HYPER REAL

A levitating man, a genetically engineered baby, towering giants – welcome to humanity amplified in Hyper Real. This blockbuster exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia is a compelling chronicle of the cycles of life, our constant need for connection and explores the fundamental question: what makes us human? Featuring uncanny figures with painted silicon skin, glass eyes, human hair and cutting-edge digital art, Hyper Real provokes reflection, fascination, fear and joy. From eerily lifelike sculptures to out-of-this-world virtual reality, this major exhibition charts the evolution of hyper-realism into the 21st century.

Hyper Real presents major works from early American pioneers George Segal, John De Andrea and Duane Hanson, celebrated Australian artists Patricia Piccinini, Ron Mueck and Sam Jinks, international masters Maurizio Cattelan (Italy), Berlinde de Bruyckere (Belgium), Evan Penny (Canada), Sun Yuan and Peng Yu (China) and many more.

Showing until 18 February from 10am – 5pm at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes. Tickets from $25pp for adults available through event website.

CHRISTMAS BANQUET AT NATURAL NINE

Friday Soirée at Buvette

HIGH TEA ON THE BURBURY TERRACE 

Designed to blend tradition with innovation, the new Burbury High Tea menu also offers signature favourites with freshly- baked scones, strawberry macaron and finger sandwiches.

TACO TUESDAY

Your choice of chicken, pork, or beef in a soft shell taco with cabbage, shallots & coriander. Happening every Tuesday from 1pm-5pm at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

BURGERS & BEERS

A selection of Burgers and tap beer. Happening every Wednesday from 5pm-10pm at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

PIZZA & PALE ALE THURSDAYS

A selection of housemade Pizza paired with a schooner of James Squire Pale Beer. Happening at 5pm every Thursday at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

MUSIC & STAGE

PAPER CUTS

Twenty-six actors will bring a new collection of funny monologues to life for the first time in the launch of new book “Paper Cuts: Comedic and Satirical Monologues for Audition and Performance” by local playwright Kirsty Budding.

Paper Cuts is published by Canberra press, Blemish Books. In pieces ranging from one to seven minutes in length, Budding presents a vivid collection of characters both familiar and fanciful. From biting satire to the bizarre and quirky, each monologue is a fresh and insightful glimpse into relationships, work, politics, religion, growing old, and other idiosyncrasies of modern life.

A bar will be available and patrons will have the first opportunity to get their hands on the new book. On 21 December at 8pm at the Canberra Theatre Centre.
Tickets are adult $30 or concession $20. Visit the website for more information: canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/paper-cuts/

FESTIVALS

Image: facebook.com/pg/christmasinglebepark

MARKETS

CHRISTMAS AT THE OLD DEPOT MARKETS

Immerse yourself in everything Christmassy! The Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas in December.

Why visit? Stock up on everything you will need for Christmas. From the large array of unique and handcrafted gifts for loved ones, to items to decorate your home for the festive season.

You’ll find wreaths, table centre pieces, candles, handmade stockings and advent calendars. Purchase a live Christmas tree from St Nicholas Trees. Order a personalised Christmas bauble.

Buy delicious Christmas fare including cakes, gingerbread houses, mince tarts, puddings, shortbread, party dips, farmhouse cheeses, olives and more.

Happening every Saturday and Sunday in December until Christmas from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, Australian Capital Territory.

See website for more information.

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

KINGSTON FRIDAY NIGHT MARKETS

A weekly food market with a focus on local and organic produce, amazing street food and boutique beer wine and spirits. Do your weekly shop, grab some dinner sit down and relax while you enjoy a cold drink at the end of a hot week! The Kingston Friday Night Markets are on every Friday from 4pm to 8pm at the Former Transport Depot, Wentworth Avenue, Kingston.

Visit the Facebook page for more information.

WORKSHOPS, TOURS & TALKS

Stepping Forward: Combining social interaction with light exercise

SPORT & RECREATION

Yoga in the Monaro Mall

IMB Bank Sunset Cinema will return to Canberra for the 2017 season, with a new look and feel, “The Summer Local”, encouraging Canberrans to make Sunset Cinema their local outdoor summer movie destination.

Open multiple nights each week between November 16 – 23 December at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The season is packed with new release blockbusters, quirky comedies, award-winning features and cult classic – perfect for a date night, girls’ night out or some family fun.

The season will kick off with the screening of popular drama film, Patti Cake$, followed by other favourites like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Emoji Movie and Logan Lucky.

This year, the IMB Bank Sunset Cinema will partner with three local charities, asking moviegoers to vote for their favourite cause with a grant allocated at the end of the season.

Tickets are available now via the website: www.sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra.

KIDS

Visit Santa at his Woodland Forest

COLOUR

See colour as you’ve never seen it before! Is your yellow the same as mine? How do pixels and paint differ? Turn a blue butterfly green, visit the Room of Missing Colours and hear fascinating stories from people who see colour when they hear music. Discover Colour at Questacon and see the world in a new light!

Showing until 30 September 2018 from 9am-5pm daily at Questacon, Parkes.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT

Want to keep your kids active and entertained over the school holidays in a safe environment? School holidays at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has a focus on participation and having a good time. These programs are suitable for primary school aged children and will have your child exploring a world of fun, activity and adventure.

Choose from the Pre-School Holiday Program, Soccer, Tennis, Cricket, Swim Intensive Camps and a general Sports Vacation Program.

All programs are based around children having fun, learning new skills, working as a team and keeping active. There will also be activities in Sportex, the interactive sports experience.

Full day or weekly programs available.

Happening from 18 December 2017 until 2 February 2018, Tuesday to Friday 8am-5.30pm at Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce. Prices from $64pp for a daily fee, discounted rates available for weekly and fortnightly available. 

KOALAS IN THE CANOPY

Search for Koalas in the Canopy and enjoy a ranger guided walk through the tall eucalypt forest at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Hear the 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.

Arrive an hour early and see the pelicans being fed at Pond 4 at 1.30pm. Hear insights about pelicans and the other remarkable inhabitants of the wetlands from a Tidbinbilla ranger.

Saturdays 2.30pm – 3pm until Sunday 12 May 2018 at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Find more information on the website.

PLAY UP

Play Up pokes its tongue out at the idea that museums are hands off. Stand up, muck up, dress up, make up, think up and step up in a fabulous space that has turned the traditional idea of what goes on in museums completely on its head.

The exhibition has been developed with children and celebrates the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Play Up celebrates the important role children have in the cultural life of our communities. Most importantly Play Up is a place for fun.

Open from 9am to 5pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

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.

STORYTIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Take your little ones along to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for some fun with stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities brought to life by the ACT Storytellers. An engaging treat for pre-school children, parents and carers.

First Friday of the month (different theme each month) and commences at 10am (duration one hour). Tickets are $5 per child and bookings are not required. Visit www.anbg.gov.au for more information.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

RED NOSE GIFT WRAPPING AT CANBERRA CENTRE

EXHIBITIONS

BEHIND THE LINES 2017: THE THREE RING CIRCUS 

Roll up, roll up to Behind the Lines 2017 and marvel at the political cartooning spectacle that is The Three-Ring Circus. 

Showcasing the year’s best political cartoons, The Three-Ring Circus captures a world where fact and fiction collide and ringmasters, jugglers and acrobats have all stepped into the political Big Top. 

From postal votes and citizenship chaos to penalty rates and constitutional recognition, 2017 was a tumultuous year in politics. Its cavalcade of political characters and sensational events provided rich material for our nation’s cartoonists who continue to look behind the lines of the daily political sideshows to capture the spirit of our democracy in all its passion, scepticism and humour.

Behind the Lines 2017 is on now at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

Open 9 am – 5 pm. For more information, visit the website.

Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits

The National Portrait Gallery and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia proudly present a new star-studded exhibition, Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits.

Starstruck explores the striking portraits emerging from 100 years of Australian movies. It features famous Australian actors and iconic films, as well as highlighting the lesser-known early years of our film industry. Many items are available for the public to see for the very first time.

Audiences will be treated to rare film posters, 1930s scrapbooks of aspiring actors, and original costumes from iconic movies such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, My Brilliant Career, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Showing until 4 March 2018 at the National Portrait Gallery, Parkes.

Find more information on the website.

‘New Documents’ by Bartolomeo Celestino

‘New Documents (all true things are equal)’ is an exhibition by Bartolomeo Celestino that presents formally and poetically charged sequences of abstract natural constructs as part of a larger meditative practice. The title takes its cues from the 1967 MoMA exhibition of relatively unknown photographers that had a lasting influence on modern photography. This abstract survey details the elusive relationships and primitive responses that we all have with discovery and the natural world.

On exhibition until Sunday 28 January at Nishi Gallery. Free entry.

Find more information at hotel-hotel.com.au/calendar/new-documents-by-bartolomeo-celestino.

SONGLINES: TRACKING THE SEVEN SISTERS

Immerse yourself in the epic saga of the Seven Sisters. Take a journey into the heart of Australia, with intrigue, desire, drama, passion and beauty – and connect with the songlines of the Seven Sisters.

This Aboriginal-led exhibition shares an ancient way of holding culture and telling stories written in the land.

See the stories embedded in rock art inside a state-of-the-art digital dome, or visit our vibrant art centre where artists create works you can take home.

Showing until 25 February 2018 at the National Museum of Australia. Find more information on the website.

UNIQUE FINLAND-INSPIRED ART EXHIBITION AT THE EMBASSY OF FINLAND

As part of Finland’s centenary of independence celebration, the Embassy of Finland in Canberra welcomes everyone to view a unique art exhibition combining the artwork of three different artists inspired by Finnish nature, landscape and architecture. The exhibition can be viewed during the Embassy’s opening hours and is free of charge for everyone.

Päivi Arvonen is a Finnish photographer and journalist. The silence and beauty of the Finnish nature is especially close to her heart. Her photo exhibition “Soul of the Forest” highlights the beauty of untouched Finnish nature in North-Eastern Finland. Steve Salo is an Australian contemporary painter. His “Paintings from Finland” series of expressionist landscape paintings portrays the impact of the evocative Finnish landscape on human emotion. The artworks were created during an artist residency in Hämeenkyrö, Finland.

Happening from November 28 2017 until 31 Janurary 2018 at the Embassy of Finland, Yarralumla. Free entry.

SMALL WORKS 2017

Painters, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists and glass artists have created exquisite and often challenging small works for their annual exhibition.

Included artists are Annette Blair, Joungmee Do, Sara Freeman, Shannon Garson, Holly Grace, Rona Green, Daehoon Kang, Ben Landau & Lucile Sciallano, Hayley Lander, Dai Li, Nikki Main, Meg Morton, Ruth Oliphant, Jenny Orchard, Isobel Rayson, Nick Stranks, Wendy Teakel, Sarah Tomasetti, Graeme Townsend, Wayne Viney, Max Lawrence White.

Showing until 24 December at Beaver Galleries, Deakin. Free Entry.

SILENT WITNESSES: AN EXHIBITION OF ARTWORKS BY MARTIN ROWNEY

This exhibition features sculptural pieces created with original fittings from one of the Australian National University’s most significant buildings. Early Bakelite switches and power points, Negretti & Zambra thermographs, pressure gauges, fans and bells were salvaged during the refurbishment of the John Curtin School of Medical Research.

Martin Rowney has repurposed these objects to reflect upon the dichotomy between the significant nature of the research undertaken at the John Curtin School, and the relatively ordinary nature of everyday objects that were silent witnesses to these important events.

Showing until 19 Janurary 2018 at Australian Centre on China ANU, Acton. Free entry.

MIDAWARR | HARVEST: THE ART OF MULKUN WIRRPANDA AND JOHN WOLSELEY

Midawarr | Harvest, two artists, two completely different approaches, but one abiding passion – to depict the natural bounty to be found in northern Australia.

For almost a decade, renowned artists Mulkun Wirrpanda and John Wolseley have met at midawarr, the harvest season, to seek, eat and paint the edible plants of Yolŋu country in north-eastern Arnhem Land. Together they have created an unforgettable suite of works.

Showing until 18 February 2018 at the National Museum of Australia, Acton. Free entry.

COLLEGE EXPRESS 9

Young artists in Years 11 & 12 from colleges in the north Canberra region explore the world around them through photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and new media in College Express 9. This will be the ninth annual College Express exhibition; Ray White Belconnen sponsors both the $1,000 Art Prize and the $500 People’s Choice Award.

Showing until 28 January 2018 at Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen. Free entry.

EIRENE MORT: A LIVELIHOOD

The story at the heart of this exhibition is that of Eirene Mort; a prolific artist, collaborator, teacher, writer, family historian and a ‘new woman’ pursuing a profession in the arts at the beginning of the 20th Century.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Eirene Mort’s death at the age of 98, a fitting time to consider her life and work. View numerous artefacts from Mort’s art practice made possible thanks to a generous gift to Canberra Museum and Gallery from her heirs.

A self-described woman of independent means, Mort was an advocate and proponent of the use of Australian materials and motifs in decorative arts. Her translation of the English Arts and Crafts movement to an Australian context coincided with the creation of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901 and helped define a burgeoning national identity.

Showing until 25 February 2018, from 12-5pm at Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra City. Free entry.

HYPER REAL

A levitating man, a genetically engineered baby, towering giants – welcome to humanity amplified in Hyper Real. This blockbuster exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia is a compelling chronicle of the cycles of life, our constant need for connection and explores the fundamental question: what makes us human? Featuring uncanny figures with painted silicon skin, glass eyes, human hair and cutting-edge digital art, Hyper Real provokes reflection, fascination, fear and joy. From eerily lifelike sculptures to out-of-this-world virtual reality, this major exhibition charts the evolution of hyper-realism into the 21st century.

Hyper Real presents major works from early American pioneers George Segal, John De Andrea and Duane Hanson, celebrated Australian artists Patricia Piccinini, Ron Mueck and Sam Jinks, international masters Maurizio Cattelan (Italy), Berlinde de Bruyckere (Belgium), Evan Penny (Canada), Sun Yuan and Peng Yu (China) and many more.

Showing until 18 February from 10am – 5pm at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes. Tickets from $25pp for adults available through event website.

CIT Diploma of Visual Art Graduation Exhibition 2017

On exhibition is a collection of graduating students works, a brilliant display of creative and conceptual skills across disciplines, incorporating ceramics, textiles, sculpture, paintings, drawings, digital and installation works of art.

David Broker, Director, Canberra Contemporary Art Space, will officially open the exhibition at 6pm Thursday 7 December. The exhibition will then open for visiting during the day 10am-4pm on 8, 9 and 11-14 December.

Showing from 7 December at DesignSpace, CIT Reid. Entry is free. Visit the event page for more information: facebook.com/events/1734184353556049.

Custom Limited Edition

Thinking about Christmas? Custom Limited Edition is a popup shop that will open on for two weeks in December. It will showcase the work of 20 emerging artists and designers specializing in different media including, glass, jewelry, furniture, textiles and ceramics.

The shop will sell unique locally produced and finely crafted home wares: candelabra, planters, T shirts, earrings, drawer sets and more.

Showing until 23 December from 10am – 8pm daily at The Front Gallery and Cafe. 1 Wattle Pl, Lyneham.

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME

Inspired by the 1964 civil rights song of the same name, A Change Is Gonna Come invites visitors to consider the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision within the context of their time, through events that led to and followed these significant moments. Has change truly come, or is it coming still?

Showing until 30 January 2018 daily from 9am-5pm only at the National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula, Canberra. Entry is free.

Check the website for more information.

TRACKING THE SEVEN SISTERS

Immerse yourself in the epic saga of the Seven Sisters and take a journey into the heart of Australia. Intrigue, desire, drama, passion and beauty – connect with the songlines of the Seven Sisters.

This Aboriginal-led exhibition shares an ancient way of holding culture and telling stories written in the land. See the stories embedded in rock art inside a state-of-the-art digital dome, or visit our vibrant art centre hub where artists create works you can take home.

Don’t miss out—this exhibition is a journey like no other.

Showing until 25 February 2018 from 9am – 5pm daily at the National Museum of Australia. Visit nma.gov.au/songlines for details and booking costs.

FINDERS KEEPERS: COLLECTORS AND THEIR STORIES

Peek into the personal collections of five fascinating collectors. Diverse, rich and often surprising, these collections are brimming with stories. From cherished mementoes of political careers, to well-worn protest T-shirts, each collection takes us on a journey through Australia’s democratic history.

Finders Keepers asks why do people collect, why do museums collect and what do our collections say about us? With 269 objects on display, the most in the history of the museum, Finders Keepers unveils the collector in us all and invites you to share your own collection story.

Families can explore the exhibition and discover what makes collectors tick with the Museum’s fun, hands-on Finders Keepers Collector Kits.

Showing daily until Sunday 24 December 2017 from 9am-5pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy. Find more information on the website.

Yes: The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum

To mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum, the Museum of Australian Democracy is launching a new, collaborative exhibition. Yes: The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum explores the journey of Australia’s most successful referendum campaign and asks what this far-reaching change means today. 

This is a joint exhibition by the Museum of Australian Democracy, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and Reconciliation Australia.

Yes: The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum is open now at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Open 9am – 5pm daily.

For more information visit 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.

The Opening Day: 9 May 1927 

Old Parliament House was once brand new. What was it like to be a spectator at the opening ceremony? 

This new exhibition marks the 90^th anniversary of the opening of Old Parliament House and tells an important story in Australia’s democratic history from the perspective of onlookers in the crowd. Follow The Opening Day: 9 May 1927 around the corridors and discover the pomp and pageantry, humour and tragedy of this historic day.

The Opening Day: 9 May 1927 is on now at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Open 9am – 5pm daily. For more information visit: moadoph.gov.au

Onetoeight: Australia’s First Prime Ministers  

Visually arresting, humorous and thoughtful, Canberra-based artist Alison Alder reinterprets and reinvigorates portraits of the first eight prime ministers in Onetoeight: Australia’s First Prime Ministers, a contemporary art exhibition.

See intense patterned wallpaper honouring the prime minister’s wives and a Term-O-Meter animation tracking the changing political hues of individuals and governments. Through the portraits Alder gives us a sense of Australia’s history that is lively, dynamic and parallels the present day.

Showing until 24 February 2018 daily from 9am to 5pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

For more information visit the website.

NGA TALKS AND WORKSHOPS

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