It’s July in Australia, and being the dead of winter, most of us are looking for some exciting things to do indoors! Well, as luck would have it, we have a list for you of seven arts events across the East Coast of Australia that are the must attend attractions this month. Almost all of them are indoors*, and the bravest of you may be interested in the first item on our list… read on!
7. Nite Art – Multiple Venues, Melbourne
For one night only, City of Melbourne, The University of Melbourne and Open House Melbourne will collaborate with Nite Art to provide Melburnians and visitors alike with the opportunity to explore an interconnected web of galleries, museums, artist run initiatives and unexpected architectural spaces throughout the city at night. Experience art, light, sound and technology like never before, and use them as your guide to discover a new side to Melbourne.
For more details: http://niteart.com.au/
6. David Bowie Is… and the Bowie Symposium: The Stardom and Celebrity of David Bowie – ACMI, Melbourne
It’s the month to celebrate Bowie, and ACMI in Melbourne is certainly doing it right. The David Bowie Is exhibition offers viewers unprecedented access to the David Bowie Archive and features over 50 costumes, original set designs, handwritten lyric sheets, album artwork and more. This became the V&A’s fastest-selling exhibition, and tickets in Melbourne are expected to go just as fast, get yours here: https://www.acmi.net.au/exhibitions/bowie/
The ACMI is also holding a two-day multi-discipline symposium that unites artists, academics and cultural commentators to discuss and reflect upon the influences of and on David Bowie in rock, pop, film, art, fashion and performance. This super extensive conference will offer keynote presentations, panel discussions, performances and workshops. You can get tickets and find out more here: https://www.acmi.net.au/live-events/talks-performances/the-stardom-and-celebrity-of-david-bowie/
5. Ginger Meggs: Australia’s Favourite Boy – Museum of Sydney
Created by James ‘Jimmy’ Bancks, Ginger Meggs is Australia’s most popular and longest running comic strip. He first appeared in the Us fellers comic strip in Sydney’s Sunday Sun newspaper in 1921. Now, this exhibition offers viewers insights into the original strips by Bancks and his successors, as well as a diverse collection of Ginger Meggs memorabilia.
For more details, visit: http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/exhibitions/ginger-meggs-australias-favourite-boy
4. QUEENSLAND SHORT+SWEET FESTIVAL – Multiple Venues Brisbane
Presenting highly successful Theatre, Dance, Cabaret, and Song Festivals around the world, Short+Sweet is a globally recognised festival brand created to challenge and entertain audiences with contemporary works. This July, Short+Sweet is back in Brisbane featuring works of ‘bite-size’ (10 minute) theatre and late night cabaret local works!
For more details: http://www.shortandsweet.org/whats-on
3. Ghost Stories – Sydney Opera House
Ghost Stories is a truly terrifying theatre experience for the daredevils, not for the faint of heart. Mixing the best of theatre with all the excitement and thrills of a great horror film, this experience will take you on a chilling journey that you’re not likely to forget. This one’s not for the whole family, with an age restriction of 15, but it’s definitely something worth considering, for those who are brave enough to book!
For More Details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/ghost_stories.aspx
2. West Side Story – Arts Centre Melbourne
If you’re a fan of musicals and you haven’t seen West Side Story, that’s something you’ve got to remedy immediately. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, this provocative and emotionally powerful piece of theatre has touched hearts all around the globe. Set in the mid-1950s on New York’s Upper West Side, racial and social tensions run high amidst the core love story. With famous songs like “America”, “Maria” and more, this is one that’s definitely worth braving the wintry chill for.
For More Details: http://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/musicals/west-side-story
1. Matilda – Lyric Theatre, Sydney
Photo by Nathan Atkins
We had the opportunity to catch Matilda in New York and believe us – this show lives up to the hype. It will bring a smile to the face of everyone in that theatre, regardless of age. It’s a family show in every sense of the word, but there’s something for everyone here. Plus, the music by Tim Minchin is extraordinary (though unlike in the picture above, he doesn’t actually appear in the show… although we’d expect him to be there on opening night!). Don’t miss Matilda when it finally arrives at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, in previews from July 28th!
For More Details: http://au.matildathemusical.com/
*OK, so you’ll have to leave the house… but we think you can handle it!
