Delicious Magazine presents The Taste of Sydney opening night gala

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Taste of Sydney held its opening night gala VIP party in the Etihad Airways Platinum Lounge on Thursday 10 March 2014.

Guests enjoyed a cheese buffet, South African canapés, an open bar and live music all night.

Guests included chefs, socialites, food critics and other media. Top chefs included Colin Fassnidge and Lyndey Milan.

Delicious Magazine editor-in-chief Kerrie McCallum also presented awards for the best meals at Taste.  Porteno Restaurant picked up two of the awards.

Guests were served South African canapes prepared by chef David Higgs which included: spicy lamb sausage with avocado and charred pepper; curried prawn tail with coriander and yogurt; smoked chicken sliced onto sweet potato with honey; and grilled artichokes with green olive lemon and haloumi. Also, Chef Benny Masekwameng prepared canapés for guests including: Tempura prawns with pickling sauce on rosti potatoes; mini chicken bunny chow; and mini Boerewoirs roll with chakalaka.

The drink menu consisted of wine from the Nepenthe Pinnacle range (from the Adelaide Hills) including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, shiraz and rose. Other drinks served included Piper Heidsieck champagne. Estella and Kingfisher beer, Nakd water and Fever Tree lemonade and ginger beer.

Fever Tree cocktails were also served on the night including: Hayman’s Gin with Fever Tree Indian tonic water; Buffalo Trace Bourbon with Fever Tree ginger ale; Tito’s Vodka with Fever Tree ginger beer; Buffalo Trace Bourbon with Fever Tree cola; Tito’s Vodka with Fever Tree soda and lime; Fever Tree lemonage, lime and bitters.

 

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M.J. Bale launches their Winter Collection at their Martin Place Flagship Store

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M.J. Bale threw a party on Wednesday 9 March 2016 for the launch of their Winter Collection at their new Martin Place Flagship Store in Sydney.

Guests such as Vogue Living editor, Neale Whitaker, and Channel Ten stylist, Amanda Jessup, enjoyed Moet Champagne, Johnnie Walker Blue whisky and canapes while admiring single and double breasted suits in inked blue and muted autumnal tones.

Other items of the new winter collection include: heavy wool-silk jackets; sports coats in multiple colours; one-and-a-half breasted jacket; velvet smoking tuxedo in navy, burgundy and emerald green; woollen car coats; woollen and double-faced cotton pea coats; a denim melange lab coat; traditional shower proof trenches; Italian knitwear; cable knits in dark navy and charcoal; superfine crew necks in black and navy; heavy gauge fisherman’s-style crew necks in oatmeal and navy; and a navy chunky knit cardigan.

M..J. Bale has a new deconstructed label called MJB that was introduced in late 2015. Items in the winter collection include a denim jacket, white denim jeans, Nordic inspired striped tees, striped pullovers and chinos in two different fits and colours of navy, rust, khaki, stone, marine and steel.

For more information on M.J. Bale’s Winter collection, go to their lookbook at: http://www.mjbale.com/AW16-Lookbook.html

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The movie Observance premieres in Sydney

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On Tuesday 8 March 2016, I attended the Sony Picture Theatrette in Market Street Sydney to watch the media preview of the movie OBSERVANCE.

The film will be released by Umbrella Entertainment with its Australian Premiere set for Sunday 3 April 2016 at the Randwick Ritz followed by a limited theatrical run nationwide.

This Joseph Sims-Dennett film has toured the global festival circuit including the BFI London Film Festival and Montreal’s Fantasia Film Festival where it met with critical acclaim with The Hollywood Reporter describing the film as “One of the most chilling experiences,” Bloody-Disgusting proclaiming it to be “the best and most unique work of horror this year” and IndieWire stating “for sheer ambient dread, it’s aces”.

Australian director Sims-Dennett said, “The worldwide response to our small, personal, micro-budget film has been extraordinary – to have your work likened to that of Polanski, Lynch and Hitchcock, three directors I greatly admire, by respected publications like Sight & Sound and reviewers including Jason Gorber is both humbling and exciting, and yet also rather daunting.”

The independent film was produced on the director’s credit card and filmed over 11 days during the hottest heat wave in Sydney’s history. It has been a labour of love for the director which has started to pay off by taking the thriller/horror film genre world by storm.

Sight & Sound named OBSERVANCE as it’s number one film in the BFI London Film Festival’s Cult Strand, describing the film as “an intriguing, elliptical enigma” and that “Joseph Sims-Dennett’s OBSERVANCE brings the paranoid housebound sensibilities of Polanski’s ‘apartment trilogy’ into the twenty-first century”.

OBSERVANCE, a psychological thriller, tells of a private investigator embarking on an unusual assignment to observe a woman from an abandoned apartment, and while witnessing bizarre happenings surrounding her, is unaware the derelict building that he surveys her from has birthed a dark presence which slowly threatens to consume him.

OBSERVANCE stars Lindsay Farris, Stephanie King, Benedict Hardie, Tom O’Sullivan, Brendan Cowell and features John Jarratt and Roger Ward. Sterling Cinema’s Sims-Dennett and Josh Zammit wrote and produced the film with Umbrella Entertainment distributing in Australia, Artsploitation in North America and Shoreline Entertainment managing international sales.

For more information about the movie, go to: http://observancemovie.com/

 

 

The Brazilian Fields in Centennial Park will transform into a food lovers paradise with Taste of Sydney

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Here’s a ‘taste of Sydney’ this 2016 Taste of Sydney in partnership with Electrolux is thrilled to announce the initial line up of Sydney’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants that will take part in 2016. The Brazilian Fields in Centennial Parklands will be transformed into the ultimate one – stop food lover’s paradise, from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th March.

A record turn out of 24,000 guests flocked through the gates in 2015 to sample a taste of Sydney’s best and this year is set to be bigger and better with more of the city’s finest restaurants, international guest chefs, an abundance of producers and plenty more. New to the event, the trio behind food truck, Eat Art Truck will showcase their latest venue, Thievery (Glebe) to the festival, creating contemporary Middle Eastern inspired dishes with a twist.

Returning restaurant favourites such as hatted-restaurants, MoVida (Surry Hills), Biota Dining (Bowral) and Saké Restaurant & Bar (The Rocks and Double Bay) will each serve up a selection of delicious and exciting dishes, and the competition is on again for the most ‘instagrammed’ dish following Biota’s win for their smoked taramasalata with pickled lettuce and charcoal cracker.

To celebrate one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world, Taste of Sydney will welcome South African chef, David Higgs and South African MasterChef judge and chef of Tsogo Sun Hotel, Benny Masekwameng, who will share their culinary knowledge and signature food offerings throughout the weekend at the South African Garden.

The South African Garden, which was a huge success at Taste of Melbourne 2015, will bring the exotic cultural vibe to Sydney and present South African food culture at its best in a relaxed, fun and social atmosphere with live music and African drums. The garden will also showcase local flavours from five star South African restaurants served up on the Braai (a traditional South African BBQ). Australian food identities who have travelled to, and developed an appetite for the region, including Masterchef 2014 winner Brent Owens, and wine critic Mike Bennie will join chef Benny Masekwameng to take Taste-goers through a series of food and wine masterclasses with award-winning wines and South Africa’s eclectic pot of flavours.

For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to cook like a professional chef at Electrolux Chef’s Secrets. This intimate masterclass experience will allow visitors to cook alongside a renowned chef and prepare one of their signature dishes, before sitting down at a communal table together to enjoy the meal with matched wines. These hands – on sessions will allow visitors the unique opportunity to pick up hints, tips and techniques to create inspirational dishes from leading chefs in a beautiful kitchen and dining space.

Returning to Taste of Sydney is the Electrolux Taste Theatre featuring live cooking demonstrations by some of Sydney’s leading chefs on the latest cooking appliances from Electrolux. Guest chefs at the Lurpak- Go Freestyle sessions will demonstrate the art of matching flavours with Lurpak in a series of 15 minute masterclasses, and for those keen to learn more about the latest trends in food, and experience premium wine tastings, there will be several masterclasses with The Wine Society, presented by charismatic wine experts. An abundance of local artisan producers including the Hunter Distillery, Madhouse Bakehouse, Petersons Wines, as well as plenty of live entertainment will also be on show throughout the four days of Taste.

There’s no festival like Taste of Sydney, which showcases only the city’s best restaurants, all in one spectacular spot in the park.

Tickets (from $15) are available now via Ticketek Australia – www.ticketek.com.au/tasteofsydney

World-Class Racing is set to start in Sydney from 12 March

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Racing fever will hit Sydney in autumn for the 2016 Sydney Autumn Carnival (12 March – 16 April) which sees an impressive six week program of world-class racing and social activities. Featuring two of Australia’s biggest and most respected racing events, the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival and The Championships, Sydney Autumn Carnival boasts the world’s finest thoroughbred racing with more than $34 million in prizemoney across 45 Group races.
This year racegoers will witness history with the 60th running of the Longines Golden Slipper, featured as part of the three week Longines Golden Slipper Carnival at Rosehill Gardens which accounts for the first half of the Sydney Autumn Carnival. The Carnival then shifts to Royal Randwick for the third running of The Championships, the Grand Finals of Australian Racing before concluding with Schweppes Stakes Day on 16 April. Over six big weeks, Sydney’s racegoers and social set will enjoy a world-class festival of thoroughbred racing, stunning fashion, entertainment and premium hospitality.
As the focus moves to Royal Randwick, The Championships will offer racing purists and Sydney’s social set the prestige and glamour only expected from this world-class venue. Both Carnivals will offer a line-up of promotions, fashion and entertainment like no other, and we encourage racing enthusiasts to book early and plan to join us for what is guaranteed to be one of the biggest Sydney Autumn Carnival’s yet,” Mr Partridge said.
Australia’s most celebrated sporting event of the year, Longines Golden Slipper Day will be headlined by the world’s richest race for two year olds – Group 1 $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper, as well as the $1 million George Ryder Stakes, $700,000 Ranvet Stakes, $600,000 Rosehill Guineas and $700,000 The Galaxy, on a day which is the centrepiece of three weeks of action at Rosehill Gardens. In 2016, the day will also include the Longines Award for Elegance, the NOVA 96.9 Garden Party, pamper lounges and live music, making it a not-to-be-missed event this autumn.
The first day of the 2016 Longines Golden Slipper Carnival, Cellarbrations Ladies Day on 12 March, features a first class program of racing, fashion and entertainment with Sydney’s richest race for fillies and mares, the $600,000 Group 1 Coolmore Classic. Western Sydney Legends Day, on 26 March at Rosehill Gardens, will celebrate “Living Legends’’ from all sporting codes, and feature two Group 1 races, the $1.5 million BMW and $500,000 Vinery Stud Stakes.
The Championships, the Grand Finals of Australian Racing at Royal Randwick on 2 April and 9 April, in 2016 will offer prizemoney totalling $20 million – making them the richest two days in Australian Racing. With the support of Racing NSW and the NSW Government, The Championships is now in its third year and in a short period has captured the attention of the racing world, while also generating enormous benefit for the NSW economy.

The Championships Day 1 featuring the BMW Australian Derby on Saturday 2 April, set against a backdrop of traditional black and white fashion, sees world-class racing combined with premium hospitality and entertainment. The day features one of the world’s richest open sprint races, the $2.5 million Darley TJ Smith Stakes, the world’s richest mile, the $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile and the iconic feature race the $2 million BMW Australian Derby. This day will also feature the coveted Myer Fashions on the Field, and a host of on course activations including pampers lounges and pop up bars.
The Championships Day 2 featuring the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday 9 April, features the world’s richest 2000m turf race, the Group 1 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes worth $4 million, the Group 1 Cellarbrations Queen of the Turf Stakes, the Group 1 Australian Oaks and Group 1 Schweppes Sydney Cup over 3200m, now worth $2 million, a $400,000 increase from previous years. Once again, Myer Fashions on the Field will attract the fashionable fillies including the second Longines Award of Elegance for the Sydney Autumn Carnival.
Little Sydney will return to the track over The Championships, enticing food lovers and Sydney’s gastronomical social set. Bringing back Sydney’s iconic restaurants Icebergs, Chiswick and China Doll, Little Sydney promises to be the hottest ticket to the track this Sydney Autumn Carnival.
The bumper six weeks of Group 1 racing will culminate with a Royal Randwick finale on Schweppes Stakes Day 16 April, including a live performance for all racegoers to enjoy. The day’s racing features two Group 1s, the $600,000 Schweppes All Aged Stakes and $500,000 Moët and Chandon Champagne Stakes.
For all ticketing, information and hospitality options, including exclusive dining and reserved seating options, visit www.theATC.com.au.

Ticketing

To celebrate the 60th running of the Longines Golden Slipper, the Australian Turf Club are offering a limited number of pre-purchased $30 Golden Tickets. This will allow entry to Longines Golden Slipper Day and all six days of the 2016 Sydney Autumn Carnival.

The Golden Ticket is available for purchase at Ticketek.com.au until 12:00pm, 19 March 2016 OR General Admission tickets are available at the gates on the day. For all ticketing and hospitality information visit www.theATC.com.au

Membership

For more information on an Australian Turf Club membership, giving you exclusive access to all four Australian Turf Club racetracks and guaranteed entry to the 2016 Sydney Autumn Carnival, with membership starting from just $25 per month, visit www.theATC.com.au 2016

Sydney Autumn Carnival:

Saturday 12 March Cellarbrations Ladies Day, Rosehill Gardens

Saturday 19 March Longines Golden Slipper Day, Rosehill Gardens

Saturday 26 March Western Sydney Legends Day, Rosehill Gardens

Saturday 2 April The Championships Day 1 featuring the BMW Australian Derby, Royal Randwick

Saturday 9 April The Championships Day 2 featuring the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Royal Randwick

Saturday 16 April Schweppes Stakes Day, Royal Randwick Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Address: James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 Phone: (02) 9930 4000

Getting there… Free on course car parking Train, bus and ferry services – Full transport information available at 131500.com.au Royal Randwick Racecourse Address: Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 Phone: (02) 9663 8400

Getting there… Free on course car parking Direct bus services from Central Station. Full transport information available at 131500.com.au

Pullman Hotel Hyde Park hosts bloggers for Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

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The Pullman Hotel Hyde Park hosted bloggers for a party before the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 5 March 2016 at their Cafe Thirty6.

The cafe has views of the parade starting line and outside guests got to enjoy a view of the parade in a dedicated area which was off-limits to the general public. At the party guests enjoyed De Bortoli wines, canapes and an antipasto spread. All guests were also given underwear as a gift thanks to their sponsor Funky Trunks

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade brought the city to a standstill in a glittering explosion of pride.  An estimated 200,000 people looked on as the biggest and longest parade in recent years, made up of 178 floats and 12,500 participants, marched, rolled and danced through the heart of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian district.

Born from a single night of celebration turned political protest, the true Mardi Gras spirit lives on 38 years later. The Mardi Gras theme of ‘Momentum” saw thousands of LGBTQI people and their supporters from all over the world come together to joyously celebrate how far the community has come, as well as recognise the journey ahead.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Michele Bauer revealed the makeup of the Parade:

  • 178 entry floats/groups;
  • Close to three hours viewing time;
  • 1.4km Parade train of vehicles;
  • 300 bikes;
  • More than 150 vehicles or pushables;
  • More than 11,500 walkers;
  • More than 1,000 riders;
  • 12,500 total participants.

Reflecting on last night’s parade, Ms Bauer said, “The combined efforts of everyone involved delivered a stand out Parade. The enthusiasm of all the parade participants made for a truly wonderful experience.”

“Aside from all the fabulousness there were some very important and touching moments in the Parade. Over the last two weeks the 78ers, the participants in the very first Mardi Gras Parade, received a apologies from the NSW Government, Fairfax and the Police for the violent treatment they received on that first night. To watch them come down the Parade route celebrating this historical moment was something the community will cherish.”

“While we celebrated the victories, we also had a number of floats dedicated to issues prevalent in society today. Homelessness in the LGBTQI community, refugees, marriage equality and the recognition of transgender rights were all represented widely in this year’s parade.”

Bauer also praised the behaviour of spectators on the night, at an hour when many of the revellers continued to celebrate Mardi Gras at the Party, which took over several venues in Moore Park until 8am.

Guests of the Party were treated to an incredible line up of international and home grown music acts including: RnB superstar Deborah Cox, Eurovision song contest winner, Conchita Wurst, RuPaul’s Drag Race Top 3 Finalist, Courtney Act, Dirty Pop, Ben Manson, Rado, YO! MAFIA, Tracy Young, Mark Picchiotti, Buck Naked, Mark Alsop MA15+, Victoria Anthony, Kitty Glitter, Maze and Masters, Colin Gaff, Haylenise, Seismic and Tanner Derrby.

The 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

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Summersite Magazine launches in Surry Hills

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Summersite Magazine launched on Thursday 3 March 2016 at China Heights, 16 Forster Street Surry Hills with an after party at Tios Cerveceria at 4-14 Foster Street Surry Hills.

Guest included the young and hip of Sydney including bloggers and people in the magazine industry. The space was filled with photography from the magazine. Drinks were provided by Young Henry’s and D&B’s Pourless Amour.

The magazine is about summer and fun. It is a thick coffee table magazine produced every six months. The magazine publisher peruses his own backyard, wanders the neighbourhood and explores the globe to discover summer in new destinations, people, brands and music. He chases the sun; seeking endless summer days, drifting into journeys, crossing borders, riding waves, finding friends and moving on again.

Defined by his gypsea lifestyle, he seeks our endless summer while discovering our new favourite places, brands and people. The dynamic crew of producers, photographers, stylists, writers and models hail from Australia, Bali, California, New York, Florida, Hawaii and Europe

Issue ONE of The SUMMERSITE features 248 glorious pages.

Special thanks to our ISSUE ONE partners: Fallen Broken Street, Billabong womens, Mr Simple, Simple Watch Co, Herschel Supply Co., Thrills, Afends, D&B’s Pour Les Amour, Young Henrys and Clean Coast Collective.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

Jon Laurenson is the publisher and creative director behind Summersite Media and the debut of The Summersite – a travel and lifestyle print magazine. But that’s only what he’s up to right now.

He’s a bit of a visionary, a ghostwriter behind countless brands, products and ventures. You probably didn’t know that his first ever gig in the world of business was a job making and distributing boomerangs and brewing beer with a bunch of hippies in Perth, Western Australia. But that was when he was only 14. He just wanted to make a bit of cash and surf all day with his mates. Not much has changed really.

You might know that his history includes heading up sales and marketing for Arnette sunglasses in their boom time of the late 90’s and then co-founding Electric Visual in 2000. He put his head down, worked hard (but surfed harder), and turned a small time start up into a multi-million dollar brand. But no biggie really, he was chasing the next challenge and quickly moved to take on the fashion industry. As the distributor for Poko Pano Bikinis and Brixton he established a finesse for nurturing niche brands, something he’s continued to do with his involvement in Vampirate Surfboards, Fallen Broken Street, The Anchor Bar Bondi and Komune at Keramas in Bali.

The SUMMERSITE – ISSUE ONE available from March 1st 2016 in selected retail boutiques, hotels and online at Summersite.com

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Hendrick’s Gin brings the abandoned circus installation to the Spectrum Now Festival

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Hendrick’s Gin has returned to The Sydney Morning Herald Spectrum Now Festival from Thursday 3rd to Sunday 13th March 2016, in The Domain.

This year Hendrick’s Gin will be surprising and delighting festival goers with their aptly named ‘Abandoned Circus’ displays and Hendrick’s & Tonic serves – with a cucumber, of course.

These captivating exhibitions will be brought to life with Hendrick’s performers, who will welcome visitors into the wondrous world of Hendrick’s.

Also as part of the Spectrum Now Festival, Hendricks has partnered with gelato connoisseur, Gelato Messina. The talented team behind this gelato powerhouse have developed, and will be serving, a custom created cucumber sorbet, designed to savour with a wondrous tipple of Hendricks Gin & tonic. Festivalgoers can savour this gin and sorbet delight for FREE during the festival.

Hendrick’s Marketing Manager Jacqueline Nalder says, “The Abandoned Circus is designed to reward the inherent intelligence, inquisitiveness, humour and imagination of our existing and new consumers. Whether visitors are interested in sampling Hendricks, watching quirky performances or indulging in a new Messina flavour, there’s something to delight all of the senses.” 

Hendrick’s is one of the world’s most loved super premium gins. Handcrafted by William Grant & Sons, Hendrick’s Gin is proudly distilled in miniscule batches in the seaside village of Girvan, Scotland, with a unique mix of botanicals before being infused with rose and cucumber. It creates a flavour unlike any other gin in the world.

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Marie’s Crisis Broadway Sing-along comes straight from New York to Sydney’s Parlour Lane Roasters for the Spectrum Now Festival

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Sydney CBD does not have a piano bar, nor does it have a sing-along bar. You would not think there would be a demand for such a thing but, on Tuesday 1 March 2016, I found out how popular it could be at the launch of the Marie Crisis Spectrum Now Festival Bar at QT’s Parlour Lane Roasters.

Marie Crisis Cafe is a world-famous piano dive bar located in West Village, New York. It attracts a crowd of mostly local gays and musical theatre enthusiasts, who go to this dimly lit below-ground bar to stand around a piano and sing Broadway musical hits. The bar serves no food, the alcohol is just house wine and two types of beers, and the trip to the bathroom is an ordeal. However, no one seems to mind. Put a dollar in the fishbowl and the pianist will play just about anything and the waiters will sing-along as well.

This piece of New York has been transplanted to Sydney for the Spectrum Now Festival. Sydneysiders can sing-along at the Marie’s Crisis Festival Bar from 1-10 March at Parlour Lane Roasters, QT Sydney from 5pm until late each evening.

Further, on 7 March 2016, there will be a huge outdoor Broadway sing-along, called the Marie’s Crisis Broadway Sing-along, in the Domain. Partnering with Hayes Theatre Co., audiences are invited to sing alongside some of Australia’s best musical theatre talent and the four singers from the Marie Crisis Cafe.

The four singers are Adam Michael Tilford, Jennifer Pace, Kenney M. Green, and Marc Castelli. They have all had extensive singing and acting careers in musicals.

All four singers were here for the pop up last year and have travelled back again this year. Last year they told the manager of the bar that they had such a good time, they would like to return. He told them to rest assured, they would be back. He usually goes home at 9pm. but while the four singers were here he was going home at 2pm. It was that simple. Business was really good. They were paid to perform till 10pm but they continued till 12 midnight and the bar was always full.

In New York the four singers work for mostly tips and they work very hard.

Well, it looks like they will be back again next year, and the year after that, and for many more years to come.

Stephen Howard Sydney Event Blogger Marie Crisis Sydney Event Blogger Marie Crisis Sydney Event Blogger 7 Marie Crisis Sydney Event Blogger 6 Marie Crisis Sydney Event Blogger 5 Marie Crisis Sydney Event Blogger 2 Marie Crisis Sydney Event Blogger 1

Art Month Launches in Sydney

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Art Month Sydney 2016, running from 1 – 20 March 2016 in locations all around the city, has began. Headed this year by Artistic Director Barry Keldoulis, the vast program of events, exhibitions, talks and tours has some key highlights that are not to be missed. Explore unseen areas of Sydney as artists open their galleries and studios, see the city at night with exciting precinct nights, hear from artists about their practice, and see the city through the artists’ eyes with tours of inner and outer Sydney.
Sydney will come alive with the Art At Night: Precinct Nights, exploring the city’s best art precincts. Cake Wines is running the official art bar at all of these events. The art at night events will have drinks, music, art and performance:
  • East Sydney opens up over fifteen galleries to the public to explore this exciting precinct on Thursday 3 March from 6pm – 8pm. The Cake Wine Art Bar then kicks off at 7.30pm at National Art School hosting an array of activities including NAS Alumni and student projections across the walls, Alumni performances, an interactive drawing workshop as well as a series of performances including Liam Benson, Justin Shoulder and Wisteria Hysteria with Sweetie from FBi Radio DJing.
  • The neighbourhoods of Paddington & Woollahra form one of Sydney’s original art precincts. Follow the Art at Night trail from 6pm-8pm before heading to the official Art Bar by Cake Wines at Bonython courtyard, a lush secret garden on Underwood Street, for drinks, music and performances from 7:30pm – 10:30pm. Performances from Noula Diamantopoulos, Caroline Garcia and Sweetie Djing.
  • Explore the different galleries, Artist Run Spaces (ARIs) and creative spaces that make the Chippendale & Redfern neighbourhoods one of Sydney’s most dynamic art precincts. Uncover all the area has to offer before heading to the official Art Bar by Cake Wines at the Eveleigh Creative Precinct for drinks, music, installation, projection and performances from 7:30pm – 10:30pm. The exhibition throughout this building includes work from Elaine Campaner, Sarah Contos, Lucas Davidson, Michael Krebber, Rosemary Laing Lara Merrett, Eddie Peake and Gemma Smith. With performance work by Lian Loke, Wade Marynowsky and Sweetie from FBi Radio Djing.
 
Art Month talks give insight into the artistic practice and the art world:
  • Who Gets To Call It Art Anyway? Is a film, which explores the life of Metropolitan Museum of Art curator Henry Geldzahler as he reflects on the 1960s pop art scene in New York. Following the screening on 6 March, Artistic Director Barry Keldoulis discusses art, life and work in New York with Henry in the 1980s.
  • Spend An Evening with Caroline Rothwell, one of Australia’s foremost artists, as she discusses her practice within her studio on 17 March.
  • What the Kids Think explores what it is like to be brought up in the art world. The children of prominent arts figures reveal how it has affected the way they see and experience both art and the world. The talk will be moderated by ABC personality James Valentine and speakers include: Celia Bradshaw, Evan Hughes, Anna Shapiro, Maddie Love and Tim Olsen on Saturday 12 March, 3pm – 4pm at Collectors Space (secret address to be announced, see website).
A number of tours explore Sydney and show it through the artists’ eyes:
  • Curated Bus Tours go further afield to uncover art hubs on the outskirts of Sydney, going to Parramatta to visit I.C.E (Information & Cultural Exchange) and Parramatta Artists Studios, (5 March); North with Artistic Director Barry Keldoulis (12 March); East visiting galleries in Paddington & Woollahra lead by artist and curator artist and curator Consuelo Cavaniglia (12 March); to Penrith with a tour led by artist Gary Carsley (12 March); or to Campbelltown & Casula with a tour led by artist Rosie Deacon on 20 March stopping first at Campbelltown Arts Centre to enjoy the closing festivities of Video oediV, an immersive installation of newly commissioned and existing video artworks by fifteen artists from Australia, USA, Germany, London, Thailand and Brazil, and which will also include the premiere of Emily O’Connor’s new video work that documents a discussion between Julie Ewington, Vicki Van Hout, Anna Davis, Josephine Starrs, Cigdem Aydemir, Karen Therese, Paula Abood & Salote Tawale, and then to Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre to view  The 64th Blake Prize exhibition.
  • Be led through Sydney by resident artists with Artist Tours. On 18 March Sebastian Goldspink of ALASKA Projects leads a personal tour of the diverse and vibrant area of Kings Cross, and on 19 March join artist Joan Ross who uses wit and the absurd to re-examine Australia’s colonial past to discover her Sydney.
  • Go on a Photography Walk of Marrickville with The Aperture Club for a photographic tour of hidden places and artist’s spaces as you journey through a slice of Marrickville’s urban landscape and art community. Capture some very energetic and creative artists in their varied environments on 6 March.
In 2016, Art Month introduces an additional curated exhibition and annual private art collectors exhibition:
  • Green Eyed Monster Eating its Own Tail, an exhibition curated by Art Month Sydney Artistic Director Barry Keldoulis at The Paramount Building and Golden Age Cinema & Bar, will showcase artists that make art about art and the art world. Artists include Tracey Moffatt, Tom Polo, Christine Dean, Grant Stevens, Elvis Richardson, John Citizen (aka Gordon Bennett) and PJ Hickman.
  • The Collectors’ Space celebrates private art collections and partners with long term sponsors, AON, and, for the first time in 2016, BresicWhitney, to present an exhibition at an unoccupied inner city house. The space, located on Australia Street in Camperdown, will exhibit works from the collections of Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Courtney Gibson, Danny Goldberg, and Jasper Knight.
 
The full Art Month Sydney program can be explored here: http://www.artmonthsydney.com.au