This Week In The Can

Posted on 7 January, 2019

Your essential guide to what’s on in Canberra this week!

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LISTED IN THIS WEEK IN THE CAN? SUBMIT IT HERE BY COB WEDNESDAY PRIOR.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Credit: Trevor Dickinson.

TREVOR DICKINSON’S BEAUTIFUL BUS SHELTERS OF CANBERRA

Many Canberra suburbs are home to the distinctive concrete bus shelters designed by architect Clem Cummings in 1975. Nearly 500 shelters remain in place and over the past four years artist Trevor Dickinson has been on a quest to find and photograph every one.

Dickinson has selected over fifty of the most striking examples to draw and develop into digital prints. His collection reveals that every shelter has its own beauty and personality; and explores how these shelters shape Canberra’s unique suburban landscape.

Showing until 26 January at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City.

See the website for more information.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: BEHIND THE LINES 2018 EXHIBITION TOUR

Venture down the rabbit hole and take a tour around one of our most popular exhibitions, Behind the Lines: The year’s best political cartoons 2018.

This 30 minute tour gives you an exclusive look at the history of Behind the Lines, what it takes to make the exhibition each year, and which cartoons made it into the curator’s Top 5 this year.

If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the White Rabbit himself.

Daily at 11.30am until 28 January at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. $5 per person, bookings essential.

Find out more at moadoph.gov.au/tour.

SUMMER OASIS AT THE HOWLING MOON

This summer, Canberra’s first rooftop bar has transformed into a tropical retreat, offering guests an early afternoon happy hour, speciality cocktails, summer snacks, live music and an ambience that promises to cool things right down.

With local performers lifting the vibe from 1 pm – 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, this incredible Braddon bar has your weekend plans covered.

Grab a cocktail pitcher and some snacks, capture your photo amongst the palm leaves and soak up the sun from the fully enclosed rooftop.

Happening every Saturday from 1 – 4 pm at The Howling Moon, The Rex Hotel.

See the website for more information.

The BIG vision workshop

The Antarctica Experience: A Virtual Reality Adventure

AFTER DARK: GHOST HUNTERS TOUR AT MOAD

If a spooky adventure is more your style, help solve the mystery of the ghostly encounters that have been experienced at Old Parliament House after the sun goes down during an After Dark: Ghost Hunters Tour.

This 75-minute torchlight tour takes you through the museum, exploring the mysterious occurrences, ghostly encounters and dastardly deeds of Old Parliament House.

Get in quick because spaces on this tour won’t last long.

$20 per person, bookings essential.

For tour dates, visit moadoph.gov.au/tour.

SUNSET CINEMA

Sink into a beanbag, sip on fine wine…. laugh long and loud.

Sunset Cinema is back at the Botanic Gardens from November til January. Featuring foot-stomping blockbusters, family favourites and VHS classics under the stars.

With full bar facilities and more food than you can poke a fork at, Sunset Cinema is the ultimate way to soak up Summer in Canberra this year.

Feature films include Bohemian Rhapsody, Fantastic Beasts 2 & Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Check the website to see the full program.

Happening until 12 January 2019 at the National Botanic Gardens.

See the website for more information.

Summer at the National Portrait Gallery

Escape the heat this summer and step inside the National Portrait Gallery for an array of family-fun activities. From storytelling and drawing to music and art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Gallery.

Mums, dads, grandparents and carers can get creative with the kids inside Face Lab – a fun and quirky place where they can investigate their own or someone else’s face. It includes a cosy library and lots of drawing and craft activities. It’s on between 11.00am – 4.00pm daily until 3 February. Entry is free.

Other activities on offer this summer include:

Wiradjuri Echoes: Share Aboriginal culture and storytelling through music and dance. Children are welcome to join the dancers and learn to dance to the didgeridoo. Entry is free and is on at 2.00pm Sunday 6 January.

Headhunt!: An interactive gallery experience for visitors aged 7 – 15 years. This experience encourages kids to take the lead and explore the Gallery, look closely at the portraits and delve into artistic elements, as well as the stories of the people depicted. Headhunt! is free and is on every day between 10.00am – 4.00pm during the summer school holidays.

My many faces: A painting workshop inspired by Study of Louis Nowra by Imants Tillers in the 20/20 exhibition. Like Tillers, children will compose painting of small canvas boards to show multiple perspectives and ideas in one work. Workshops are suitable for children 6 – 12 years and is on from 12.30 – 3.00pm, Thursday 31 January. Cost is $20 per person and bookings are essential.

Portrait play: who are you?: An exploration of portraits through drawing and creative activity for children aged 4 – 8 years. This activity is held each weekday from 10.30 – 11.30am until 1 February. Bookings are essential and cost is $7 per child.

Drawn in: A unique drawing experience while listening to the electro acoustic sounds of Happy Axe – a multi-instrumentalist and musical polymath, who uses violin, musical saw, vocals and digital manipulation to build new worlds out of layers of sound. This free event is on from 1.00 – 3.00pm, Sunday 24 February.

Find out more at portrait.gov.au

DressUP: Change the World

Discover the incredible journeys of some of the world’s most inspiring people, taking the time to walk in their shoes in DressUP: Change the World.

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.

Immerse yourself in their stories of triumph as they go from ordinary people to visionary leaders who have made a difference in the world. Listen to their stories and learn about the challenges they overcame to leave their mark.

Visitors can also tell their own story in our new Zine Lounge. Whether you prefer writing or sketching, the Zine Lounge lets you carve out a space for your voice to be heard.

This engaging exhibition space provides a bold and quirky environment that will inspire young people and asks them “How will you change the world?”

Happening until 31 December 2019 at the Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT THE NFSA: CATS VS. DOGS FILMS

There are cat people and there are dog people. These summer holidays at the National Film and Sound Archive, families must pick a side as they discover the onscreen lives of kitties and pups!

• 7 January – Puss in Boots at 10am/ Red Dog at 2pm.
• 8 January – Felix the Cat at 10am/ Red Dog:True Blue at 2pm
• 9 January – Garfield at 10am/ Bolt at 2pm
• 10 January – The Cat Returns at 10am/ Isle of Dogs at 2pm
• 11 January – The Aristocats at 10am/ 101 Dalmatians (1961 animated version) at 2pm
• 12 January – The Lion King at 10am/ Best of Top Dog Film Festival at 2pm
• 13 January – Kedi at 10am/ Oddball at 2pm

Visit the website for more details.

Love and Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate 

Discover a stunning world of Love & Desire as the Tate’s pre-Raphaelite masterpieces come to Australia for this Summer’s most romantic exhibition.

Fall in love with John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott, as the Tate’s most visited works of art leave the gallery together for the first time.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of brilliant colour, meticulous detail and exquisite layering in paintings inspired by the great love stories of history and literature.

Happening until 28 April 2019 at The National Gallery of Australia, Parkes from 10 am.

For more information visit National Gallery of Australia.

BREAKING THROUGH: 75 YEARS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

Why did it take so long for women to get elected? And once they were there, what was their experience within the parliament?

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first women elected to Australian Federal Parliament, Breaking Through exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy explores the journeys of 11 trailblazers who were the first to hold particular parliamentary positions.

These are stories of resilience, perseverance and ground-breaking achievements.

From 1943 when Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons were the first women elected to parliament through to today where woman have held the highest positions in all areas of parliament, including Prime Minister.

Breaking Through exhibition, recognises the significant contribution these women made in Australia’s democracy. Look back on their lives, uncover their motivations and what they view as their greatest achievements.

Told through never before seen portraits, each a unique representation by a young artist, and powerful stories of change-makers breaking through, this exhibition will inspire visitors to think about the role of women in parliament, what it took to get there and whether we’ve come far enough.

Showing until 28 August 2019 from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

Get Curiouser and Curiouser at Behind the Lines 2018

COOK AND THE PACIFIC 

Visitors to Cook and the Pacific will follow James Cook’s three remarkable Pacific voyages, and explore this spectacular region through the eyes of the British voyagers and the First Nations peoples they met.

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey to the Pacific 250 years ago, with destinations including Tahiti, New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, Hawaii and even Siberia.

With content drawn from around the world, visitors will be enthralled by maps, manuscripts, rare books, large oil paintings, delicate watercolours by voyage artists, medallions, cartoons and poetry.

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.

See the website for more information.

Democracy. Are you in? 

Your voice, your hands and even your feet have the power to be heard. Our freedoms and our way of life have been built on the foundation of democracy. This living system is sustained through the participation of each and all of us. Democracy is sustained by you. Australian democracy is a work in progress. Curiously, at a time of stability and unparalleled economic growth, confidence in our political and social institutions is at its lowest point in decades. But giving up on them is not the answer. Our democracy needs us. Are you in?

Open daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Find out more at moadoph.gov.au.

BEAUTY RICH AND RARE 

An immersive sound and light experience illuminating the natural beauty of Australia through the eyes of Sir Joseph Banks.

Feel the excitement and wonder of Banks and his team of botanists, scientists, and illustrators as they documented Australia’s unique botanical and animal species, astonishing eighteenth-century Europe.

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.

See the website for more information.

Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures (Closing Soon)

Audiences around the world know and love Heath Ledger as a charismatic movie star who pushed boundaries and created iconic roles. Now they have a chance to discover Heath’s creative process and deep passion for the film industry and the visual arts, in a unique exhibition curated in collaboration with his family.

Explore a selection of film costumes and props, Heath’s own character research journals, celebrity portraits and acting awards and more. A Life in Pictures offers a rare insight into the man behind the camera. A program of special screenings and talks will complement the exhibition.

Showing until 10 February 2019 at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton. See website for more information.

PLAYUP 

Discover PlayUP – The Right to Have an Opinion and Be Heard, where kids can explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child in a playful way. Adults can even join in the fun too! From listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Café to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities, PlayUP has a range of exciting and immersive experiences that flip the traditional idea of museums completely on its head.

See the website for more information. Free after museum admission. Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Cost: Free.

MathsAlive!

MathsAlive!, the one-of-a-kind interactive maths and science exhibit, that has drawn record-breaking crowds in five countries around the world is coming to Canberra in December!

Experience how maths plays a role in our everyday lives through sports, nature, robotics, design, dancing, movie-making and more. Ride in a live-action snowboard race, control a Mars rover, design your own 3-D animation or capture your image in a 360 freeze-motion video. 

MathsAlive!, a Raytheon Company initiative consists of dozens of immersive interactive exhibits and is suitable for years 3 – 10.

Free admission. Open daily 9am – 5pm until 17 March 2019 at East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Parkes.

More information on the website.

FOOD & DRINK

SUMMER OASIS AT THE HOWLING MOON

This summer, Canberra’s first rooftop bar has transformed into a tropical retreat, offering guests an early afternoon happy hour, speciality cocktails, summer snacks, live music and an ambience that promises to cool things right down.

With local performers lifting the vibe from 1 pm – 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, this incredible Braddon bar has your weekend plans covered.

Grab a cocktail pitcher and some snacks, capture your photo amongst the palm leaves and soak up the sun from the fully enclosed rooftop.

Happening every Saturday from 1 – 4 pm at The Howling Moon, The Rex Hotel.

See the website for more information.

MUSIC, STAGE AND FILM 

SUNSET CINEMA

Sink into a beanbag, sip on fine wine…. laugh long and loud.

Sunset Cinema is back at the Botanic Gardens, featuring foot-stomping blockbusters, family favourites and VHS classics under the stars.

With full bar facilities and more food than you can poke a fork at, Sunset Cinema is the ultimate way to soak up Summer in Canberra this year.

Feature films include Bohemian Rhapsody, Fantastic Beasts 2 & Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Check the website to see the full program.

Happening until 12 January 2019 at the National Botanic Gardens.

See the website for more information.

SHAKESPEARE UPDATED AT THE NFSA

Inspired by Heath Ledger’s performance in Ten Things I hate about you, a late 1990s teen adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the NFSA takes a look at this and other films featuring Shakespearean themes.

14 Jan – 10 Thinks I Hate About You at 3pm
15 Jan – Forbidden Planet at 3pm
16 Jan – Twelfth Night at 3pm
17 Jan – Gnomeo and Juliet at 11am
18 Jan – Big Business at 3pm
19 Jan – My Own Private Idaho at 3pm
20 Jan – Romeo and Juliet at 3pm

Happening 14-20 January at the National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton.

Book online via the website.

Once Upon a Mattress

Ickle Pickle Productions presents Once Upon a Mattress at the Belconnen Theatre in the January school holidays.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea, and suitable for the all ages, Once Upon a Mattress is the perfect school holiday entertainment for the whole family.

Showing at Belconnen Theatre from 11 to 24 January 2019.

All tickets $24, available online from canberraticketing.com.au.

Sasha Velour: Live and in Colour

A one-woman show lovingly created and staged by Sasha Velour, winner of Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 9. Celebrating the spectacle and heart of drag, the show includes some of her favourite numbers and some brand new creations.

Throughout the show, you’ll be taken on a journey by your favourite high-fashion goddess through the unique, hyper-gendered queer fantasia that is drag! This show is suitable for all ages and you can expect to walk away enlightened and enriched by this queen’s amazing art.

Happening Wednesday 9 January from 8 – 9.30 pm at Canberra Theatre Centre.

See the website for more information.

MARKETS

YASS COMMUNITY MARKETS 

Support the local producers and come to the Yass Community Markets. Local wine, jams, sauces and craft items. Oil, baked goods and great coffee or juices. Vegetables and plants too. Home made food, arts and crafts.

It’s a great place to catch up with friends or to take a family and friends, with good weather expect to see the jumping castle and more stalls outside.

The Yass Community Markets have become a fantastic community event every first and third Saturday of the month. Come and have a coffee, relax and enjoy the ambiance and perhaps take in a local vineyard for lunch.

Happening until Saturday 2 February 2019 from 10am-1pm at St Augustines Church, Meehan Street, St Augustines Church. $2 entry. See the website for more information.

SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKETS 

Get along to the Southside Farmers Markets every Sunday morning and pick up the finest fruit and vegetables and produce our region has to offer.  There are over 50 stalls made up of farmers and producers who sell their food direct from their farm or kitchen.  Many farmers are out picking their produce the night before the market and you can certainly taste the difference.

Talk to the farmer direct and find out where your food is being grown, how they grow it, and even how they best like to cook it.  Not only do they provide us with fresh food every week but they are a wealth of information on the food that nourishes week in week out.

What’s in season this week?  Annual herbs, beans, peas, beetroot, capsicums, carrots, chillies, corn, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, garlic, onion, radishes, rhubarb, squash, zucchini, melons, stonefruit, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes and more!

Every Sunday from 8.30am to 11 am at Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip. Entry is free, visit the website for more information.

MARKET GARDEN PRODUCE STALL  

Selling fresh, clean, chemical-free vegetables, preserves and baked goods in the Courtyard of 56 Wallace Street, Braidwood every Saturday morning from 8.30am until 12.00 or sold out. Wynlen House is a small urban micro-farm specialising in offering a broad range of seasonal vegetables all year round.

They also run workshops to show people how to grow vegetables, garlic, and raise small farm animals on a large suburban block and offer slow food events to showcase the benefit and deliciousness of produce grown locally, without chemical inputs and picked fresh.

On every Saturday from 8.30am – 12 pm, at The Courtyard, Braidwood. For more information visit the website.

WORKSHOPS, TOURS & TALKS

AFTER DARK: GHOST HUNTERS TOUR AT MOAD

If a spooky adventure is more your style, help solve the mystery of the ghostly encounters that have been experienced at Old Parliament House after the sun goes down during an After Dark: Ghost Hunters Tour.

This 75-minute torchlight tour takes you through the museum, exploring the mysterious occurrences, ghostly encounters and dastardly deeds of Old Parliament House.

Tours happening Thursday 10, 17 and 24 January. Get in quick because spaces on this tour won’t last long.

$20 per person, bookings essential at moadoph.gov.au/events/ghost-hunters

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: BEHIND THE LINES 2018 EXHIBITION TOUR

Venture down the rabbit hole and take a tour around one of our most popular exhibitions, Behind the Lines: The year’s best political cartoons 2018.

This 30 minute tour gives you an exclusive look at the history of Behind the Lines, what it takes to make the exhibition each year, and which cartoons made it into the curator’s Top 5 this year.

If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the White Rabbit himself.

Daily at 11.30am until 28 January at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. $5 per person, bookings essential.

Find out more at moadoph.gov.au/tour.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE  

Discover the stories behind the building on a special tour of Parliament House. Learn how the building’s impressive architecture is symbolic of our national identity and gain a rare view into private areas.

These tours run only on non-sitting days (except Christmas Day and when seasonal tours are running). We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your tour or event for screening and check-in as places are limited to 10 participants. tours operate for 55 mins. For security purposes, all participants must present photo identification and ticket confirmation to join any behind the scenes tours or events. If you do not have these, you will be unable to participate.

Participants on a paid tour can take advantage of a 10% discount on any purchase from The Parliament Shop on the day of the tour.

Happening until March 2019 at Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Capital Hill. See the website for more information.

GUIDED TOURS OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA 

Visiting the National Library of Australia? Take a tour and see a side of the Library most visitors never experience. Whether this is your first visit or the next of many, you can learn more about the Library and its exhibitions by joining a free guided tour. Tours are offered by trained Volunteer Guides who have a passion for sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections. Your Guide will welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the National Library, its collections and the stories of Australia.

Treasures Gallery – Daily at 11.30am
. Take a tour and come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.

Behind The Scenes – Thursdays at 2 pm. 
Take a tour to visit enormous stacks where the books are stored and learn about strange curiosities in the Library’s collection that have been acquired over more than a century of collecting.

Discover your National Library – Saturdays at 2 pm
. Join a Library guide for a journey around the building and discover the stories in the Reading Rooms and public spaces.

For more detailed information visit the website.

SPORT

EAST HOTEL CANBERRA CHALLENGER

Part of the Australian Pro Tour, the East Hotel Canberra Challenger, an ATP Challenger 80 event will be held in Canberra this January.

Numerous players from the world’s top 100 will feature in the event, now a renowned lead in to the Australian Open as they compete for significant prize money and valuable world ranking points. A host of Australian’s next rising stars will also compete as they look to make their mark on the Pro Tour.

A free twilight session will be held on Friday 11 January from 4pm-9pm with food trucks, beverage outlets, and entertainment during the men’s doubles semifinals.

Entry is free, and by gold coin donation to local grassroots tennis programs on finals day or reserve your seat one the Tennis ACT website.

Happening 6-12 January at Canberra Tennis Centre, 3 Riggall Place, Lyneham.

See the website for more information.

Canberra United vs Adelaide United

Come along to see Canberra United take on Adelaide United in a matchup which historically favours the team in green.

Across ten seasons of the Westfield W-League, Canberra have seven wins and just one loss to Adelaide at McKellar Park and they’ll be hoping to continue the trend this season.

Happening Sunday 13 January from 4 – 7 pm at McKellar Park, Walkley Place, McKellar.

See the website for more information.

Twilight Tennis Session

Love tennis? Here’s one to put in your diary.

Put on your active wear, bring a throw and enjoy a casual night of professional tennis, after work drinks, food and fun activity in Lyneham!

On the eve of the East Hotel Canberra Challenger finals, the popular Twilight Session returns to the Canberra Tennis Centre. Catch all the action of the doubles semifinals on centre court, while experiencing local food and beverages from Canberra and region. There will be a chill-out zone, where you can sit back and enjoy live entertainment, or grab a racquet and have a hit with mates on court.

tennis.com.au/act/news-and-events/events/twilight-session

Come Try Water Polo

The summer holidays are a great opportunity to try a new sport and Gungahlin Dragons Water Polo Club is holding a Come Try Session on Sunday 13 January.

The session is aimed at girls and boys aged 7-14 years and will provide an introduction to water polo, including: swimming with the ball, treading water, passing and shooting.

The sessions will also provide an opportunity to meet current Dragons players and find out why they love water polo.

This is a free event, all you need to do is pay pool entry.

Please register your interest online here.

Freestyle Fridays at Vertikal 

Vertikal is hosting a discounted ski/snowboarding session with cheap acres every Friday afternoon for the rest of the summer including:

• $40 ski/snowboarding session on the slopes
• Cold Jindabyne Brewing beers on tap
• Canberra Distilling Co & Underground Spirits
• Music and amazing indoor snow machines

Happening every Friday until 9 February from 3 pm at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports, Unit 11, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick.

See Facebook for more information.

OUTDOORS 

Credit Mark Nolan

Open Air PlayUP

ACT PARKS CRITTERS OF THE EUCALYPT FOREST  

Every Saturday take a short walk with a ranger and learn about the potoroos and other important inhabitants of the Eucalypt Forest and get back in time for “Koalas in the Canopy”. Meet at the koala enclosure in the Eucalypt Forest.

Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required.

Happening until Saturday 16 February 2019 from 2pm-2.45pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River. See the website for more information.

ACT PARKS KOALAS IN THE CANOPY 

Every Saturday you can search for koalas and enjoy a ranger guided walk through the tall eucalypt forest at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Hear a ranger’s story or two about these fascinating marsupials. Meet at the Eucalypt Forest car park.

Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required for Koalas in the Canopy. Happening until Saturday 16 February 2019 from 2.45pm-3.15pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River. See the website for more information.

KIDS

DressUP: Change the World

Discover the incredible journeys of some of the world’s most inspiring people, taking the time to walk in their shoes in DressUP: Change the World.

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.

Immerse yourself in their stories of triumph as they go from ordinary people to visionary leaders who have made a difference in the world. Listen to their stories and learn about the challenges they overcame to leave their mark.

Visitors can also tell their own story in our new Zine Lounge. Whether you prefer writing or sketching, the Zine Lounge lets you carve out a space for your voice to be heard.

This engaging exhibition space provides a bold and quirky environment that will inspire young people and asks them “How will you change the world?”

Happening until 31 December 2019 at the Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

MathsAlive! 

MathsAlive!, the one-of-a-kind interactive maths and science exhibit, that has drawn record-breaking crowds in five countries around the world is coming to Canberra in December!

Experience how maths plays a role in our everyday lives through sports, nature, robotics, design, dancing, movie-making and more. Ride in a live-action snowboard race, control a Mars rover, design your own 3-D animation or capture your image in a 360 freeze-motion video. 

MathsAlive!, a Raytheon Company initiative consists of dozens of immersive interactive exhibits and is suitable for years 3 – 10.

Free admission.

Happening daily from 9 am – 5 pm until 17 March 2019 at East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Parkes.

More information on the website. 

PlayUP

After an exciting transformation, the imaginative family space in the Museum of Australian Democracy has all-new hands-on activities to educate, excite and challenge young minds.

This creative exhibition space celebrates the role of children in our community and provides a welcoming environment for families to engage in the rights and responsibilities of children through imagination, discovery, role-play and fun.

Happening every day from 9 am – 5 pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy, King George Terrace, Parkes. Entry costs vary.

Visit the website for more details.

SUMMER AT CANBERRA YOUTH THEATRE DRAMA WORKSHOP

The Canberra Youth Theatre (CYT) will be offering a week-long drama workshop, where a group of 7 -12-year-olds will create an original piece of theatre.

Play drama games and learn skills in voice, movement and storytelling, finishing the week with a performance for family and friends.

Happening 14-18 January at Gorman Arts Centre, C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Batman Street, Braddon.

See the website for more information.

Get Curiouser and Curiouser at Behind the Lines 2018

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT THE NFSA: CATS VS. DOGS FILMS

There are cat people and there are dog people. These summer holidays at the National Film and Sound Archive, families must pick a side as they discover the onscreen lives of kitties and pups!

• 7 January – Puss in Boots at 10am/ Red Dog at 2pm.
• 8 January – Felix the Cat at 10am/ Red Dog:True Blue at 2pm
• 9 January – Garfield at 10am/ Bolt at 2pm
• 10 January – The Cat Returns at 10am/ Isle of Dogs at 2pm
• 11 January – The Aristocats at 10am/ 101 Dalmatians (1961 animated version) at 2pm
• 12 January – The Lion King at 10am/ Best of Top Dog Film Festival at 2pm
• 13 January – Kedi at 10am/ Oddball at 2pm

Visit the website for more details.

Summer at the National Portrait Gallery

Escape the heat this summer and step inside the National Portrait Gallery for an array of family-fun activities. From storytelling and drawing to music and art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Gallery.

Mums, dads, grandparents and carers can get creative with the kids inside Face Lab – a fun and quirky place where they can investigate their own or someone else’s face. It includes a cosy library and lots of drawing and craft activities. It’s on between 11.00am – 4.00pm daily until 3 February. Entry is free.

Other activities on offer this summer include:

Wiradjuri Echoes: Share Aboriginal culture and storytelling through music and dance. Children are welcome to join the dancers and learn to dance to the didgeridoo. Entry is free and is on at 2.00pm Sunday 6 January.

Headhunt!: An interactive gallery experience for visitors aged 7 – 15 years. This experience encourages kids to take the lead and explore the Gallery, look closely at the portraits and delve into artistic elements, as well as the stories of the people depicted. Headhunt! is free and is on every day between 10.00am – 4.00pm during the summer school holidays.

My many faces: A painting workshop inspired by Study of Louis Nowra by Imants Tillers in the 20/20 exhibition. Like Tillers, children will compose painting of small canvas boards to show multiple perspectives and ideas in one work. Workshops are suitable for children 6 – 12 years and is on from 12.30 – 3.00pm, Thursday 31 January. Cost is $20 per person and bookings are essential.

Portrait play: who are you?: An exploration of portraits through drawing and creative activity for children aged 4 – 8 years. This activity is held each weekday from 10.30 – 11.30am until 1 February. Bookings are essential and cost is $7 per child.

Drawn in: A unique drawing experience while listening to the electro acoustic sounds of Happy Axe – a multi-instrumentalist and musical polymath, who uses violin, musical saw, vocals and digital manipulation to build new worlds out of layers of sound. This free event is on from 1.00 – 3.00pm, Sunday 24 February.

Find out more at portrait.gov.au

LEAP INTO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY  

Your local library is a treasure trove…not only are there free books and resources, there are regular amazing events! Giggle & Wiggle with your little ones (up to two years) and help them learn through language play using interactive rhymes, songs, games and stories.

Looking to improve your English and make new friends, then head along to your local library for one of the informal English conversation groups. For more events and info check them out here.

EXHIBITIONS

Love and Desire NGA John Everett Millais Ophelia 1851-2 oil paint on canvas Tate collection presented by Sir Henry Tate 1894 © Tate.

Love and Desire Pre-Raphaelite Masterpiece from the Tate

Discover a stunning world of Love & Desire as the Tate’s pre-Raphaelite masterpieces come to Australia for this Summer’s most romantic exhibition.

Fall in love with John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott, as the Tate’s most visited works of art leave the gallery together for the first time.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of brilliant colour, meticulous detail and exquisite layering in paintings inspired by the great love stories of history and literature.

Happening until 28 April 2019 at The National Gallery of Australia, Parkes from 10am.

For more information visit National Gallery of Australia.

The Antarctica Experience: A Virtual Reality Adventure

ROME: CITY + EMPIRE

Stories of Rome and its vast empire continue to captivate and intrigue people almost 3000 years after their foundation.

Rome: City and Empire brings to Canberra more than 200 of the British Museum’s most engaging and beautiful Roman objects. They tell the story of how Rome grew from a series of small villages to become a mighty empire.

Explore how the empire was won and held, witness the grandeur of Rome and appreciate the rich diversity of its peoples.

Showing until 3 February from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton.

See the website for more information.

COOK AND THE PACIFIC

Visitors to Cook and the Pacific will follow James Cook’s three remarkable Pacific voyages, and explore this spectacular region through the eyes of the British voyagers and the First Nations peoples they met.

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey to the Pacific 250 years ago, with destinations including Tahiti, New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, Hawaii and even Siberia.

With content drawn from around the world, visitors will be enthralled by maps, manuscripts, rare books, large oil paintings, delicate watercolours by voyage artists, medallions, cartoons and poetry.

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.

See the website for more information.

BEAUTY RICH AND RARE

An immersive sound and light experience illuminating the natural beauty of Australia through the eyes of Sir Joseph Banks.

Feel the excitement and wonder of Banks and his team of botanists, scientists, and illustrators as they documented Australia’s unique botanical and animal species, astonishing eighteenth-century Europe.

Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.

See the website for more information.

Bush Mechanics: The Exhibition

The broken-down cars and the ingenious bush mechanics who repair them are back on the road!

Based on the popular television series, Bush Mechanics: The Exhibition is more than a showcase of old cars and clever repairs. It also explores the importance of the car in the outback and provides insights into the life and culture of the Warlpiri people of Central Australia.

Happening until 24 February at the National Museum of Australia, Acton.

For more information visit nma.gov.au

Living Water: Journeying in inks

Fuelled by a passion for ink and paper, and intrigued by the rich visual languages of Chinese painting and Chinese calligraphy, Living Water: Journeying in inks, is Ella Whateley’s response to immersion in Taiwanese culture during her residency at National Taiwan University of Arts. Whateley gained her doctorate in practice-led research, Painting, at the School of Art and Design, Australian National University, where she is currently a Visiting Fellow.

Showing until 11 January 2019 at Gallery, Fellows Lane, China in the World Building 188, Acton.

See the website for more information.

EUROVISIONS: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM THE GOLDBERG COLLECTION

This exhibition at The Canberra Museum and Gallery encompasses a vibrant cross-section of leading tendencies in contemporary European art from the collection of Lisa and Danny Goldberg OAM. Conceptual approaches, innovative thinking and a sense of history inform artists’ practices among the most important and influential today including Anish Kapoor, Urs Fischer, Antony Gormley, Isa Genzken, Katharina Grosse, Ugo Rondinone, and Rachel Whiteread.

Many of the works of art have been produced only in the last five years and are on view publicly for the first time in Australia.

The exhibition is happening until Sunday 24 February. For more information go to CMAG.

All shook up: Snow domes from the collection of Sally Hopman.

Spring is here but snow is still falling at CMAG. View Sally Hopman’s collection of over 500 snow domes, from the classic to the kitsch and everything in between.

Happening until 17 March 2019 from 12 pm – 5 pm daily at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra. Free entry.

See the website for more information.

After the war exhibition, Australian War Memorial

After the war is a new exhibition exploring the personal stories of hope, loss, and love of ordinary Australians whose lives have been altered by war, from those who have served to loved ones left behind. Take an intimate journey of the personal costs and consequences of war, unfolding over 100 years from 1918 to 2018.

Entry is free as always, and this event runs until 11 July 2019. For more information, check out the War Memorial website.

BREAKING THROUGH: 75 YEARS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

Why did it take so long for women to get elected? And once they were there, what was their experience within the parliament?

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first women elected to Australian Federal Parliament, Breaking Through exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy explores the journeys of 11 trailblazers who were the first to hold particular parliamentary positions.

These are stories of resilience, perseverance and ground-breaking achievements.

From 1943 when Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons were the first women elected to parliament through to today where woman have held the highest positions in all areas of parliament, including Prime Minister.

Breaking Through exhibition, recognises the significant contribution these women made in Australia’s democracy. Look back on their lives, uncover their motivations and what they view as their greatest achievements.

Told through never before seen portraits, each a unique representation by a young artist, and powerful stories of change-makers breaking through, this exhibition will inspire visitors to think about the role of women in parliament, what it took to get there and whether we’ve come far enough.

Showing until 28 August 2019 from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

See the website for more information.

Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures (Closing Soon)

Audiences around the world know and love Heath Ledger as a charismatic movie star who pushed boundaries and created iconic roles. Now they have a chance to discover Heath’s creative process and deep passion for the film industry and the visual arts, in a unique exhibition curated in collaboration with his family.

Explore a selection of film costumes and props, Heath’s own character research journals, celebrity portraits and acting awards and more. A Life in Pictures offers a rare insight into the man behind the camera. A program of special screenings and talks will complement the exhibition.

Showing until 10 February 2019, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton. See website for more information.

Democracy. Are you in?  

Your voice, your hands and even your feet have the power to be heard. Our freedoms and our way of life have been built on the foundation of democracy. This living system is sustained through the participation of each and all of us. Democracy is sustained by you.

Australian democracy is a work in progress. Curiously, at a time of stability and unparalleled economic growth, confidence in our political and social institutions is at its lowest point in decades. But giving up on them is not the answer. Our democracy needs us. Are you in?

Open every day at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Find out more at moadoph.gov.au.

After the war exhibition, Australian War Memorial

After the war is a new exhibition exploring the personal stories of hope, loss, and love of ordinary Australians whose lives have been altered by war, from those who have served to loved ones left behind. Take an intimate journey of the personal costs and consequences of war, unfolding over 100 years from 1918 to 2018

Happening until 11 July 2019 at the Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell

See website for more information

ART + SOUND  

A fortnightly series showcasing playlists curated to specific galleries by various personalities. This event is brought to you by NGA and Yamaha.

No bookings required.

Happening until Saturday 2 February 2019 from 1pm-2pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes. Free entry.

See the website for more information.

HALL WW1 COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION  

“When Hall Answered the Call” – Visit the small community of Hall’s School Museum and see their moving exhibition to commemorate the district’s contribution to World War 1 as part of the ANZAC Centenary.

The exhibition features photos, medals, letters, and other memorabilia that tell the story of the boys and men from the district who went off to fight in WW1. Learn about the support provided by their families, the local community and Welcome Home celebrations.

Happening Thursdays until Thursday 21 February 2019 from 10am-1pm at Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall. Free entry.

See the website for more information.

RE-DISCOVERING GINNINDERRA  

For half a century during the 1860s, Ginninderra flourished and in its prime boasted a church, two schools, store, Police Station, post & telegraph office, school of arts, nursery, farmers union hall, annual show, sports team and hotel. By 1915 Ginninderra was finished. Find this out and more by visiting the Re-Discovering Ginninderra exhibition.

Happening until Thursday 21 February 2019 at Former Hall Primary School, Victoria Street, Hall. Free entry. See the website for more information.

A TALE OF TWO VILLAGES – AN EXHIBITION  

A Tale of Two Villages tells the story of the Hall-Ginninderra district from Aboriginal times, through the early pioneer farming settlement at Palmerville and then Ginninderra, to the establishment of the village of Hall from 1881.

See the website for more information or drop by the Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall.

ART DECO  

Comprised entirely of works selected from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection, Art Deco presents superb examples of Australian vitalism, capturing Art Deco’s fascination with the meeting of art, architecture, and technology.

In the 1920s, Australian artists rebelled against the austerity of World War I to create images of an abundant nation filled with strong, youthful figures, capturing the vitalism of a nation reborn.

Technological advancements and urbanisation influenced the emergence of Art Deco: a new aesthetic in art, architecture, design and fashion.

Art Deco presents superb examples of Australian Vitalism, including Rayner Hoff’s architectural frieze Deluge – stampede of the lower gods 1927, Jean Broome-Norton’s Abundance 1934 and Napier Waller’s painting, I’ll put a girdle round about the earth 1933, which captures Art Deco’s fascination with the meeting of art, architecture and technology.

Showing until Monday 31 December 2018, 7 days from 10am-5pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes.

For more information, see the website.

EMERGING CONTEMPORARIES  

Emerging Contemporaries is the Craft ACT National Award Exhibition for early career artists. This exhibition plays a pivotal role in supporting and transitioning artists into professional practice and placing Australian artists in view of the national cultural collecting institutions, business and industry, and audience.

On display at CraftACT, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building. Email craftact@craftact.org.au or call 6262 9333 for more information.

NGA TALKS AND WORKSHOPS  

Talks and workshops cater for a range of different age groups. For full details visit the NGA website.