This Week in the Can

Posted on 12 October, 2020

In Canberra, we’re still working together to keep our community safe. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do.

From live music and theatre streamed direct to your living room to in-person exhibitions and festivals, here’s what’s happening this weekend in Canberra.

While restrictions are lifting, we strongly encourage you to keep physical distance between each other when you leave the house and be mindful of the current restrictions.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Global Champagne Day with Mums Who Wine

Following a sold-out event in 2019, Mums Who Wine is excited to celebrate Global Champagne Day once again on Saturday 17 October 2020.

Hosted lakeside, between Commonwealth Park and Rond Terrace, this will be an amazing event for Canberra mums to come together for an afternoon of connection, bubbles, delicious grazing and fun.

Happening Saturday 17 October from 2 pm-6 pm between Commonwealth Park and Rond Terrace.

Tickets: $49 for members, $59 for non-members (+ booking fee). 5% donation to PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) from ticket sales.

See Eventbrite for more information.

Exhibition: Pub Rock

Pub Rock is your backstage pass to 70s and 80s sounds and scenes.

Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.

Get in amongst the staged portraits, publicity shots and grungy energy of live performance as pioneering acts like The Easybeats, Little Pattie and Johnny O’Keefe share the stage with global players and local favourites. The line-up includes AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, INXS, Nick Cave, The Bee Gees, Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Yothu Yindi, Marcia Hines and many more.

This vibrant (sometimes sweaty) exhibition of homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, punk and pop features works from the NPG collection alongside images by leading Australian music photographers.

Showing until 12 February 2021 at the National Portrait Gallery.

See portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/pub-rock-2020 for more information.

Australian Love Stories: an amorous online adventure

Australian Love Stories is an interactive storybook of Australian devotion, family ties, close friendships, passion and lust, not your usual online exhibition experience, these fascinating portraits and stories become a choose-your-own adventure, where you can navigate your way through the portraits and engage with the stories behind them.

At the end you will be given your own ‘love profile’, based on how and where your love interests lead you.

Featuring famous figures from the NPG collection, Australian Love Stories explores universal themes encompassed by ‘love’ and offers an exhaustive feast of love tales, from drama, lust, devotion, seduction and scandal.

This intriguing, moving, sometimes hilarious love journey is available for you to play online ahead of a major new physical exhibition scheduled for March 2021. Proudly presented by National Portrait Gallery

Happening until 31 October online, thanks to the National Portrait Gallery.

See portrait.gov.au/lovestories to get started.

STAGE + SCREEN

Pork Knuckle Brass Band Oktoberfest Extravaganza 2020: There’s Some Hose in this House

Damen und Herren! It’s time once more to experience the blasting Bavarian braggadocio of the Pork Knuckle Brass Band in their THIRD ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST EXTRAVAGANZA!

Pork Knuckle Brass Band is the once-yearly polka-flavoured edition of Brass Knuckle Brass Band.

Led by the amazing Bec Taylor (Fun Machine, Hashemoto, general Canberra fame) on squeezebox and voicebox, They belt out German-language faves, pop classics, and every song you want to sing along to when you’re several steins deep. They’ve done this several times before, but this year they’re classing up the outfit at the fancy schmancy Canberra Theatre.

They’re also bringing along Joel Barcham, a Canberra-based writer/performer/emcee/doodler/clown/mall Santa/pretend scientist/and Oktoberfest host. He isn’t a big fan of German beer but does like German mustard.

We’ve also heard a rumour that this year will feature TWO (2) (zwei) clarinets. How are you gonna turn that down?

Happening Saturday 17 October from 8 pm at Canberra Theatre Centre.

See canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/pork-knuckle-brass-band for more information.

MUSIC

Lunchbox Acoustic

Introducing the City Renewal Authority’s new Lunchbox Acoustic program of​ live performances in the city centre!

The program features talented, local artists performing weekdays at lunchtime (12 pm – 1.30 pm) in Civic and Braddon from September until Christmas.

These live performances will bring life to the heart of the city and encourage people to spend time in our city centre’s outdoor public spaces.

The Lunchbox Acoustic program is a diverse mix of performances by entertainers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, female and non-binary performers, singers and musicians and theatre, poetry and dance artists.

Happening Monday–Fridays until 23 December from 12–1.30 pm in Garema Place, City Walk and Braddon.

See Facebook for more information.

TOURS, WORKSHOPS AND TALKS

Finger Painting Class for Adults

The last time you finger painted might have been when you were at preschool, but it’s time to round up the girls and let your inner creative come out. This class is perfect if you’re looking for unique experiences in Canberra or gifts for him or her.

Local art legend Mick Ashley, known for his quirky take on Canberra life, will be leading you in this painting masterclass.

The best thing about finger painting is you can paint with one hand, drink a glass of wine and nibble with the other. Our friends at Collector wines will provide you with a glass of wine while you paint and the Grazey Days are sure to put on an incredible spread.

You’ll be able to walk away with a completed canvas masterpiece to hang proudly on your walls.

Happening Wednesday 14 October at POP Canberra, Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

See classbento.com.au/finger-painting-class-for-adults-canberra for more information.

Statement Jewelry Workshop

POP Canberra maker Leah Bartsch of Dressed for Sunday will be at the creative helm guiding you to create fun, funky jewelry in this 2.5hr workshop.

You’ll have the opportunity to create three bespoke pieces of jewelry either necklaces or earrings. Using pre-cut acrylic and timber designs, you’ll have the  perfect accessories for the silly season.

The course will bring together a community of creatives of a cup of tea and a few laughs.

Leah will help you learn the skills to continue creating when you get home and additional supplies and tools will be available for you to purchase after the course.

Happening Sunday 17 October from 10 am –12:30 pm at P OP Canberra, Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

See classbento.com.au/statement-jewellery-workshop-canberra for more information.

RenewYou: Zumba with Kokoloco

Get a spring in your step this spring with ZUMBA classes in Canberra city!

ReNewYou is kick-starting in September with Zumba classes with Kokoloko. These classes will be high energy, fun, suitable for all ages and levels and FREE for everyone in the community to enjoy!

Why not celebrate the new spring, being able to be outside moving while we can, and get fit and healthy at the same time?!

If you’ve always wanted to try something new, love Zumba or just love music and dance, then this is for you! Everyone is welcome and we hope to see lots of smiling faces there!

ReNewYou is a trial program of free, weekly healthy activity classes to encourage people to get out and enjoy their city centre by the City Renewal Authority. There are lots of great public spaces in our city for people to spend time in and the ReNewYou program gives people an extra incentive to get out, be healthy and socialise. As well as helping make our community healthier, the program also adds to the activity and rejuvenation of the city centre.

Free

Happening every Tuesday at 12 pm until 29 September across a variety of dates in Garema Place.

See Eventbrite for more information.

Zine Lounge at MOAD

Looking for a way to become more mindful, but methods such as yoga and meditation isn’t your thing?

Zines are making a comeback as a way to let your creative mind run wild.

Unleash your creativity in the brand new Zine Lounge—a place for young people to meet, read, and create.

You can allow inspiration to hit as you sit on the comfy lounges and read the many zines available. Or maybe you’re more of a creator and want to use the resources available to write, sketch, stick or staple together your very own Zine on topics of your very own interest.

Showing until 30 April 2021 at Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House.

See moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/zine-lounge for more information.

OUTDOORS

Marymead’s Government House Spring Morning Tea

The Marymead Auxiliary invites friends of Marymead to be our guests at a Spring Morning Tea to be held in the gardens of Government House.

Bring along a chair or rug to spend a wonderful morning helping to raise funds for Marymead. The morning will include morning tea, craft, preserves, a raffle and entertainment.

Only 80 tickets are available to ensure COVIDSafe event protocols are met. Don’t miss out.

Happening Tuesday 13 October from 10 am–12 pm at Government House, Yarralumla.

Tickets available via eventbrite.com.au.

RenewYou: Zumba with Kokoloco

Get a spring in your step this spring with ZUMBA classes in Canberra city!

ReNewYou is kick-starting in September with Zumba classes with Kokoloko. These classes will be high energy, fun, suitable for all ages and levels and FREE for everyone in the community to enjoy!

Why not celebrate the new spring, being able to be outside moving while we can, and get fit and healthy at the same time?!

If you’ve always wanted to try something new, love Zumba or just love music and dance, then this is for you! Everyone is welcome and we hope to see lots of smiling faces there!

ReNewYou is a trial program of free, weekly healthy activity classes to encourage people to get out and enjoy their city centre by the City Renewal Authority. There are lots of great public spaces in our city for people to spend time in and the ReNewYou program gives people an extra incentive to get out, be healthy and socialise. As well as helping make our community healthier, the program also adds to the activity and rejuvenation of the city centre.

Free

Happening every Tuesday at 12 pm until 29 September across a variety of dates in Garema Place.

See Eventbrite for more information.

Global Champagne Day with Mums Who Wine

Following a sold-out event in 2019, Mums Who Wine is excited to celebrate Global Champagne Day once again on Saturday 17 October 2020.

Hosted lakeside, between Commonwealth Park and Rond Terrace, this will be an amazing event for Canberra mums to come together for an afternoon of connection, bubbles, delicious grazing and fun.

Happening Saturday 17 October from 2 pm-6 pm between Commonwealth Park and Rond Terrace.

Tickets: $49 for members, $59 for non-members (+ booking fee). 5% donation to PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) from ticket sales.

See Eventbrite for more information.

Lunchbox Acoustic

Introducing the City Renewal Authority’s new Lunchbox Acoustic program of​ live performances in the city centre!

The program features talented, local artists performing weekdays at lunchtime (12 pm – 1.30 pm) in Civic and Braddon from September until Christmas.

These live performances will bring life to the heart of the city and encourage people to spend time in our city centre’s outdoor public spaces.

The Lunchbox Acoustic program is a diverse mix of performances by entertainers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, female and non-binary performers, singers and musicians and theatre, poetry and dance artists.

Happening Monday–Fridays until 23 December from 12–1.30 pm in Garema Place, City Walk and Braddon.

See Facebook for more information.

KIDS

Dressup Change the World

The Museum of Australian Democracy is helping to keep the kids entertained this weekend with their newest interactive exhibition DressUp: Change the Word.

Connect with the lives of historical and contemporary figures, including Frida Kahlo, Adam Goodes, Beyoncé, and many others, by dressing up in their most iconic outfits whilst learning about their triumphs and challenges towards becoming visionary leaders.

This engaging exhibition space provides a bold and quirky environment that will inspire young people to try to change the world for themselves.

Showing until 30 April at The Museum of Australian Democracy

See moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/dressup-change-the-world for more information.

EXHIBITIONS

Many galleries and national institutions have reopened their physical exhibitions.

However, we encourage you to check opening times before visiting, including whether visitor numbers are limited.

Exhibition: Pub Rock

Pub Rock is your backstage pass to 70s and 80s sounds and scenes.

Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.

Get in amongst the staged portraits, publicity shots and grungy energy of live performance as pioneering acts like The Easybeats, Little Pattie and Johnny O’Keefe share the stage with global players and local favourites. The line-up includes AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, INXS, Nick Cave, The Bee Gees, Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Yothu Yindi, Marcia Hines and many more.

This vibrant (sometimes sweaty) exhibition of homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, punk and pop features works from the NPG collection alongside images by leading Australian music photographers.

Showing until 12 February 2021 at the National Portrait Gallery.

See portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/pub-rock-2020 for more information.

Ink in the Lines

Behind every tattoo is a story of remembrance, mateship, identity and healing.

The Australian War Memorials current exhibition Ink in the Lines showcases the symbolic and personal significance of tattoos for members and veterans of the Australian Defence Forces.

The exhibition explores the varied reasons for tattoos, including a sense of belonging, self-expression and honouring those who have been lost.

An emotion, yet incredibly intriguing exhibition that explores alternative art forms and acknowledges the personal commitment of our special forces.

Due to the need to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), visitors need to book free, timed tickets to view our galleries and special exhibitions. A free Galleries and Commemorative Area ticket includes access to our special exhibitions.

Showing until 27 January 2021 at The Australian War Memorial.

See awm.gov.au/visit/exhibitions/ink-in-the-lines for more information.

This is My Place

There is one thing that most people have in common after the year that has been: spending a lot of time at home. As a bit of an antidote to the current times, the National Portrait Gallery have unveiled their newest collection This is My Place.

Expanding across three galleries, the collection is made up of over 100 works that cultivate the narrative of the places that define who we are – our spiritual homes, habitats and workspaces. Spanning the continent via the rivers, streets, mountains, studios and sportsgrounds the exhibition highlights space and its relevance to portraiture.

The collection encompasses pieces that date back 250 years including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking and sculpture.

Showing until 22 February 2021 at the National Portrait Gallery.

Truth, Power and a Free Press

Ever wondered about the influence of journalism in the Australian democracy? Or why journalists do what they do? In the modern era of ‘fake news’, a 24 hour news cycle and ‘filter bubbles’  The Museum of Australian Government has compiled an exhibition unpacking the media industry in Australia.

Located inside Old Parliament House the exhibition ‘Truth, Power and a Free Press’ explores themes of the rise of citizen journalism and the battle for truth, the exhibition shines a light on the importance of reliable journalism in a democratic society.

You’re invited to partake in the conversation with some of Australia’s most respected journalists including Joanne McCarthy, Hedley Thomas, Ghassan Nakhoul, Chris Masters, Hamish Macdonald and Adele Ferguson

An immersive, 7 foot tall audio visual display reveals the closely held stories of Australian journalists that never made it to the printing press.

Objects from Australia’s media history will also be available for your viewing pleasure.  Brought together for the first time including the printing press used by the Father of Federation, Sir Henry Parkes, Peter Greste’s letters smuggled to his family from an Egyptian prison, the protective body armour vest worn by war photographer, Neil Davis and much more.

Showing until 31 December at The Museum of Australian Government, Old Parliament House

See moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/truth-power-and-a-free-press for more information.

Woroni – 70 Years of Outrage and Activism

The well-loved ANU student press Woroni turns 70, and to celebrate current Woroni staff and aMBUSH is helping you to take a walk down memory lane in their newest exhibition: Woroni – 70 Years of Outrage and Activism.

The past 70 years has seen the paper revolutionise into a print magazine, website, radio station and TV programme but it has consistently helped to mobilize students and bring power to vulnerable voices.

The exhibition shares a humorous retrospective on topics including activism (feminism, Indigenous rights, LGBTIQ+ issues, politics, free speech) and Outrage (sex, drugs, nudity, profanity).

Showing until 1 November, aMBUSH Gallery ANU.

See ambushgallery.com/events/woroni-70-years-of-outrage-and-activism for more information.

The F!NK alternative jug project [FINAL WEEK]

The FINK Collaborative Jug Project pays homage to the late Robert Foster, designer and founder of FINK & Co, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2016 and is deeply missed. FINK has a long history of collaborating, mentoring and supporting fellow artists, designers and craftspeople.

Fifteen creatives were chosen for this project, all of whom have had a direct connection to Robert and/or FINK over the 27 years of the company’s history. The designers have been tasked with responding to this iconic Australian design object in the manner of their own choosing, informed by their personal practice.

Each designer was provided with two blank FINK jugs with which to begin. The first set of jugs were sold by online auction to raise funds for charity. A second set of the finished bespoke artworks created for this collaboration will be on display for a Craft ACT exhibition.

Showing until 17 October at Craft ACT, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, City.

See craftact.org.au/pages/exhibitions for more information.

Exhibition: Pub Rock

Your backstage pass to 70s and 80s sounds and scenes.

Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.

Get in amongst the staged portraits, publicity shots and grungy energy of live performance as pioneering acts like The Easybeats, Little Pattie and Johnny O’Keefe share the stage with global players and local favourites. The line-up includes AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, INXS, Nick Cave, The Bee Gees, Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Yothu Yindi, Marcia Hines and many more.

This vibrant (sometimes sweaty) exhibition of homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, punk and pop features works from the NPG collection alongside images by leading Australian music photographers.

Showing until 14 February 2021 at the National Portrait Gallery.

See portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/pub-rock-2020 for more information.

Australian Dreams: Picturing our Built World

For over 200 years, painters, printmakers and photographers have been in a creative conversation with the built environment. Reflecting progress, social ideas, understanding of the world and how we have changed over time, the exhibition Australian Dreams: Picturing our Built World shows how, through images, these artists have documented, interpreted, and celebrated a variety of buildings from the Opera House and Flinders Street Station to the inner city terrace and the humble bush cottage.

Sometimes beautiful, sometimes ugly, these buildings are the backdrops to life. They reflect a sense of identity, hopes and dreams, rendered in bricks and mortar.

Drawing exclusively from the collections of the National Library, the exhibition features photographs, prints, drawings and paintings by Augustus Earle, Conrad Martens, S T Gill, Eugene von Guérard, Lionel Lindsay, Harold Cazneaux, Olive Cotton, Mark Strizic, David Moore, Max Dupain, Jeff Carter, Ruth Maddison, Wolfgang Sievers and John Gollings.

Free entry.

Showing until 31 January 2021 at the National Library of Australia, Parkes.

See nla.gov.au/exhibitions/australian-dreams-picturing-our-built-world for more information.

Australian Love Stories: an amorous online adventure

Australian Love Stories is an interactive storybook of Australian devotion, family ties, close friendships, passion and lust, not your usual online exhibition experience, these fascinating portraits and stories become a choose-your-own adventure, where you can navigate your way through the portraits and engage with the stories behind them.

At the end you will be given your own ‘love profile’, based on how and where your love interests lead you.

Featuring famous figures from the NPG collection, Australian Love Stories explores universal themes encompassed by ‘love’ and offers an exhaustive feast of love tales, from drama, lust, devotion, seduction and scandal.

This intriguing, moving, sometimes hilarious love journey is available for you to play online ahead of a major new physical exhibition scheduled for March 2021. Proudly presented by National Portrait Gallery

Happening until 31 October online, thanks to the National Portrait Gallery.

See portrait.gov.au/lovestories to get started.

NGALIM-NGALIMBOOROO NGAGENYBE

In Ngalim-Ngalimbooroo Ngagenybe (From my women), Shirley Purdie pays homage to the women in her family, representing herself through collective knowledge, culture and values.

Acquired by the Portrait Gallery in September 2019, this non-representational self-portrait is informed by Aboriginal ways of seeing and understanding the world.

Each panel contains a story, producing a portrait that is a complex kaleidoscope of personal history, identity and connection to country.

Showing until 1 November 2020 at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia.

Find out more at portrait.gov.au.

ON AIR PLAYUP

On Air PlayUP is MoAD’s newest online offering, inspired by the onsite exhibition PlayUP.

During the On Air PlayUP livestream, facilitators will take you step by step through a fun craft activity with a different theme each week inspired by the United Nations’ International Days and Weeks.

Catch it live on MoAD’s Facebook and Instagram accounts every Wednesday at 10.30 am or watch it on-demand at moadoph.gov.au/families.