements and enduring legacy of the extraordinary French fashion designer." If you decide to wear a little black dress while you're checking out all things Chanel this summer, you'll likely have plenty of company. Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will display at the NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 5, 2021–Monday, April 25, 2022. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the gallery's website. Top image: Anne Sainte-Marie in a Chanel suit, photograph by Henry Clarke, published in Vogue US, 1955, retouched by ARCP. ParisMusées. © Henry Clarke, ParisMusées /PalaisGalliera/ADAGP. Copyright Agency, 2021.
You don't need to spend big to fill your wardrobe with quality clothing. Instead, it can be just as simple as heading along to Round She Goes — Sydney's leading indoor market for women's preloved and vintage fashion. Returning to PCYC Marrickville on Saturday, July 19, this carefully curated one-day-only event features over 70 stalls dedicated to stylish second-hand designer labels, chic vintage finds and quality handmade accessories. With the doors swinging open at 10am, getting down early is your best chance to uncover the best finds. Along with coveted brands like Prada, Phillip Lim, Gorman and Zimmerman up for grabs, there's also 70s denim, unique jewellery and decades-old statement pieces to discover. Of course, Round She Goes is primed for savvy shoppers and fashion lovers. Yet it's also a sustainable way to shop, as these reclaimed garments still have lots to give. Entry is $5, with pre-booked tickets available online for those keen to skip the queue.
Vivid Sydney is in full swing, and while you're planning which talks to see, figuring out where to catch a glimpse of the lights and checking which gigs still have tickets going, you're probably figuring out a strategic drinking and dining plan too. The bulk of the light installations will again be set up around Circular Quay and The Rocks, and a market dedicated entirely to desserts will also run for three nights of the festival. Setting up shop in the Overseas Passenger Terminal for the second year running, the Milk 'n' Sugar Market will be on-hand for revellers craving something sweet for the third weekend of Vivid. Running from 6–11pm on June 8, 9 and 10, the market will be hocking Brooklyn Boy Bagels' rainbow bagels, cheesecake on a stick, Koi's mandarin mousse cake, dessert arancini, a fairy floss ice cream Froot Loops 'burrito' (that's a thing) and more. You should probably skip dinner. As well as coinciding with Vivid, the market will also run alongside The Rocks Night Market, which is also happening on the same three nights. Plan your movements right and you could fit it all in on one evening.
"Imagine you're tracking a terrorist" begins the unseen voice in the opening shot of Dror Moreh's unnerving documentary The Gatekeepers. "You know they're planning an imminent attack and you know they're in a car that your teams have finally located." As he narrates, the clouds on the screen part to reveal footage from a drone flying high above a city. "What you don't know, though, is where they're going to be an hour from now, or who else is in the car with them. So…what do you do?" Moments later there's a flash, an explosion, and the car is destroyed in what you realise is real-world footage of an assassination. In the corner of the screen, an injured bystander slowly attempts to crawl away from the flaming carnage. This is the story of the Shin Bet — Israel's highly secretive internal security service — as told by all six surviving leaders, past and present (and, notably, the only members whose identities are ever made public). Divided into seven sections with austere headings like: 'Collateral Damage', 'Forget About Morality' and 'Victory Is to See You Suffer', The Gatekeepers offers an extraordinary insight into one of the most clandestine organisations in living history. Like 2003's Academy Award-winning film The Fog of War, these interviews reveal both the strategic and philosophical considerations behind some of the organisations most famous (and infamous) operations; however, unlike Robert S. McNamara, the disclosures of these men are remarkably unsentimental and make little attempt at any justification. With their stewardship spanning decades of momentous upheaval, including the 6-Day War, the hijacking of the 300 bus, the invasion of Lebanon, the two Intifadas and the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, there's no shortage of material for the narrators to delve into despite the large pockets of history that remain classified. Rarely do the scenarios veer even close to black-and-white morality, and, not surprisingly, it's questions of assassination and torture that prove most compelling. "What's unnatural is the power you have" , explains the Shin Bet's most recent chief Yuval Diskin, "the power you have to take three people, terrorists, and take their lives in an instant." In all, The Gatekeepers is a candid, revelatory and at times disturbing film that represents one of the 'must-sees' of 2013. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kpk71yrQUQM
ENESS, the team behind 2022's Airship Orchestra, is back with another magical inflatable installation, appearing in Tumbalong Park as part of Sydney Festival. Following the success of its previous luminous larger-than-life figures, the Melbourne-based design studio is back with another dose of public art plucked from your wildest imagination. This time around, with the addition of water, these six-metre-tall figures are also helping you cool off through summer. [caption id="attachment_874184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Roberts Photography[/caption] As the name suggests, Cupid's Koi Garden takes inspiration from cheeky cupid water fountains, pairing ENESS' interpretation of the famed winged baby with a family of inflatable koi fish. These colourful figures are all equipped with water jets spraying choreographed spurts of water paired with motion-tracking LED lights and a playful soundtrack. All up, it creates a multi-sensory world that's designed to both spark wonder and help you beat the heat. Head to Darling Harbour to discover this free, family-friendly playground of light, sound and art. Open daily for little ones and kidults alike, the immersive activation is running throughout the festival until Sunday, January 29. [caption id="attachment_884090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dianna Snape Photography[/caption]
While Friday night drinks are a pretty top choice, sometimes a little libation earlier in the week is called for. Thankfully, Barangaroo's West Hotel Sydney is giving you plenty of reasons to switch up your plans to Thursdays instead — whether it's after-work drinks, a catch-up with mates or a date. Every Thursday up until Easter, the hotel's in-house bar Solander will be moving the party outside for something they're calling Jungle Bar. Head out to the openair atrium, decked out with green foliage and festoon lights, where you can tuck into some snacks straight off the barbecue — think charred king prawns, lamb chops and kangaroo sliders — for six bucks each. Plus, the pop-up bar will be slinging four specialty spritzes. For $14, choose from the aptly named Herbal, Lavender or Berry spritz or opt for the bar's namesake Solander spritz. And, if you're looking to bust out some dance moves, there'll be a DJ spinning tunes from 4pm till late. [caption id="attachment_725950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton[/caption]
Marrickville's Pizza Madre is already a firm favourite among pizza fanatics and vegetarians alike. Now, the shop is giving us even more to love with the launch of a monthly pizza and wine dinner. This month, Lo-Fi Wines will be in the house on Wednesday, April 10 from 7–9pm. Expect a pizza feast, along with a flight of six natural wines from Italy and Australia. The Aussie importer sources its wines from family-operated, sustainable producers from around the globe. So, expect minimal intervention, pét-nat and skin-contact wines on offer from Australia's Architects of Wine, Delinquente Wine and Ephemera, and Italy's Al Di La Del Fiume, Colombaia and Alessandro Viola. For eats, there'll be snacks on arrival, followed by a pizza and salad banquet — with enough pizza for guests to inhale one whole pie each. And everything, as usual in the restaurant, will be meat-free. There will be four pizzas up for grabs, including zucchini flower with rainbow tomato, yellow capsicum, black olive and pine nut crumb; potato, spinach and fried capers with fior di latte and smoked cheddar; and the butternut squash with fior di latte and buttermilk ricotta topped with walnuts and smoked garlic oil. The evening will finish up with a sweets and dessert wine pairing. The whole shebang will set you back $75 and seats are very limited — but there are a few spaces left, so grab 'em while you can. Pizza Madre's monthly wine dinners will continue with cool climate bottles from Canberra District's Mallaluka Wines in May and organic drops from the Blue Mountains' Frankly, This Wine Was Made By Bob in June. Keep an eye on the pizzeria's Facebook for event updates and ticket info. Image: Kitti Gould.
The new and improved Sydney Fish Market is one step closer to reality, with the site's final designs unveiled today. The ambitious $250 million revamp, which was first announced back in June last year, will see the original market relocated to bigger purpose-built premises, just next to the existing market at the eastern end of Blackwattle Bay. Designed by Danish architects 3XN, the new harbourside building looks mighty impressive. A curved roof will be crafted from timber and aluminium — a design element that's meant to emulate the scales of a fish. The new market will be much more accessible and make use of its waterfront location with a new promenade, ferry stop and public wharves also being incorporated into the project. According to the State Government, moving the market should open up that side of Blackwattle Bay to the public. "Relocating the fish market to the new site will return Blackwattle Bay's foreshore to the public, improve pedestrian and cycling links and connect more of Pyrmont to the water as part of the long-awaited revitalisation of the area," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement today. Inside, the popular cooking school will be expanded and an assortment of bars, kiosks and restaurants will be made a focus so you'll ideally have even more options for staying for yum cha, lunch or dinner. Building expected to kick off in mid-2019 and completion slated for sometime in 2023. Because the build is a new structure, the existing market will continue to operate as usual while construction goes on.
Since Samson & Delilah arrived in 2009, earned the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Caméra d'Or for Best First Feature and proved an instant great of Australian cinema, every project from filmmaker Warwick Thornton has been a must-see. He got spooky with ghost-story anthology The Darkside, pondered the nation's relationship with the Southern Cross in documentary We Don't Need a Map and explored the country's race relations in blistering historical drama Sweet Country. Then, he co-directed the second season of the Mystery Road TV series, turned the camera on himself in meditative small-screen doco The Beach and was also behind vampires-in-the-outback show Firebite. Thornton is an Aussie icon. With his latest project, he has also joined forces with a fellow Aussie icon: Cate Blanchett. The Oscar-winning actor is following up her award-nominated role in Tár earlier in 2023 with Thornton's new film The New Boy — and playing a renegade nun in 1940s Australia, no less. As the just-dropped trailer shows, The New Boy heads to a remote monastery with a mission for Indigenous children, where Sister Eileen (Blanchett) is in charge. In a sneak peek filled with golden hues and bubbling with a thoughtful mood, her faith is tested when the titular child (newcomer Aswan Reid), a nine-year-old orphan, arrives and has his own experience with religion, which clashes with the mission's take on Christianity. Thornton writes and directs The New Boy, as he did with with Samson and Delilah and We Don't Need a Map. He also does triple duty as his own cinematographer, as he also has with the bulk of his filmography. And, on-screen, Deborah Mailman (Total Control) and Wayne Blair (Seriously Red) feature alongside Blanchett and Reid. Unsurprisingly given its helmer, star and the former's Cannes history, The New Boy premiered at the prestigious French film festival in May, and enjoys its first Aussie screening as the opening-night film at the Sydney Film Festival. After that, audiences Australia-wide will be able to check out the dream pairing of Thornton and Blanchett — and the movie debut of Reid — when The New Boy hits cinemas in general release on Thursday, July 6. Check out the trailer for The New Boy below: The New Boy opens in Australian cinemas on July 6.
IKEA and Ideabox, a U.S. architectural firm, have teamed up to create a line of fully furnished, prefabricated houses. The new homes, called Aktiv, are one-bedroom dwellings filled with space saving furniture and the usual Ikea fare, including Tundra maple flooring, Pax wardrobes and Abstrakt cabinets. Designed to be eco-friendly, the outside of the home will be made from a combination of fibre cement, corrugated metal and a standing seam metal roof. The Aktiv house is equipped with a dual-flush toilet and energy-star electronics to ensure it is more environmentally sound too. The house will incorporate the fun and design of Ideabox houses together with the functionality, design and personality of IKEA. The Aktiv is set to be priced from US$86,500. Prefab homes have already taken off overseas, and are set to provide Australians with an increasingly attractive construction option in the years to come. Check out ten incredible prefab home designs here. [via PSFK]
Back in 2019, the latest dessert craze landed in Sydney, when Demochi Donut opened on the streets of Banksia. Owner Dennis Chan (Dirty Bird food truck) somehow managed to fuse the airy, crispy elements of a doughnut with that chewy mochi texture — and, unsurprisingly, tastebuds were immediately tempted. Chan started working on these mochi masterpieces after finding a similar fusion doughnut served at a shop in Tokyo. He spent over five years perfecting his own recipe, and then finally released the blended sweet to the masses. Now, he's letting Sydneysiders make a version at home, too, thanks to Demochi's new DIY mini mochi doughnut ball kits. Reflecting the huge amount of time we're all now spending within our own four walls, DIY kits have been popping up frequently in 2020 — spanning everything from deep-fried ice cream to cannoli. We're betting that your stomach is always hungry for these tiny mochi-doughnut hybrids, though, with each of Demochi's kits letting you make 50 doughnut balls. For $25 plus shipping, you'll receive flour mix, original honey glaze, a piping bag and, crucially, instructions on exactly how to whip up your next sweet treat. Expect to spend about 20 minutes in the kitchen, and, if you need some guidance, Demochi has also put together a how-to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiSjjJ_i03Q&feature=youtu.be To order Demochi's DIY cannoli kits, visit the store's website.
Get psychled! It's a new word that means "get excited about bicycles". Because between Clover Moore tirelessly championing her epic bike lane plan and Lance Armstrong inspiring kids all over the world to get "pumped", it's no wonder Sydney is enjoying a bicycle renaissance. We've sussed out seven of Sydney's best bicycle shops and found that whether you just want to get your brakes tightened or you're out to pimp your ride, there's something in store for everyone. 1 & 2. Omafiets and Glow Worm Bicycles 117B Addison Rd, Marrickville (on Agar St); omafiets.com.au 'Omafiets; literally means 'grandma bike' in Dutch, and the shop is run by three dashing young bike enthusiasts named Ollie, Maurice and Chris. They sell exquisite second-hand Dutch bicycles because the Dutch "produce bicycles for people who understand that cycling isn't a sport — it's the best way to get around town", and because they are excellent value. They also run Chain Lynx, a queer-friendly bike club that happens in-store every odd Wednesday at 6pm. Super. Whilst Omafiets only performs repairs on bikes originally from their store, their sister shop Glow Worm Bicycles (just around the corner) is run by Maurice and specialises in electric bikes. General servicing and repairs of non-Omafiets bikes can be done here and both stores boast a team of highly skilled, super-helpful bike experts. Image courtesy of Saskia Howard and CycleChic. 3. Clarence St Cyclery 4 Clarence St, Sydney; www.cyclery.com.au Established in 1975, Clarence St Cyclery is an institution amongst bicycle lovers. Run by a team of veteran mechanics, the store offers over 200 models in store and feels a bit like an art gallery for bicycles. As of June 2010, they have also opened up a store next door exclusively for women — the first of its kind in the country. What's more, a percentage of every bicycle sale purchased form Clarence St Cyclery is donated to the Cycling Promotion Fund to promote cycling and improve cycling facilities around Australia. 4. Wooleys Wheels 82 Oxford St, Paddington; www.woolyswheels.com Located amongst a stretch of boutique retail and fashion stores on Oxford Street, Woolys Wheels is a three-level bicycle haven. They stock the full line of Giant and Specialized bikes and a wide range of gear to suit all riding levels (including kids). It's a little on the pricey side, but a crew of helpful staff and baller mechanics make it their business to see you’re saddled up and ready to roll no matter the query. 5. Hell on Wheels 463 King Street, Newtown; www.hellonwheels.com.au This is the place to go for everything BMX and feels more like your friend's living room than a shop (if your friend is a bit nuts and crams every conceivable space in their living room with bike and skate gear). They stock all your BMX needs, including fixies, frames, accessories and protection gear as well as skate decks, shoes, hoodies, magazines and DVDs. If it's raining and you're not riding, then check out the epic bike videos on their homepage to make you feel invariably uncool and in awe. 6. tokyobike 1 Marys Pl, Surry Hills; www.tokyobike.com.au This store opened in Sydney in 2010 as the first permanent tokyobike outside the old suburb of Yanaka in Japan. Based on an ethos of the simplicity, comfort and enjoyment that comes with cycling, tokyobikes weigh between just 9 and 11 kilos. There are four different urban commuter models to suit both cruisers and speedsters, which you can take for a test ride at their sunny Surry Hills store. They also stock parts imported from Japan and a range of local accessories and provide bike maintenance and mechanics services. 7. Stallion Cycles Shop 2, 115 Lawson St, Redfern; www.stallionbikes.com The store is about the size of a peanut, but it's crammed with a range of beautiful hand-built vintage cycles, which spill out onto the sidewalk. Priding themselves on their craftsmanship, Stallion is the place to head if you're after custom design, made to order, rebuilt bikes and vintage accessories. They boast an extensive restoration and servicing list, and a Stallion Bikes full bicycle restoration comes with a one-year workmanship guarantee and a free first service. Tallyho! Honourable Mentions Cheeky Transport Bondi Bikes Cycle Re-Cycle (aka The Nunnery) Omafiets image courtesy of Saskia Howard and CycleChic. All other images courtesy of the stores.
For three weeks, Darlinghurst Theatre Company is transforming from a CBD hub for theatre, arts and cabaret into a live music haven, hosting a series of performances from some of the country's most exciting queer and gender-diverse musicians. Heading up the roster of boundary-pushing talent on opening night is local rapper JamarzOnMarz who made headlines in 2020 for speaking out against the policing of Black hairstyles in Australian school uniform codes. Also on the lineup: Charli XCX collaborator Banoffee and a slew of local talents including imbi, Okenyo and Huck Hastings, who will be launching his debut album as part of the program. Each night of the Darlo Sessions will feature a 7pm and a 9pm session. Tickets start at $35, but if you're looking for a jam-packed night of live music, you can purchase a double bill ticket to see both sessions for the reduced price of $76.50. Four tickets from each session are also reserved as part of a 'pay what you can' system for those who may face social barriers to attending. To complete the night, make sure make time to enjoy theatre company's summer menu courtesy of Two Trout Restaurant, featuring a selection of snacks and cheese, as well as ocean trout rillette and barbecue smoked chorizo. You can find the full lineup and purchase tickets via the Darlinghurst Theatre Company's website. [caption id="attachment_800805" align="alignnone" width="1920"] imbi by Rene Vaile[/caption] Top image: Robert Catto
Established in 2009 to discuss difficult issues, push boundaries and inspire debate, Sydney's Festival of Dangerous Ideas has spent a decade exploring provocative topics — and it's celebrating its tenth anniversary in the same fashion. Returning in 2020 after sitting out 2019, this year's event will tackle the theme 'dangerous realities' with help from Edward Snowden, Jon Ronson, Roxane Gay and Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton. Presented by The Ethics Centre — who co-founded the fest with the Sydney Opera House, then partnered with UNSW for the 2018 version of the event on Cockatoo Island — the 2020 event will fill Sydney Town Hall with discussions about a wide range of subjects between Friday, April 3–Sunday, April 5. When you're not listening to speakers examine the reality of mass surveillance or dissect one of Australia's most famous criminal cases, you'll be absorbed in chats about deep fakes, porn, the commercial side of surrogate pregnancy, gene editing and nuclear weapons. Obviously, headliner Snowden will be delving into government surveillance systems — and, just as obviously, the whistleblower will be appearing via live stream rather than in person. Fellow high-profile speaker Ronson will be in Sydney in the flesh, so that he can talk about flesh, with the So You've Been Publicly Shamed author and Frank and Okja screenwriter chatting about his experiences exploring the world of pornography. [caption id="attachment_759145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jon Ronson[/caption] As for Gay, she'll be presenting the festival's annual keynote speech, which it introduced in 2018. Called 'The Hitch' after FODI inaugural speaker Christopher Hitchens, the centrepiece discussion will hone in on the fest's overall theme — and why professor, commentator and Bad Feminist writer Gay is happy to discuss the dangerous realities around her. Elsewhere, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton will speak about her wrongful murder conviction and decades-long fight to get a court to rule that a dingo took her baby Azaria. A session called 'Unforgivable' will bring five Aussie youth activists to the stage, chatting about their hopes for the country's future and pairing their talks with a performance by 18-person all-female Indigenous vocal ensemble Marliya — with attendees choosing how much they're willing to pay to listen to the nation's next generation. Still keeping things local, Aboriginal Australian activist and human rights lawyer Megan Davis will examine a topic of continuing relevance: the country's struggle to face the truth about our First Nations history. Also on the agenda: Russia's role in this year's US election, Australia's relationship with China, and the inescapable fact that big technology companies have been digitising (and monetising) our entire lives. In a subject that's no less important, but will be treated in a far more lively manner, you can also attend a science and song-fuelled session about menstruation. Or, Sydneysiders can take part in an interactive social experiment, with the FODI audience helping philosopher Matt Beard decide which worthy charity should receive a — very real — cash donation. The 2020 Festival of Dangerous Ideas runs from Friday, April 3–Sunday April 5 at Sydney Town Hall. To peruse the full program — and to buy festival passes from 8am on Thursday, January 30 — visit the festival website. Top images: Jodie Barker
Since 1984, the Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) has worked with communities all over western Sydney on creative projects. The initiative focuses on youth, migrants, refugees, First Nations people and people with disability. On the program, you'll find all sorts of happenings, from free courses in electronic music production to First Nations translations of local history archives and film making workshops led by playwright Tommy Murphy (Holding The Man and Mark Colvin's Kidney) and dedicated to the stories of LGBTQI+ people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Keep up with developments at ICE's Facebook page.
Dream a little about a Greek summer adventure with the new Yamas Hour at The Apollo. Bringing the best of Hellenic taverna-style food to Potts Point, the restaurant's take on a feel-good happy hour will make your tastebuds and wallet cheerful, with everything on the menu $15 and under. To give you an idea of what delights await, the sample menu features a sumptuous selection of mezedes, ranging from Sydney rock oysters with cucumber and dill to calamari tiganita and lamb souvlaki with almond dukka. The drinks menu also features numerous options primed for a hot summer night, including refreshing beers and wines hailing from local streets all the way to Greece. For something to share with friends, get the Karpouzi spritz jug ($40), featuring vodka, Aperol, watermelon and lemon. Running until February 13, bookings are available Monday–Thursday from 5–6pm.
Antidote — the Sydney Opera House festival of ideas, action and change — will return for its third round this August, bringing with it an all-star lineup of the world's leading minds and pioneering creatives. They'll facilitate and lead the necessary conversations of our time over the weekend of August 31 and September 1. This year, the festival has partnered with the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas, which will co-curate two sessions focusing on authoritarian environments, free speech and debates on society's most controversial issues. Other Key topics in this year's program include 'fake news', national identity, the weaponisation of social media, creative responses to political and social turmoil and the surveillance of 'big data' and the resurgence of binge cultures. Included in the massive international lineup is Sonic Youth's guitarist and vocalist Kim Gordon, Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Wylie, Rappler founder Maria Ressa (one of TIME Magazine's People of 2018), Black Lives Matter activist and co-founder of Campaign Zero DeRay Mckesson, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Coll, and Russian cyber security journalists (and co-founders of the respected Agentura. Ru) Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan. [caption id="attachment_727922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kim Gordon, shot by David Black.[/caption] Also making appearances is Thae Yong-ho, the former North Korea deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom; Mausi Segun, the executive director of Human Right Watch's Africa Division; and Lina Attalah (TIME Magazine's New Generation Leader), co-founder of Egyptian newspaper Mada Masr. Australian heavy hitters to join the party include ABC International Affairs analyst Stan Grant, The Guardian journalist Brigid Delaney and The Sydney Morning Herald's national editor Tory Maguire, who will host a live recording of the podcast Please Explain. Antidote's popular workshop series will return, too, featuring a collective tarot reading and a 'how to' hairdo tutorial for dads. And Sydney artist Jason Phu has been commissioned to create a public performance work, which features a "procession of masked 'spirits' protesting against humanity's impact on the earth". Watch out for that one. Antidote 2019 will take over the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1. For full lineup, details and tickets, visit the festival website.
This year the CBD isn’t the only place where you can indulge in seasonal shenanigans. On December 13 and 14, twelve of the city’s villages will get their Christmas spirit on, with free drinks, free food, roving performers, in-store events, seriously discounted gifts and visits from Santa. More than 200 retail outlets are getting on the sleigh. As you’d imagine, there’s a significantly artsy bent to Chippo’s take on Christmas. Arthole has an extravaganza planned, with live elves at work, putt-putt and Nerf gun challenges, prize competitions and not one but two Santas. Meanwhile, beautiful yet affordable exhibition Printed Matter will be offering 10% discounts, and at boutique gelato store Anita, you’ll be able to partake in unlimited homemade toppings with every frozen yoghurt purchase. Pop down the road to Waterloo and you’ll find yourself immersed in bargains, giveaways and events. These include 50-70% off at Roylston House on Sunday; a free glass of pinot noir with every charcuterie board at Luke Mangan’s Mojo; free image consultations at Face Furniture with Emanuela, who’ll teach you which sunnies best match your face; and 50% off jewellery at Brenda May Gallery. There’s also a villages-wide Instagram comp going on, which might see you jetting off to some long dreamt-of destination. Simply take a shot of your favourite shop window and tag it #sydxmas #bestwindow, for a chance to win a $2,000 QANTAS travel voucher. The business responsible for the most-tagged window will score $5,000 worth of adventures with Red Balloon. Both prizes are courtesy of American Express. To discover more about festivities in Chippendale, Waterloo and Green Square this weekend, head to the City of Sydney’s Christmas in the Villages website.
There's only 30 minutes left on the clock, and the anticipation amongst the beer-soaked audience at Name This Bar is starting to peak. Despite the fact French artist Enzo has been working away at something on a hidden sheet of paper for the past hour, his canvas is still completely blank. To his right, cartoonist and SCA graduate Leigh Rigozzi is steadily plugging away. Up on the scaffold, he's taken off his shoes and his business jacket and before our eyes, a colourful geometric figure is appearing, like the silhouette of a muppet filled with an endless galaxy of cubes all converging in on one another. Sam Mercier is the proud owner of the unexpectedly comfortable den squeezed in amidst The Tool Shed and Coco Cubano on Oxford Street known only as Name This Bar. "Art Battles evolved with the concept of Name This Bar,” he explains. “This place was initially a blank slate. We were in the process of trying to look for a name and what we were going to do with it. We thought, why don’t we get people to write their ideas of what to call it on these two walls? But not many people came by because nobody knew we were here yet. Then a couple of mates turned up, sort of friends of friends, and they started drawing pictures on the walls and everyone was watching it. We were like, whoa that's really cool. That's a really good idea, I wish we could do something like that.” From these humble beginnings, Mercier has done something like that, and much, much more. Now in its fourth series, Art Battles is fast becoming the So You Think You Can Dance or The MasterChef of the art world. Built on a community that encompasses street artists and fine artists alike, the competition is a platform and launch pad for a new hybrid artform, and the artists that go with it. Mercier says there are even plans for an international touring team, and a partnership with an Art Battles team in New York, on the horizon. This is how it works: Two artists, two blank canvases, 100 minutes. Three judges allocate points for creativity, judges' favourite and crowd favourite. Tonight is the second heat in a series of six. Artists are competing for prizes, and to enter the finals, happening at Circular Quay from May 4-5 in conjunction with the Tiger Beer Street Football festival. "There should be about four to five thousand people there. For any of these artists to be in front of all those people on an international stage is quite a big deal," says Mercier. Rigozzi and Enzo represent perfectly the clash of street art and fine art in one place. Nobody knows who Enzo, an amateur street artist from France, is and his bio simply says, "This will be the first of hopefully many live art exhibitions to come." "We had one artist drop out at the last minute and he's been begging us to do it," muses Mercier. "This could be really good or it could be really bad. We really don't know." Tonight's theme is 'what inspires me'. For Rigozzi, that means Sydney's small press and cartooning scene. He's never worked like this before — with a 100-minute countdown in front of a bar of barracking onlookers — but is confident he'll be able to come up with the goods. Meanwhile, Enzo is outside, having a cigarette by himself. He's got his headphones on, listening French trance music, his inspiration. He says he has a bit of a plan, but that he's pretty scared. "Scary is a good word," he laughs. Now, with 30 minutes left, Enzo makes his first move. He pulls his paper up to the canvas and sticks it over the top. Then, with a can of black spray paint, a figure emerges through the stencil. It's a hooded guy crouching down. It's bold and slick and about as different in style from Rigozzi's colourful creation as a lemonade from a double scotch on the rocks. Five, four, three, two, one: The votes are in and the judging is close, but the crowd response draws a clear winner: Enzo is the surprising victor. There are four more heats to go, happening each Thursday night at Name This Bar in April. Mercier says he’s looking forward to the finals. "The finals are always the best because it's so loud. It's so exciting. It's a real buzz." The next art battle takes place on April 25. Battles continue weekly until the finals on May 4. Images by Steven Lattuca.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Sydney is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing a little adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the Sydney landmarks and institutions we all love. This week, discover and rediscover the things that make Sydney so great, with seven different detours through our city's classic spots. From Monday to Sunday, channel that Sydneysider spirit, and enrich your everyday with one completely achievable, time-honoured activity that helps bypass any mundane roadblocks in your routine. This week, rediscover the Sydney we know and love, with a degustation at a beloved CBD restaurant, a befitting STC adaptation of an iconic novel and that essential winter swim in Bondi. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Summertime at Crown Street staple The Winery is all about picnics in the venue's lush garden, and every Aussie knows that a picnic isn't complete without a little (or a lot of) bubbly. Happy to oblige, The Winery has brought back its bottomless prosecco fountain, on offer Thursday–Sunday until January 11. This time, though, the antique-looking stone fountain isn't just pouring endless prosecco from its mouth — it's also serving up Aperol spritzes. For $39 a head, you're able to grab a glass and pour-your-own bubbly and spritzes for a full two hours from that tap. [caption id="attachment_671514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Winery by Letícia Almeida[/caption] While no food is included in the deal, you can order something appropriately summery and European from the new antipasti menu. Choose from organic haloumi with truffle honey ($15), chicken liver parfait with eggplant relish ($14), spicy 'nduja ($8) and gooey stracciatella ($12). Larger dishes — such as smoked lamb meatballs ($21), mushroom tortillas ($15) and prawn lettuce cups ($21) — are on offer, too. If you're yet to organise a get together, this could very well be the setting for this year's Friendsmas. The bottomless prosecco and aperol spritz package is available from Thursday–Friday 5–10pm and Saturday and Sunday 12–10pm.
Because of its diverse climate and varied soil, New South Wales is home to some of Australia's best — and oldest — wine regions. But despite the state possessing over 480 producers, less than eight percent of wines sold on-premise in Sydney restaurants and in retail are sourced from the surrounding area. On the weekend of October 14 and 15, the inaugural Sydney Wine Festival will bring together over 60 wineries from 14 different regions to showcase what our great state has to offer. Choose from 350 drops from regions such as Mudgee, the Hunter Valley, Orange, the Southern Highlands, New England and many more. Taking place at Rosehill Racecourse, tickets purchased in advance online will set you back $25, otherwise they're $30 at the gate. The ticket includes ten wine tasting tickets, which is quite reasonably priced (although no word on how large the tasting pours are). Plus, a vast selection of food will also be on offer to purchase, from crepes and oysters, to burgers and German sausages.
Two exciting and experimental new installations from emerging architects will be opening at Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation in August. The Fugitive Structures program is all about exploring the possibilities offered by small-scale shelters. With a focus on innovation in urban contexts, this is the third iteration of the annual series. Sway is the product of Tel Aviv architecture collective Sach and Reicher + Muller with Eyal Zur. Filling the gallery’s Zen Garden, they have created an impermanent fabric structure, which will commemorate the Old Testament tale about the Israelites sheltering in the wilderness en route to ‘The Promised Land.’ Cross-disciplinary Sydney artists Hugo Moline and Heidi Axelsen will be presenting Owner Occupy (until October 3), a back-to-the-beginning take on Australia’s housing affordability crisis. Five interactive shelters will be set up as temporary dwellings; however, in a move that cuts out the real estate market middle men, you are only entitled to the space you can physically inhabit. This architectural brainstorm is bound to inspire some socially engaged thinking about where and how we live. Hopefully these works will stimulate a timely discussion around the precariousness of our living situations, as well as the assumptions underpinning our drive to own property.
Since buying Sydney stalwart Fratelli Fresh back in April, the Urban Purveyor Group seem intent on expanding the Fratelli empire into a countrywide chain. Fresh from cutting the ribbon on a new Fratelli in Melbourne (the city's first), UPG has launched their latest assault, opening a brand new "casual" pizza spinoff of the Italian restaurant in Westfield Sydney's level five food court. It's the first of an expected 100 (yes, 100) they expect to open nationwide over the next five years. The new venture has been named Fratelli Famous, a naff-tastic crime against alliteration that you will likely forgive as soon as you read the next two words: free pizza. Word is that F. Famous will play by the same rules as F. Fresh, placing special emphasis on quality and variety of ingredients as well as speed of service. An additional drawcard is the build-your-own option (salads, too), which gives customers the opportunity to play Franken-pizza-stein and create whatever monstrosities they so desire. But back to the free pizza bit. To celebrate its Westfield launch this Wednesday, August 31 at 11am, the first 500 customers to storm the doors of Fratelli Famous will be shouted a pizza of their choice. When the stakes are this high, things are likely to get rioty, but rest assured — those who don't make the cut will be gifted a free dessert provided they share a picture of their self-made pizza with the Internet. For the shameless opportunists out there not completely sated by the notion of gratis pizza, UPG have a similar gig going this Thursday, September 1 for the launch of Sake Jr., the "younger, faster, more dynamic sibling" of Sake Restaurant & Bar which will open just across from Fratelli Famous. Once again, the first 500 made-to-order rice and noodle bowls will walk out the door without any money changing hands. Only early risers need apply for this one – doors open at 8am. Fratelli Famous will open at 11am on Thursday, August 31 at Level 5, Westfield Sydney. For more information visit fratellifamous.com.au.
Goodbye Henry Cavill, hello Liam Hemsworth: when The Witcher returns for season four, that's the first big talking point. The change is old news, given that it was announced back in 2022, but seeing it in action isn't. And while Netflix hasn't yet revealed when it is bringing its hit fantasy series back, it has just dropped the first teaser for the new episodes — including the first look at Hemsworth (Land of Bad) as Geralt of Rivia. The icy long locks and the firm gaze are all accounted for in the brief debut glimpse at The Witcher season four, in what'll be the first season without Argylle's Cavill. Hemsworth takes over the part for not just season four but also season five, after the show was renewed for a fifth and final season in April 2024 before its fourth even airs. They're both currently being filmed back to back. So, get ready to toss a coin to your new witcher, and then one more time — but that'll be it. "As a Witcher fan I'm over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," Hemsworth said when the casting change was initially announced. "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I've been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world," he continued. [caption id="attachment_748890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henry Cavill in The Witcher[/caption] If you haven't watched the first three seasons yet but the name sounds familiar from elsewhere, that's because The Witcher is based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. Sapkowski's last three Witcher books, aka Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow and Lady of the Lake, will form the basis of the Netflix series' final two seasons. In the Netflix effort, Cavill and now Hemsworth play the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra, The Cypher) and young princess Ciri (Freya Allan, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes). Alongside Hemsworth, season four will also welcome Laurence Fishburne (John Wick: Chapter 4), Sharlto Copley (Boy Kills World), James Purefoy (The Veil) and Danny Woodburn (Bookie) to the cast. Check out the first teaser for The Witcher season four below: The Witcher's fourth season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. The show's first three seasons are currently available to stream via Netflix.
The first-born child in a family is always the favourite: Mum and Dad are happy and excited because all that 'hard work' has finally paid off, Nan and Pop are pleased that the family legacy will continue to grow into the future, and, most of all, it's novel. Well, the same could be said about the 'first' one of anything. Take PAN magazine, for example. Never heard of it? That's because its about to be born. Based in Sydney, PAN magazine is an independent publication whose mission is to cover arts, culture, fashion, literature and music through a meaningful lens — and with over 60 waxy pages of content, expect to get your culture fix. You can celebrate its birth on Saturday, June 26, at the issue one launch party and fundraiser, where folk-rockers Psychonanny and the Babyshakers stage a musical tantrum along with the Holy Soul, the Walk On By, the Model School and more. You also have the opportunity to take home your own bundle of joy in the form of original artworks from the contributors, who have donated their work for an art auction to alleviate the burden of printing costs. It’s bound to be a fun and sleepless night of mayhem.
This October, the streets of Marrickville will be flooded with over 120 stalls boasting local produce, indie artwork and emerging artists, all set to the backdrop of live music pouring from the main stage. Yep, Marrickville Festival is back for 2016. The entertainment lineup features indie rock band Edens March and jazz troupe Stormcellar, with live music playing continuously from 10am until 5pm on Sunday, October 23. If you're more Bollywood than blues, the international dance floor will be hosting live performances by the Amera's Palace belly dancers and drummers, alongside demonstrations by Sydney Self Defence, and many more. The festival promises a sensational day out in the sun for both small and big kids alike. Whatever you're into, it's as good a reason as any to spend a Sunday in Marrickville Image: Wendy Kimpton.
There once was a time a brother-sister duo known as Angus & Julia Stone rose to fame and cast their spell upon the nation, and on countries far and wide. Then came the amicable split that saw the siblings go their separate ways to pursue solo projects – albeit still holding on tight to the Angus & Julia Stone success. The question on everyone's lips was: Will they be as magical solo as they are in a duo? Two albums later, and Julia Stone has blast down those concerns. Her sweet, fragile and childish voice coupled with her whimsical melodies and stories have proven that she is just as powerful as a solo singer/songwriter. Her latest offering, By The Horns, features some of those gems including Let's Forget All The Things That We Say and It's All Okay. Prepare to get wooed by Ms Stone, who will be touring off the back of her second record, with support from The Trouble With Templeton. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zQbRzn0ypio
OVERVIEW Are you an authority on pop culture, music, food, drink, events and city life? Are you adept at putting your thoughts on those things into words that people can’t help but read? Are you a total pro at all things digital? Concrete Playground is currently seeking a skilled, experienced journalist/editor to join its Sydney team as deputy editor, and if you answered in the affirmative to all of the above, you may just be the person we’re looking for. RESPONSIBILITIES Working closely with the editor-in-chief from our Redfern, Sydney office, you'll come up with story ideas, write articles and commission work from a team of freelancers. Fastidious subediting will be a pillar of your day, as will making images, text, video and links work together as a happy whole. Your primary responsibilities will include: Leading Concrete Playground's news and features content across Australia and New Zealand.Management and growth of Concrete Playground’s various social media channels.Assisting with the planning and execution of Concrete Playground’s editorial strategy.Creation of varied written and multimedia content.Management of freelance news contributors across five cities. REQUIREMENTS A university degreeAt least one year's experience in the online media environment.A demonstrated ability to write smart, funny, popular articles quickly, and to come up with even more ideas than you can write.Solid subediting skills and ability to work with a style guide.Experience with social media management and strategy.Knowledge of SEO and basic HTML.Experience working with a content management system (preferably Wordpress).A good eye for images and skills with image production (preferably Photoshop).Expertise on the topics of music and pop culture, though you might also be strong in: technology, design, sustainability, current affairs, fashion, lifestyle, travel, food & drink, film, the arts and local cultural life.Some photography or videography skills. HOW TO APPLY Please send your cover letter, CV and links to 3-4 relevant online writing samples to Concrete Playground’s editor-in-chief, Rima Sabina Aouf, at contribute@concreteplayground.com.au WHO WE ARE Concrete Playground is an online weather vane pointing readers to the cultural tornadoes that are just about to hit. Our writers, editors and contributors have a constant ear to the under and above (but never middle) ground of the creative worlds of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Wellington. Ideally, applicants will be pretty familiar with us and what we're about.
After opening several colourful Mexican cantinas around the city last year, Rockpool Dining Group continues to expand its Sydney footprint — this time, with a European and American-inspired joint that specialises in wings. Opening in Circular Quay's Gateway Centre in late January, Winghaüs by Bavarian will have room for 145 people across a range of high-tops table, benches, bar stools and leather booths. It's the second Bavarian offshoot of its type to open in the country, with the inaugural Brisbane outpost launching last September. Chicken is the main culinary attraction — buffalo wings specifically — although you'll also be able to tuck into fried wings dusted in either chipotle or habanero powder, or opt for boneless chicken tenders. They'll all be available in servings of ten, 15, 20, 50 or 100 pieces, with eight hot sauces on offer — ranging from mild Texas barbecue to super-hot habanero — and five dips. For folks hankering for other US diner-style bites, chicken burgers, sides such as onion rings, potato gems and deep-fried pickles, plus New York-style cheesecake will all be available. And if you like your desserts both sweet and warm, a selection of deep-fried chocolate bars are likely to prove a highlight, with hot, gooey Mars, Snickers and Picnics all on offer. [caption id="attachment_745181" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winghaus Brisbane[/caption] While the menu skews American, European influences will come through in the drinks and decor. Like The Bavarian, Winghaüs will feature a stein chandelier made from 500 one-litre glasses, and will serve German brews such as Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Franziskaner, Spaten and Hofbräu. US tipples like Budweiser, Stella Artois and Goose Island will also feature, plus Aussie beers like Pines and Pirate Life. And, cocktail-wise, the bar's taps will pump out margaritas, old fashioneds, spritzes, negronis sand espresso martinis. Sydneysiders can also expect plenty to keep them entertained at the diner-style spot, whether you're settling in at the long bar or getting cosy in a leather booth beneath neon signs. Given that sports memorabilia will line the walls, it should come as no surprise that big-screen TVs will play up to 20 live sports attempts at a time. Find Winghaüs by Bavarian at Gateway Centre, Alfred Street, Circular Quay from late January — we'll update you with an opening date when we have one.
Summer can be an interesting time on the art front. Sure, there's the glitz of the Sydney Festival, and there are plenty of kid-friendly shows like Harry Potter kicking around our big museums. But you can also find more challenging gallery shows, photography or just grab a serendipitous moment of art on the street. Luckily, this year Sydney's art institutions have produced an array of promising art events on the horizon to help you push into summer past the new year, whatever else the weather may hold. Concrete Playground has put together a list of the most interesting up and coming exhibitions over the warmer months, leaving you with plenty of time to hurry up and linger. 1. Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris The Musée National Picasso is closed for renovations, so a sizeable chunk of its collection is taking on Sydney as a summer home. The show covers all of Picasso's highly varied styles and periods — 'blue', 'rose', Expressionist, Cubist, Neoclassical and Surrealist. The realism of his early work came easily to Picasso, but the seemingly simpler stuff was the real work. He's said to have said "it took me a whole lifetime to learn to draw like a child." And as Paris comes to Sydney, you too can get overwhelmed by some of this child-like wonder. Art Gallery of NSW. $25/18 (Picasso image via Jean-Gilles Berizzi and Réunion des Musées Nationaux.) 2. Recorders Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer invites the public to touch, push and prod his work into being. Recorders gives you a taste of the artist's mash-up of technology, art and the audience itself, as well as a brief preview of the reconstructed MCA before the art-deco institution's interiors reopen in March. The core of Lozano-Hemmer's work are surprising moments you can touch, stealing fairytale qualities from you for the art — like your heartbeat, or your eyes. 16 December - 12 February, MCA. Free. (Image of Lozano-Hemmer's Pulse Room by we make money not art.) 3. Laneway Art Though Art and About has receded for the year, it's left Laneway Art out for Sydneysiders to enjoy over the summer, complete with mid-air donut, graffiti and strange street furniture. Laneway Art takes curation and serendipity to the streets, gathering art from around Sydney, and beyond. 2011 featured a staircase tiled in guerrilla knitting from the 'mother' of yarn-bombing, Magda Sayeg, urban periscopes with mirrors that look further across the city than you'd imagine and some oversize, forced perspective looking down Market Row. And if you find yourself craving yet more art, Streetware 2011 is still up on city walls as well. Until January 31. Skittle Lane, Bridge Lane, Mullins Street & Market Row, Tank Stream Way, Bulletin Place and South Sydney alleys. Free. 4. Beyond the Frame White Rabbit's new exhibition aims to shuck all sense of boundary - whether it be the wooden frame of a canvas or the crisis of national borders. Ai Weiwei (polymath visual artist, political activist and man of many millions of sunflower seeds) has his Oil Spill porcelain work on display, tempting eco action with its lush, hand-crafted pollution. Lu Nan's empathic eye has entered Burmese prison camps to observe the day-to-day existence of these forgotten souls, while the completely playful is found in the absurdly over-sized animals hanging out in Liu Di's urban scenes. Until January 28, White Rabbit Gallery. Free. (Daily Shapes (2009) by Dong Yuan.) 5. Black Capital Black Capital is CarriageWorks' indigenous festival within the 2012 Sydney Festival, focusing on the indigenous urban homeland of Redfern. For its artistic component, 181 Regent Street documents Redfern's National Black Theatre in photographs, while Brook Andrew lets you into the lives of Redfern residents. In his Travelling Colony, a series of black and white caravans each play home to a Redfern story. Check them out in January in the CarriageWorks foyer or, for one night only, along Macquarie Streeet as part of the Sydney Festival First Night. From January 8. Carriageworks. Free. (Image by Lisa Tomasetti.) 6. Edge of Elsewhere The third and final year of this city-crossing exhibition showing a range of art that spans Sydney, Australia and the Asia-Pacific. These twin shows are under the umbrella of the Sydney Festival, joining the inner and outer rims of our geographically massive metropolis. Previous years televised dervish-whirling and explored future cities. This year's artists will mural in canvas, and jog across the world. From January 15. 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, and Campbelltown Arts Centre. (Pictured is Symptom, by 2010 Edge of Elsewhere artist Wang Jianwei.) 7. Samuel Hodge SMAC nominee Alaska Projects is a new artist-run gallery nestled in a disused parking lot under Kings Cross. The space is running a series of shows over the summer, among which Samuel Hodge's stands out in a strong subterranean field. His photography brings domestic intimacy to dreamy life, drawing it from the private sphere to the public, and luring you into a world where you keep needing to see what waits around that last corner. Thursdays to Sunday, January 11-29. Alaska Projects. (Image Maybe It Was This by Samuel Hodge.) 8. Casual Cosmology Hard work and circumstance led British artist Chrissie Abbott to fall into her star role illustrating Brit pop diva Little Boots' trippy CD covers. Her geometric designs manage to radiate all the fertile energy of '70s collage while never failing to look like they've been projected back from some mad, polychromatic future. Casual Cosmology will bring a sheaf of new work from her to Australia, as she sets aside the commercial vibe to bring her personal projects to the fore. Jan 27-29, China Heights Gallery. Free. (Image by Chrissie Aboott.) 9. Culture Jammers Photographer Dean Sewell documents his transformation from observer to participant in Sydney's 'culture jamming' scene as part of the Lonely Station's collective co-opting of commercial locations into art and politics. From the guerrilla plastering of art on Sydney's new Louis Vuitton shop to a Hills Hoist planted in Sydney Park for political purposes, Sewell's photos show you this urban art action from the lens of a man in the middle of it. From 11 February, Museum of Sydney. $10/5 ('No War 3' by Dean Sewell.) 10. Artexpress 2012 Always different, always fresh, not always perfect, often sublime. What can often be one of Sydney's best showcases of debut artists lines up the highlight 2011 HSC art students. This year? The same as every other: some pieces with grand ambitions, some personal revelations and some work that makes you mutter under your breath about how much talent it's possible to have at seventeen. From February 22, Art Gallery of NSW. Free. (2011 Art Express image 'Something in the Air' by Jacob Zinman Jeanes.) Beyond the Frame written by Jimmy Dalton.
Australia Day, or as it's more correctly pronounced, 'Straya Day, is a pinnacle date on the calender to celebrate our lives and the country we live in. Smack bang in the middle of summer, there is no better time to lounge yourself outdoors for a well-deserved day off. Grab a bucket hat, a pair of sunnies and slide into your favourite pair of thongs (not flip-flops!) before heading to one of these destinations. The Beach Is there anything more Australian than going to the beach on Australia Day? No there isn't, provided you've got an esky and plenty of longnecks at your disposal. Besides the obvious choices of Bondi and Coogee, the nooks and crannies around Bronte and Tamarama play host to several parties and drinking spots, with McKenzies Bay the most notorious. If you reside on the north side, kickstart your day with the big breakfast at Dee Why. If you do decide to grab a spot on the sands, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, as there's nothing healthy about a tan. Furthermore, remember that swimming while intoxicated tends to be a bad idea, so look after yourself and your mates. I don't want to sound like a lecturing mother, but safety always comes first. Freda's Concrete Playground favourite Freda's will celebrate Australia Day by extending their regular happy hour to a whopping six hours, and cheap drink specials will be on offer from midday to 6 pm. In addition to house beers and wines for $5, you'll also find prawns and oysters at reasonable prices. Furthermore, they promise to host a handful of surprises on the day, so you never know what may eventuate. Seafood and schooners? Sounds like a win-win situation. The Rocks A hub of Sydney City that is full of rich history, the unmistakable cobblestone streets of the Rocks will transform into an open festival on Australia Day. Kicking off just before midday and ending at 8:30 pm, there is plenty of time to browse the market stalls, enjoy a beverage at the many pubs and cafes, or just relax before an unbeatable view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. All this will be accompanied by live music on three stages from the likes of Blue King Brown, Archie Roach and the Cat Empire's Harry James Angus. The best part? This event is absolutely free, which means more coin to be spent purchasing schooners. For drinking purposes it'll be a good idea to head down to The Argyle, who will provide brews, a BBQ and face-painting. Leave with a sausage and a smudged flag on your forehead. The Deck Sitting just inside the overarching smile of Luna Park, The Deck provides spectacular views of the harbour that will "tug at your patriotic heartstrings." Importantly, this will give you unbeatable views of the annual Ferrython race, whereby marine vessels will travel from Circular Quay to Shark Island before a photo finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sit back and cheer on your favourite boat with $5 beers for the day. Later on in the night, you'll get 2 for 1 wines and cocktails if you're feeling a little classy. Australia Day Spectacular Fireworks fiends who are still reeling in excitement from the New Year's Eve display will be treated to a second helping at Cockle Bay. A fireworks display will be accompanied by an epic lights and music show. A boat parade and water police rescue will also take place, which will undoubtedly please the kids. This kicks off at 7 pm, which will be a perfect sunset end to the holiday. Havaiana Thong Challenge Get an early start to Australia Day at North Bondi for the famous Havaiana Thong Challenge. After registering your name and a fee of $25, grab yourself an giant inflatable thong and head out to the ocean. By doing so, you'll be partaking in a nationwide competition to see which Australian state can have the most floating thongs on the day. NSW will be defending their title in 2012, as over 2000 people floated their way to victory last year at Bondi. Furthermore, $10 of each registration will go to the local Nippers club. Big Day Out Besides getting to hang out with a bunch of people who like to wear Australian flags as capes, the Big Day Out also provides a consistent quality line-up for music fans, and 2012 is no exception. Local true blue favourites such as The Living End, Grinspoon and Regurgitator will appease the wife-beater wearing audience, and the international appearance from Soundgarden will also appeal to this demographic. Fresh from releasing his critically-acclaimed collaboration album with Jay-Z, Kanye West headlines Sydney's grand stage with his opulent live show. Heavy bass and electronic fans will be pleased with the addition of Bassnectar, Nero and Perth's own ShockOne.
Any vegetarian or vegan can tell you just how difficult it can be to find affordable, convenient and delicious food to fit their diet. Laurie's ticks all of those boxes, earning it a religious following in Bondi. The menu consistently features six hot dishes and five salads, which you can mix-and-match to take away or to dine on at one of the limited in-house tables. Though the venue is tiny, Laurie's retains a community feel. One whole wall is plastered in community event posters, and the fact that the majority of customers are regulars is immediately evident. Today's hot dishes (which rarely vary) include lasagne, pasta, mild chickpea curry, Mexican beans, lentil casserole and roast veggies. The salad list is comprised of cajun tofu, persian rice, two green salads and a cous cous salad. All of the options are vegetarian and all but two (the lasagne and pasta) are vegan. Other available dishes on the menu include vego burgers, empanadas, pies, baked potatoes...the list goes on. I decide to go for a take-away combination of the chickpea curry, roast veggies and cous cous salad. I try the curry dish first, and am pleased by the homemade, soul-food flavour. It's a combination of spicy and sweet - delicious, but not to be outdone by the roast vegetables. These taste as though they just came out of my home oven, savoury and filling. The cous cous isn't necessarily a stand-out dish, but tasty nonetheless. Eating all of this on the lawn by Bondi Beach, I am struck by just how convenient Laurie's has made good, vegetarian food. The restaurant fare itself isn't particularly earth-shattering but it is indeed delicious. And who can argue with a solid, take-away meal for next to nothing? Move over, McDonald's.
In February, the Beasts of Bourbon reunited for their first gig in five years, when good friends The Drones asked them to play ATP's I'll Be Your Mirror Festival in Altona. Despite guitarist Spencer P. Jones's previous conclusions that the group had "dissolved", something must've proved him wrong, because they went on to appear at the Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival and tour nationally with the Stooges. Now it's exactly 30 years since Jones, Tex Perkins, James Baker, Boris Sujdovic and Kim Salmon first created the Beast. To mark the occasion, a triple album, 30 Years on Borrowed Time, has been released. It'll be celebrated this month with six concerts, to be held on three consecutive nights in Sydney and Melbourne. Each evening will see a different lineup (i.e. the original, the Low Road and the current), as well as a different set. Tickets are selling in the form of one-, two- and three-show packages. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vy9oLsN5qzk
Find a parking spot and follow the rainbow at The Grounds of Alexandria this Easter and you won't find a pot of gold — but you will find a whole lot of sugary treats. Which might be even better. Each Friday and Saturday night from April 12–27 (except Saturday, April 20), The Grounds' garden will be lit up and turned into a dessert laneway. Sweet smelling carts will be hawking Nutella donuts, hot churros, house-made gelato sandwiches and ricotta and lemon beignets. Wander between them, grab a cocktail from the outdoor bar, and try the lot. If you need savoury before your sweets, book a table for dinner at The Potting Shed. After a bowl of mussels and a few glasses of wine, it will be hard to say no to a hot jam doughnut. The market will run under The Grounds' neon rainbow Easter installation from 6–9pm. UPDATE: APRIL 16, 2019 — The Grounds has this week cancelled its Saturday, April 20 market. This article has been updated to reflect that.
“You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge.” So begins both the film and the song ‘Straight Outta Compton’, and it’s equal parts preview and warning. The ‘street knowledge’ of NWA’s leading trio — Dr Dre (played by Corey Hawkins), Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr, playing his real-life father) and Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell) — was an affront to the establishment, a threat, even, but also helped facilitate the group's rapid rise from neighbourhood group to musical ascendancy. Acquired over two decades of daily exposure to gang violence, racial vilification and police persecution, it instilled in them a bravado, passion and unyielding determination that permitted neither retreat nor weakness. It also came at a price, however, because not all streets are the same, and when Crenshaw Boulevard became Rodeo Drive, the blinders and shortcomings of that knowledge became all too apparent. Straight Outta Compton, then, is not just an NWA biopic but a cautionary tale about loyalty, friendship and the corrosive effects of celebrity. Directed by F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job), Straight Outta Compton doesn’t push the genre in any new directions but does a superb job of keeping the focus on the chemistry and appeal of its leading men. Its earliest scenes are easily its strongest, chronicling the group’s formation and revealing how the constant police harassment contributed to not just NWA’s message and appeal but also its most iconic song ('Fuck the Police'). In light of the shocking number of black deaths at the hands of police this year alone, it’s a tragically timeless sentiment that continues to resonate with an especial significance. Hawkins, Mitchell and Jackson Jr put in excellent performances, with the latter's resemblance to his father so remarkable as to make his scenes feel more documentary than recreation. Paul Giamatti, too, is once again utterly engaging as their manager Jerry Heller, never quite allowing you the confidence to say whether he’s hero or villain. Regrettably, most of the female performances are relegated to bare breasts and bouncing buttocks, with key figures like Michel’le and Tomica Woods-Wright given little to no attention, while Dre’s history of violence towards women is completely ignored. Still, a film can only cover so many bases, and Straight Outta Compton shouldn’t be faulted too heavily for electing to keep its focus on the band and its significance rather than the individual stories within. Ice Cube once described NWA as journalists, reporting on a world that the mainstream media refused to. But in the end it was less what they said and more their preparedness to keep saying it as loudly and publicly as possible that made them such an important and ongoing musical force. Straight Outta Compton is a slick, provocative and timely film that absolutely warrants your viewing.
Music lovers and festival fans, get excited: Spilt Milk is back for 2023, hitting up Canberrra's Exhibition Park on Saturday, November 25. Post Malone leads the lineup, with Dom Dolla and Latto also topping the bill. So, expect to hear everything from 'Sunflower' and 'I Like You' to 'Rhyme Dust' and 'Big Energy'. Tkay Maidza and Aitch also rank among Spilt Milk's impressive 2023 names, with Chris Lake, Dermot Kennedy, Budjerah, Cub Sport, Lastlings, Partiboi69, Ocean Alley, Peach PRC, Royel Otis similarly set to hit the stage. Also, because this fest is also about food, there'll be bites to eat from Chebbo's Burgers, 400 Gradi, Chicken Treat, and the BBQ and Beer Roadshow. Originally only held in Canberra, then expanding to Ballarat, then the Gold Coast and now also Perth in 2023, the multi-city one-dayer has cemented its spot as a must-attend event for a heap of reasons — with this year's lineup clearly one of them. [caption id="attachment_851187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] SPILT MILK 2023 LINEUP: Post Malone Dom Dolla Aitch Budjerah Chris Lake Cub Sport Dermot Kennedy Djanaba Grentperez Jessie Murph Lastlings Latto Lime Cordiale May-A Mincy Ocean Alley Pacific Avenue Partiboi69 Peach PRC Poolclvb Redhook Royel Otis The Buoys The Dreggs Tia Gostelow Tkay Maidza Apricot Ink Clique & Brittany Demarco G.A.C.T (Just Tneek, Kinetictheory, Bin Juice, Geo) Sophie Edwards Sputnik Sweetheart Zach Knows Top image: Billy Zammit.
Sick of searching for that one last kebab joint on your weekend walks home? Say hello to our city's new food trucks, ten mobile restaurants which will deliver snacks to the streets of Sydney. The ten trucks will offer a diverse range of gourmet tastes for patrons, with everything from tacos to steamed dumplings. Furthermore, there will even be a take on modern Australian cuisine from Stuart McGill, former sous chef at the globally acclaimed restaurant Tetsuya's. Vegetarians will also be pleased with one truck, Veggie Patch, that will serve up veggie burgers and veggie chips, while the truck itself runs on vegetable oil and proudly displays a herb garden on its roof. City of Sydney's Late Night Economy Manager, Suzie Matthews, says that the trucks will serve food "at random places and at random times." There will also be the development of an online app, as well as social media pages to let people know when and where the trucks will be appearing. Food trucks applicants to took their ideas to the City of Sydney last year, where they underwent a Masterchef-esque testing process that included a one hour cook-off. They also presented their business plans and backgrounds, and ten successful applicants were eventually chosen. This is one government initiative that all Sydneysiders will welcome with open arms and open mouths. Stop salivating and check out the video below for a sneak preview, with the real trucks expected to arrive in the next few weeks. The ten new Sydney food trucks are: • Agape • Al Carbon • Bite Sized Delights • Burger Theory • Cantina Mobil • Eat Art Truck • Let's Do Yum Cha • Taco Truck • Tsuru • Veggie Patch https://youtube.com/watch?v=jwuhf9J6lHs
Attention margarita lovers – Flecha Azul is shouting 300 margaritas to patrons this weekend, Saturday, April 13, to mark its arrival in Sydney. The premium tequila brand's event invites you to savour its flavours from 4pm at The Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills until the cocktails are sold out. It also promises to be an amazing experience of premium tequila and exciting spirits, regardless of whether you're an experienced tequila fan or just searching for a taste of Mexico's finest. Flecha Azul, founded in 1884 by Mexican businessmen Aron Marquez and professional golfer Abraham Ancer, adheres to its historical roots by using traditional distilling techniques. A true taste of Mexico is promised with every drink, embodying the spirit of the country's history and artistry. Head to The Dolphin, 412 Crown St, Durry Hills, on Saturday, April 13, for a taste of Mexico's finest.
Stripping back the Big Macs, McDonalds is set to reveal its latest campaign in Paris — with no staged food styling in sight. Developed by TBWA Paris as a 'Pictogram' campaign, McDonalds' new billboards see paired down classics like chicken nuggets, fries and Big Macs (which all look undeniably stylin'). One of the world's most easily identifiable brands, McDonalds' minimalist campaign exposes how ingrained their products are in consumer consciousness. Creative director Jean-François Goize, copywriter Frank Marinus, and art director/illustrator Michael Mikiels are capitalising on your nomming muscle memory to fill in the gaps. TBWA London paved the way with this type of advertising campaign with their No Logo strategy for FCUK, with Lego picking up the logo-less brand identification technique for their 2012 ads. Imagination is the key. Business Insider pointed out that "most men, women, and children in the world know the Mickey D's staples like they know their own names." ABC found that kids were learning to identify logos before their alphabet. Check out the campaign below, alongside TBWA's Azealia Banks-fuelled ad, full of highly attractive, youthful 'street artists'. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OFu4cN7Df-8 Via Business Insider.
UPDATE, July 19: This article originally stated that free coffees were available on Wednesdays until the end of July; however, the promotion ended at the end of June. This piece has been updated to reflect that. Lode Pies and Pastries is known for its truly next-level baked goods. Whether it's creamy chocolate and hazelnut custard croissants or the store's viral LuMi Pithivier pie, people flock for their sweet and savoury creations. For the next few weeks though, people will be making a beeline through its doors for a different reason: free coffee. That's right, the new addition to the Lode family in Circular Quay will be offering free coffee to anyone who drops by once a week in June — and there's no catch. Lode has just arrived in George Street's new dining precinct Sydney Place, opening alongside 20 new hospitality and retail openings including Kosta's Takeaway, Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, Toastiesmith, Dopa by Devon, Thirteen Feet Tattoo and Toby's Estate — plus the soon-to-reopen Jacksons on George. To celebrate the new outpost, the Lode baristas will be whipping up coffees, teas and hot chocolates on the house every Wednesday between June 7–28. You don't have to buy a pie or a pastry — just head in and start your day with a complimentary cup of joe or drink of your choice. Of course, if you feel like reinvesting the money that you've saved on your daily caffeine fix back into a treat from Lode, you're more than welcome to. Some of the other delectable menu items Lode serves up include cinnamon scrolls, yuzu custard-filled pastries, blueberry tarts, pork sausage rolls, spinach pies, and ham, cheese, mustard and jalapeño croissants. Lode first opened in Surry Hills in 2021, so if you can't make it to Circular Quay, you can always head into the OG location for a decadent morning treat — sans free coffee. Lode Pies and Pastries Circular Quay is open 8am–3pm Monday–Saturday at 5 Sai Ying Lane, Sydney. You can nab free coffee, tea and hot chocolate at the bakery every Wednesday between Wednesday, June 7–Wednesday, June 28.
It's that time of year when we all remember that Christmas shopping for the humans in your life can be a bit of a drag. But throw in some cute little furry friends and copious amounts of pup cuddles, and the whole thing's suddenly a lot more fun. So when the Super Furry Festive Market rocks into Surry Hills next Saturday, December 9, it promises to be the ultimate pre-Christmas pitstop for animal lovers and their four-legged mates. A Christmassy spin-off of the annual Super Furry Festival, the one-day event is set to take over Crown Street's Shannon Reserve with a dog-friendly program of activities, events and market stalls. You'll be able to stock up on gifts for the whole fur family, with treats from the likes of Paddo Pets, Missy & Me, Pods 4 Pets, FurFresh and Haus of Harley Dogwear, all in the one spot. Furry fashionistas can strut their stuff at one of two Christmas-themed doggy fashion shows, or you can book yourselves in for a snap with Santa. If you're currently petless, fear not — the event's out to raise awareness for animal adoption, so there'll be countless opportunities for pats and cuddles. You'll find a bunny snuggle tent, the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home's kissing booth, a kitty cuddle tent run by the folks at Maggie's Rescue, and even a dingo puppy playpen from the team at Sydney Fox Rescue. Plus, you can sign up to foster, donate or volunteer with any of the great organisations on the day. We'll take that over a crowded shopping centre.
Need a little more spice in your life around Valentine's Day? Gelato Messina has combined forces with the well-loved Asian sauce brand, Lee Kum Kee, to create two bold new flavours. And for one day only this weekend, it's your chance to score free scoops at this Sydney pop-up. Sure, classic flavours like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are staples for a reason, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't experiment from time to time. After months of testing, Messina and Lee Kum Kee are ready to release their limited-edition flavours into the wild, celebrating Chinese New Year and the power of sugar and spice. Your first option is caramel and soy sauce gelato with Premium Soy Sauce brownies. As decadent as it sounds, Lee Kum Kee's sauce pairs with Messina's signature dulce de leche to take it to even smoother, richer heights. Next, coconut & kaffir lime gelato with peanut topping and Chiu Chow Chili Oil peanut crisps delivers a tangy and refreshing hit. If you're a spice fan, drizzle a little more of this classic sauce on top. Ready to scoop? Get down to the forecourt outside the Queen Victoria Building from 11.30am–2.30pm on Saturday, February 15 to see what this unexpected collaboration is all about.
A team of London-based designers have come up with a solution to the information overload suffered by most of us in this digital age. It's called Little Printer, created by BERG. Saving its users from wading through the endless content in the online information jungle, this itty bitty printer navigates the web on their behalf. It turns select content from its partners Arup, foursquare, Google, the Guardian, and Nike into miniature newspapers, delivered multiple times each day and ready to be popped into a wallet and read on the go. The little guy operates with a zero-configuration wireless connection to the web, and produces inkless thermal prints. The printer is also configured to your phone, to produce customised to-do lists that are just the right size for your back pocket. It will also print your friends' check-ins, plus cross word puzzles and word games - just make sure there's a pen in your other pocket. While there are obviously much more practical ways to catch up on your reading, this itty bitty printer has a face. A face! If nothing else, the BERG design is bound for success based purely on the cuteness factor. And as more and more publications go digital, there's something special about getting your news in physical form. Pre-orders for Little Printer open in 2012, and you can sign up for the mailing list here.
Alternative art fest SafARI takes over galleries around Sydney this month and will be laying out live art all through the remaining March weekends. It's a festival celebrating independent artists, as well as an important kind of art space that many of them hold dear: the ARI. Sydney's art ecosystem runs from big galleries to smaller non-profit art institutions, past independent commercial galleries and through underground art spaces. Along its edge live Sydney's Artist Run Initiatives (ARIs) — one financial step below commercial, one legal step above underground. These are the focus of SafARI, the Biennale's unofficial fringe. ARIs are galleries where the artists are in charge of managing the space, not just the art. That can mean less bureaucracy and quicker art-making. "The organisation can be more responsive to cultural trends as they happen, on the ground, so to speak. They're grassroots, rhizomatic" " says SafARI co-curator Christiane Keys-Statham. And people tend get excited about these spaces. Why? "People probably get excited about them because they're awesome." Freelance curator Keys-Statham has taken the helm of the festival for the first time this year, co-curating with Tony Albert studio manager and fellow SafARI first-timer, Liz Nowell. This has become SafARI's new normal: a fresh take at every festival. For Keys-Statham, the artist-led passion at the festival was part of the appeal and Nowell leapt at the chance to get involved with Sydney's arts community "from the bottom up". But both were also drawn to the curatorially "DIY" nature of SafARI. "The entire festival is reimagined each edition." says Keys-Statham. Adds Nowell, "it's not often [that] you get to create something from scratch. Although SafARI has existed for 10 years, every festival is completely different from the last." 2014's revision is splayed across six of Sydney's ARIs, spanning space in Chippendale, Kings Cross, one car park and two railway stations, with March 14's opening night roaming most of the Chippendale contingent. Weekends, SafARI LIVE's performances include work from the likes of Brown Councillors Frances Barrett and Kelly Doley and Underbelly Arts star Beth Dillon. At the galleries, Paul Williams & Chris Dolman probe self-portraits, Gemma Messih & Ally Bisshop explore twilights, Nikki Lam scopes the classic sunbather and Victorian Platform stars ACAB Collective and Emma Hamilton bring their work up north. Artcycle also plans a March 22 bike tour around SafARI LIVE and there'll be a who's who of ARI experts discussing the form and function of awesome art spaces Sunday March 16, at discussion day SafORUM. (Both are free, but bookings essential.) Like so much ARI art treasure, it's fringe stuff. But it's not like it'll necessarily stay that way. Artists at SafARI 2014 could just as easily be Biennale artists of the future. (2014 SafARI performance artists Alexandra Clapham & Penelope Benton already have the curation of last year's Art Month under their belt.) According to Nowell, SafARI is a place to get in at the ground floor of emerging careers: "I liken it to watching a teenage Paul Kelly play to seven people in a smoky suburban pub — SafARI is all about discovering and celebrating the next wave." SafARI exhibitions will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-6pm March 14 to April 4. Image: OK YEAH COOL GREAT, Untitled from EVERYDAY (2011)
Celebrity chef Dan Hong is welcoming guests into his award-winning restaurant Mr. Wong, in collaboration with the Hunter Valley's Little Wine Company and Qantas Epiqure (who host a series of Up Close and Personal events with some of Australia's best chefs). The afternoon will begin with bubbles on arrival, followed by a degustation lunch expertly paired to wine by Little Wine's sommeliers. Hong will share stories of his rise to fame, and the highs and lows of his successful career. This inspirational lunch will gives guests the chance to get 'up close and personal' with one of the premiere young chefs of Australia, while tasting some of the best wine in Australia's popular Hunter Valley wine region.
Think you've seen all the beaches Australia has to offer? Maybe you have, but never like this (unless you're an Aquabumps fan). Shot from doorless helicopters, American photographer Gray Malin has captured your weekend days on the beach, from above. Feast your eyes upon the white sand dotted with colourful towels and big umbrellas. Malin has combined the beauty of Australian people, Australian beaches, culture and even ocean pools to make creative and interesting shots of a relatively ordinary day. These photos represent the perfect Australian summer day at the beach. Bondi Beach Swimmers Bondi Beach Bronte Beach Pool Gordons Bay Maroubra Beach Surfers
With winter fast approaching, you may be looking for ways to spruce up your living quarters as you prepare to spend a little more time at home. If so, The Balcony Garden's upcoming Spend & Save sale is going to get those green thumbs tingling. The brand is hosting a five-day sale where you can score discounts on its entire range of carbon-neutral garden pots and planters. With over 150 styles to choose from, you're sure to find something that'll suit your space. Here's how it works: prices start at just $29, and the more you spend, the more you save. If you spend $500-plus in a single transaction, you'll score a 10% discount. For a 25% discount, spend $1000-plus. Or, if you spend $2000 or more, you'll get a tidy 35% off. The sale is running from Thursday, May 4 to Monday, May 8 at The Balcony Garden's showroom in Frenchs Forest. But to revamp your space without leaving home, the leafy biz will have the deals available online across the sale period too. The Balcony Garden's Spend & Save Sale runs from 12.01am on Thursday, May 4 to 11.59pm on Monday, May 8 online and in-store. For more terms and conditions, check the website.
