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This Week in the Can

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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 to exhibitions and festivals, here’s what’s happening this week 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.

STAY UP TO DATE

Restrictions may have eased, but your responsibility hasn’t.

Find the most recent information regarding COVID restrictions in the ACT here: covid19.act.gov.au/updates

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Sunset Cinema Canberra

Canberra’s favourite outdoor cinema is back! From the lush surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, enjoy the sun going down and the stars coming out as Sunset cinema brings you the ultimate Australian summer experience.

Sunset Cinema is perfect for getting back outdoors and in this time of social distancing the event is tailored for your safety, whilst maintaining the signature Sunset vibe you know and love.

Along with government approval, Sunset Cinema brings their knowledge and experience to create a fun and COVID safe event for Canberrans. Whether you’re treating the kids, catching up with girls or taking someone on a date to remember, there’s something to delight everyone this season.

This summer will be a real showstopper with fresh new releases The Prom, Trolls World Tour and The Witches. There is also a feast of festive movies, watch timeless classics Love Actually and Home Alone to get your Christmas spirit jingling.

Your welcome to pack a picnic hamper or satisfy your taste buds at the yummy food trucks.

Enjoy the warm evening air with a refreshing drink from the licensed bar and stock up on all your essential movie snacks like fresh, hot popcorn.

Happening until 14 February at The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.

See sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra for more information.

Charity Wine in the Park for DVCS

2020 has been a tough year for so many of us, between the bushfires, COVID shutdowns and the impact that these events have had on our mental health and livelihood we’re all due for a break.

What better way to relax than to engage with our great Canberra community, have a chat with our fellow Canberrans over a glass of local wine or beer?

Join us in Haig Park for Charity Wine in the Park from 12 pm to 5 pm on:

  • Saturday 19 December
  • Sunday 20 December
  • Saturday 26 December
  • Sunday 27 December

For an added bonus, on Sundays 20 and 27 December relax to some live music performed by the incredibly talented Madi Kate.

All profits will be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

Happening 19, 20, 26 and 27 December from 12 pm – 5 pm at Haig Park, Braddon.

See Facebook for more information.

The Coordinate Christmas Lights Trail

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Coordinate Christmas Light Trail.

Created to give Canberrans the scoop on where is putting on the most epic Christmas displays this December, there are already 15 houses on the Coordinate Christmas Trail map—and counting.

With anyone able to include their house or street on the map (which you can find here), the trail is available to download in lists of houses and streets across North Canberra, South Canberra and Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra. This gives you an easy ‘trail’ to follow to discover the best displays.

Houses and streets can even upload pictures, so you’ll know what you’re in for. Want to add your house or street to the map? Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

See mix106.com.au/competition/mix106-3s-christmas-lights-trail for more information.

PLAN AHEAD FOR

New Year’s Eve across the City

Fireworks and a concert in the city will not form part of Canberra’s New Year’s Eve celebrations this year. Instead, count down to 2021 with three nights of celebratory meals at your local eateries.

From Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 December festive lighting will shine a spotlight on foodie streets across Canberra.

Make resolutions over a meal with mates at Assembly, reflect on the past year over a feast at Little Istanbul or cheers to the new year with family at Fenway Public House.

Enjoy a tune on your way to your favourite foodie street eatery with busker-style street performances from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm each night.

Book your celebratory meal at your favourite foodie street restaurants early to avoid missing out. Choose from foodie streets across Canberra including:

  • Hibberson Street, Gungahlin
  • Lonsdale Street, Braddon
  • Anketell Street, Tuggeranong
  • Bradley Street, Woden
  • Lathlain Street, Belconnen
  • Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City

Adding to the holiday spirit, a daily countdown to 2021 will be projected on the clocktowers at Gungahlin and Tuggeranong and on the National Carillon. Colourful lights will shine bright on iconic Canberran attractions including Telstra Tower, Questacon and the Royal Australian Mint.

Your meal will taste all the sweeter because you’re choosing local. By supporting one local business, you are supporting many including local producers, their suppliers and regional growers.

Plan your New Year’s Eve feasting celebrations at events.act.gov.au/nye.

Happening 29-31 December 2020 across various locations.

See events.act.gov.au/nye for more information.

Christmas at the Market at the Capital Region Farmers Market

Grab all your fresh Christmas essentials at the very special Christmas at the Markets on Christmas Eve.

This will be the final Capital Region Farmers Market before they shut until 9 January, so make sure you nip down. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meats and seafood.

Happening Thursday 24 December from 7 am–11 am at Exhibition Park in Canberra (where the markets are normally held).

See capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au/2020/12/christmas-at-the-market-2020 for more information.

Canberra Aqua Park

That’s right, Canberra Aqua Park will return for another summer of blow-up obstacle fun in the heart of Canberra on Saturday 28 November.

The 1,600 square metre inflatable obstacle course is located at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area (park at Black Mountain Peninsula).

Canberra Aqua Park will run through the warmer months and we bet it will be a popular spot for getting the kids out of the house over the school holidays, with 50-minute sessions starting from just $20 per person.

But don’t fret—those of you that are young at heart are most definitely welcome to partake in all the fun too as there is no age limit—although there is a minimum age of five.

Happening until March 2021 at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area adjacent to Black Mountain Peninsula.

See canberraaquapark.com/tickets for more information.

Charity Wine in the Park for DVCS

2020 has been a tough year for so many of us, between the bushfires, COVID shutdowns and the impact that these events have had on our mental health and livelihood we’re all due for a break.

What better way to relax than to engage with our great Canberra community, have a chat with our fellow Canberrans over a glass of local wine or beer?

Join us in Haig Park for Charity Wine in the Park from 12 pm to 5 pm on:

  • Saturday 19 December
  • Sunday 20 December
  • Saturday 26 December
  • Sunday 27 December

For an added bonus, on Sundays 20 and 27 December relax to some live music performed by the incredibly talented Madi Kate.

All profits will be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

Happening 19, 20, 26 and 27 December from 12 pm – 5 pm at Haig Park, Braddon.

See Facebook for more information.

Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now

Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now showcases art made by women. It brings together more than 300 works, drawn from the Gallery’s collection and other collections from across Australia.

This exhibition is part of a series of ongoing initiative by the National Gallery to increase the representation of artists who identify as women in its artistic program, featuring lesser-known and leading artists such as Margaret Preston, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Destiny Deacon and Julie Rrap, this exhibition tells a new story of Australian art.

Highlights include a floor-to-ceiling presentation of artists’ portraits in a variety of mediums, the work of pioneering performance artists Bonita Ely and Jill Orr and a complete edition of Tracey Moffatt’s first major series of photographs, Something more 1989. Gemma Smith has been commissioned to paint the walls of the galleries.

By bringing together artists from different times, places and cultures, this exhibition proposes another history, upending the assumption that modern and contemporary Australian art is a male-dominated narrative.

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

See nga.gov.au for more information.

Local Yoga’s free fundraising yoga classes at Gorman Arts Centre

Local Yoga and Gorman Arts Centre are offering free fundraising yoga classes all through the upcoming summer months.

Classes will be held in the tranquil courtyard gardens of Gorman Arts Centre every Sunday morning at 9 am until March 2021. Classes are provided free of charge to encourage awareness and donations towards Canberra’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

If ever there was a year for Canberrans to embrace the physical and mental benefits of modern yoga, it’s been the rollercoaster ride of 2020.

Local Yoga is a brand new Canberra-based initiative committed to socially conscious yoga—not only making yoga more accessible for all Canberrans, but also raising support and awareness for Canberra’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

Happening Sundays from 9 am at Gorman Arts Centre, Batman Street, Braddon.

See localyogaproject.com for more information.

Big Bash League Cricket: Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers

The Sydney Thunder take on the Perth Scorchers at Manuka Oval, Canberra in this year’s KFC Big Bash League game being played at 7:15pm local time. This is the third of five matches the Sydney Thunders will play at Manuka Oval during the month of December. Buy your tickets today and join the Thunder Nation.

Important ticketing information for Manuka Oval

Ticket sales to BBL games at Manuka Oval end 6 hours before gates open in line with COVID directions. This time-gap allows the venue to verify all ticket purchasers to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event.

Happening Tuesday 22 December from 7.15–10.30 pm at Manuka Oval.

See cricket.com.au/fixtures for tickets and more information.

Big Bash League Cricket: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades

The Sydney Thunder take on the Melbourne Renegades at Manuka Oval, Canberra in this year’s KFC Big Bash League game being played at 6:10pm local time. This is the fourth of five matches the Sydney Thunders will play at Manuka Oval during the month of December. Buy your tickets today and join the Thunder Nation.

Important ticketing information for Manuka Oval

Ticket sales to BBL games at Manuka Oval end 6 hours before gates open in line with COVID directions. This time-gap allows the venue to verify all ticket purchasers to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event.

Happening Saturday 26 December from 6.10-9.30 pm at Manuka Oval.

See cricket.com.au/fixtures for tickets and more information.

CHRISTMAS 2020

The Coordinate Christmas Lights Trail

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Coordinate Christmas Light Trail.

Created to give Canberrans the scoop on where is putting on the most epic Christmas displays this December, there are already 15 houses on the Coordinate Christmas Trail map—and counting.

With anyone able to include their house or street on the map (which you can find here), the trail is available to download in lists of houses and streets across North Canberra, South Canberra and Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra. This gives you an easy ‘trail’ to follow to discover the best displays.

Houses and streets can even upload pictures, so you’ll know what you’re in for. Want to add your house or street to the map? Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

See mix106.com.au/competition/mix106-3s-christmas-lights-trail for more information.

Santa Photography at Westfield Woden

After a year like no other, we could all use another reason to smile—and a photo with Santa is the perfect opportunity. While things will be a little different in Santa photography sessions this year, the Westfield Woden team will be working hard to make sure the moment is as magical as ever.

Bookings are essential, view the variety of photo packages available and book here now to secure a time that is convenient for you. Please note, there will be no walk-ins available.

There are also options for sensitive Santa photography and pet photography!

Bookings essential.

Happening until 24 December at Westfield Woden, Level 1, Near JB Hi-Fi.

See westfield.com.au/woden/event/3cy1W6IodRRQmWhhwFNv87/santa-photography for more information.

Santa Photography at Westfield Belconnen

After a year like no other, we could all use another reason to smile—and a photo with Santa is the perfect opportunity. While things will be a little different in Santa photography sessions this year, the Westfield Woden team will be working hard to make sure the moment is as magical as ever.

Bookings are essential, view the variety of photo packages available and book here now to secure a time that is convenient for you. Please note, there will be no walk-ins available.

There are also options for sensitive Santa photography and pet photography!

Bookings essential.

Happening until 24 December at Centre Court, Ground Floor, Westfield Belconnen.

See westfield.com.au/belconnen/event/5G0p4RMzKOlG8aVAsxoRoh/santa-photography for more information.

FOOD & DRINK

Underground Spirits’ Urban Distillery Experience at Regatta Point

Canberra’s own Underground Spirits is now offering Canberra’s first ever lakeside gin experience this summer.

Underground Spirits is offering two unique Urban Distillery Experiences at Regatta Point’s Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.

The Spirit of Canberra – Underground Experience is an immersive experience sharing Underground Spirits’ history, the history of gin, production processes and botanicals, plus an exploration of the G&T and how to perfect it.

Underground Spirits Mixed Up! Tasting & Cocktail Masterclass is a longer session whereby guests join a mixologist for a cocktail making demo and tasting. Both experiences include sample tastings and drinks.

Underground Spirits’ Urban Distillery Experiences operate at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at Regatta Point, Thursday – Sunday each week, with various session times available.

Pre-booking is essential. Check session times and dates for availability. These are small group experiences, places are limited.

Happening until 31 January across various dates.

See undergroundspirits.com.au for more information and to book.

Charity Wine in the Park for DVCS

2020 has been a tough year for so many of us, between the bushfires, COVID shutdowns and the impact that these events have had on our mental health and livelihood we’re all due for a break.

What better way to relax than to engage with our great Canberra community, have a chat with our fellow Canberrans over a glass of local wine or beer?

Join us in Haig Park for Charity Wine in the Park from 12 pm to 5 pm on:

  • Saturday 19 December
  • Sunday 20 December
  • Saturday 26 December
  • Sunday 27 December

For an added bonus, on Sundays 20 and 27 December relax to some live music performed by the incredibly talented Madi Kate.

All profits will be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

Happening 19, 20, 26 and 27 December from 12 pm – 5 pm at Haig Park, Braddon.

See Facebook for more information.

Christmas at the Market at the Capital Region Farmers Market

Grab all your fresh Christmas essentials at the very special Christmas at the Markets on Christmas Eve.

This will be the final Capital Region Farmers Market before they shut until 9 January, so make sure you nip down. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meats and seafood.

Happening Thursday 24 December from 7 am–11 am at Exhibition Park in Canberra (where the markets are normally held).

See capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au/2020/12/christmas-at-the-market-2020 for more information.

STAGE AND SCREEN

Sunset Cinema Canberra

Canberra’s favourite outdoor cinema is back! From the lush surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, enjoy the sun going down and the stars coming out as Sunset cinema brings you the ultimate Australian summer experience.

Sunset Cinema is perfect for getting back outdoors and in this time of social distancing the event is tailored for your safety, whilst maintaining the signature Sunset vibe you know and love.

Along with government approval, Sunset Cinema brings their knowledge and experience to create a fun and COVID safe event for Canberrans. Whether you’re treating the kids, catching up with girls or taking someone on a date to remember, there’s something to delight everyone this season.

This summer will be a real showstopper with fresh new releases The Prom, Trolls World Tour and The Witches. There is also a feast of festive movies, watch timeless classics Love Actually and Home Alone to get your Christmas spirit jingling.

Your welcome to pack a picnic hamper or satisfy your taste buds at the yummy food trucks.

Enjoy the warm evening air with a refreshing drink from the licensed bar and stock up on all your essential movie snacks like fresh, hot popcorn.

Happening 10 December – 14 February at The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.

See sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra 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.

SPORT + ACTIVE

Manuka Oval.

Big Bash League Cricket: Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers

The Sydney Thunder take on the Perth Scorchers at Manuka Oval, Canberra in this year’s KFC Big Bash League game being played at 7:15 pm local time. This is the third of five matches the Sydney Thunders will play at Manuka Oval during the month of December. Buy your tickets today and join the Thunder Nation.

Important ticketing information for Manuka Oval

Ticket sales to BBL games at Manuka Oval end 6 hours before gates open in line with COVID directions. This time-gap allows the venue to verify all ticket purchasers to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event.

Happening Tuesday 22 December from 7.15–10.30 pm at Manuka Oval.

See cricket.com.au/fixtures for tickets and more information.

Big Bash League Cricket: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades

The Sydney Thunder take on the Melbourne Renegades at Manuka Oval, Canberra in this year’s KFC Big Bash League game being played at 6:10 pm local time. This is the fourth of five matches the Sydney Thunders will play at Manuka Oval during the month of December. Buy your tickets today and join the Thunder Nation.

Important ticketing information for Manuka Oval

Ticket sales to BBL games at Manuka Oval end 6 hours before gates open in line with COVID directions. This time-gap allows the venue to verify all ticket purchasers to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event.

Happening Saturday 26 December from 6.10-9.30 pm at Manuka Oval.

See cricket.com.au/fixtures for tickets and more information.

Local Yoga’s free fundraising yoga classes at Gorman Arts Centre

Local Yoga and Gorman Arts Centre are offering free fundraising yoga classes all through the upcoming summer months.

Classes will be held in the tranquil courtyard gardens of Gorman Arts Centre every Sunday morning at 9 am until March 2021. Classes are provided free of charge to encourage awareness and donations towards Canberra’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

If ever there was a year for Canberrans to embrace the physical and mental benefits of modern yoga, it’s been the rollercoaster ride of 2020.

Local Yoga is a brand new Canberra-based initiative committed to socially conscious yoga—not only making yoga more accessible for all Canberrans, but also raising support and awareness for Canberra’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

Happening Sundays from 9 am at Gorman Arts Centre, Batman Street, Braddon.

See localyogaproject.com for more information.

MARKETS

Christmas at the Market at the Capital Region Farmers Market

Grab all your fresh Christmas essentials at the very special Christmas at the Markets on Christmas Eve.

This will be the final Capital Region Farmers Market before they shut until 9 January, so make sure you nip down. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meats and seafood.

Happening Thursday 24 December from 7 am–11 am at Exhibition Park in Canberra (where the markets are normally held).

See capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au/2020/12/christmas-at-the-market-2020 for more information.

OUTDOORS

Canberra Aqua Park

That’s right, Canberra Aqua Park will return for another summer of blow-up obstacle fun in the heart of Canberra on Saturday 28 November.

The 1,600 square metre inflatable obstacle course is located at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area (park at Black Mountain Peninsula).

Canberra Aqua Park will run through the warmer months and we bet it will be a popular spot for getting the kids out of the house over the school holidays, with 50-minute sessions starting from just $20 per person.

But don’t fret—those of you that are young at heart are most definitely welcome to partake in all the fun too as there is no age limit—although there is a minimum age of five.

Happening  Saturday 28 November 2020 – March 2021 at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area adjacent to Black Mountain Peninsula.

See canberraaquapark.com/tickets for more information.

Sunset Cinema Canberra

Canberra’s favourite outdoor cinema is back! From the lush surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, enjoy the sun going down and the stars coming out as Sunset cinema brings you the ultimate Australian summer experience.

Sunset Cinema is perfect for getting back outdoors and in this time of social distancing the event is tailored for your safety, whilst maintaining the signature Sunset vibe you know and love.

Along with government approval, Sunset Cinema brings their knowledge and experience to create a fun and COVID safe event for Canberrans. Whether you’re treating the kids, catching up with girls or taking someone on a date to remember, there’s something to delight everyone this season.

This summer will be a real showstopper with fresh new releases The Prom, Trolls World Tour and The Witches. There is also a feast of festive movies, watch timeless classics Love Actually and Home Alone to get your Christmas spirit jingling.

Your welcome to pack a picnic hamper or satisfy your taste buds at the yummy food trucks.

Enjoy the warm evening air with a refreshing drink from the licensed bar and stock up on all your essential movie snacks like fresh, hot popcorn.

Happening until 14 February at The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.

See sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra for more information.

The Coordinate Christmas Lights Trail

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Coordinate Christmas Light Trail.

Created to give Canberrans the scoop on where is putting on the most epic Christmas displays this December, there are already 15 houses on the Coordinate Christmas Trail map—and counting.

With anyone able to include their house or street on the map (which you can find here), the trail is available to download in lists of houses and streets across North Canberra, South Canberra and Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra. This gives you an easy ‘trail’ to follow to discover the best displays.

Houses and streets can even upload pictures, so you’ll know what you’re in for. Want to add your house or street to the map? Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

See mix106.com.au/competition/mix106-3s-christmas-lights-trail 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

The Coordinate Christmas Lights Trail

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Coordinate Christmas Light Trail.

Created to give Canberrans the scoop on where is putting on the most epic Christmas displays this December, there are already 15 houses on the Coordinate Christmas Trail map—and counting.

With anyone able to include their house or street on the map (which you can find here), the trail is available to download in lists of houses and streets across North Canberra, South Canberra and Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra. This gives you an easy ‘trail’ to follow to discover the best displays.

Houses and streets can even upload pictures, so you’ll know what you’re in for. Want to add your house or street to the map? Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

See mix106.com.au/competition/mix106-3s-christmas-lights-trail for more information.

Canberra Aqua Park

That’s right, Canberra Aqua Park will return for another summer of blow-up obstacle fun in the heart of Canberra on Saturday 28 November.

The 1,600 square metre inflatable obstacle course is located at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area (park at Black Mountain Peninsula).

Canberra Aqua Park will run through the warmer months and we bet it will be a popular spot for getting the kids out of the house over the school holidays, with 50-minute sessions starting from just $20 per person.

But don’t fret—those of you that are young at heart are most definitely welcome to partake in all the fun too as there is no age limit—although there is a minimum age of five.

Happening until March 2021 at the Tarcoola Reach swimming area adjacent to Black Mountain Peninsula.

See canberraaquapark.com/tickets for more information.

Sunset Cinema Canberra

Canberra’s favourite outdoor cinema is back! From the lush surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, enjoy the sun going down and the stars coming out as Sunset cinema brings you the ultimate Australian summer experience.

Sunset Cinema is perfect for getting back outdoors and in this time of social distancing the event is tailored for your safety, whilst maintaining the signature Sunset vibe you know and love.

Along with government approval, Sunset Cinema brings their knowledge and experience to create a fun and COVID safe event for Canberrans. Whether you’re treating the kids, catching up with girls or taking someone on a date to remember, there’s something to delight everyone this season.

This summer will be a real showstopper with fresh new releases The Prom, Trolls World Tour and The Witches. There is also a feast of festive movies, watch timeless classics Love Actually and Home Alone to get your Christmas spirit jingling.

Your welcome to pack a picnic hamper or satisfy your taste buds at the yummy food trucks.

Enjoy the warm evening air with a refreshing drink from the licensed bar and stock up on all your essential movie snacks like fresh, hot popcorn.

Happening until 14 February at The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.

See sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra for more information.

EXHIBITIONS

PLEASE NOTE: During Christmas Week, many galleries will have changed their opening hours.

We encourage you to check opening times before you visit. 

Tracey Moffat. Something more #1 1989, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Purchased 1989. Courtesy of Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney.

Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now

Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now showcases art made by women. It brings together more than 300 works, drawn from the Gallery’s collection and other collections from across Australia.

This exhibition is part of a series of ongoing initiative by the National Gallery to increase the representation of artists who identify as women in its artistic program, featuring lesser-known and leading artists such as Margaret Preston, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Destiny Deacon and Julie Rrap, this exhibition tells a new story of Australian art.

Highlights include a floor-to-ceiling presentation of artists’ portraits in a variety of mediums, the work of pioneering performance artists Bonita Ely and Jill Orr and a complete edition of Tracey Moffatt’s first major series of photographs, Something more 1989. Gemma Smith has been commissioned to paint the walls of the galleries.

By bringing together artists from different times, places and cultures, this exhibition proposes another history, upending the assumption that modern and contemporary Australian art is a male-dominated narrative.

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

See nga.gov.au 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.

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.

Seeing Canberra

As a city initiated as an imagined capital for the new Australian nation, Canberra has been a place that quickly invited visual representation.

As it developed, artists have seen Canberra through different lenses, and these have shaped the way they understood and interpreted the evolving landscape.

In this exhibition, drawn primarily from CMAG’s collection, visitors will journey through four key periods of the city’s development and for each, will encounter an object that represents a prism to understand a way of seeing at that time.

Showing until 17 July 2021 at Canberra Museum and Gallery.

See origin.cmag.com.au/exhibitions/seeing-canberra 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.

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 2020 at The Museum of Australian Government, Old Parliament House

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

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