This Week in the Can

Posted on 10 August, 2020

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

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

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

WHAT NOT TO MISS

The Canberra Writers Festival

The Canberra Writers Festival will be held from Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 August 2020. The program is available and tickets can be purchased from The Canberra Writers Festival website.

Now in its fifth year, the Canberra Writers Festival has something for everyone, from the lover of fine fiction to those who wish to be entertained by Australia’s leading foodies and non-fiction authors.

Happening 12-16 August live online.

See canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/2020 for more information.

Australian Miniseries – Presented by Canberra Symphony Orchestra

Co-curated by Professor Matthew Hindson AM and incoming Artistic Advisor Jessica Cottis, the Australian Miniseries sees 15 established and emerging Australian composers produce short works for solo instrument, for online premiere by CSO musicians.

Happening Fridays across August from 7-28 August live online.

See cso.org.au for more information.

Kirrah Amosa + MCKY: Live In Ya Lounge

Get keeen! Kirrah Amosa is live and ready to light up ya life and ya lounge with a brand new show, complete with dancers, new never-performed tunes, and half of Samoa!

As always, Kirrah aims to help you escape your worries so be sure to tune in to let her and the K crew help you forget Ms. COVID and the trouble she’s causing.

MCKY is a twenty-something-year-old singer and songwriter based in Canberra, Australia whose R&B and soul genre depicts of modern day and truly identifiable love stories both good and bad.

Having rebranded from a different sound, MCKY’s soulful and moody sound along with her sultry vocals inspired by the talents of Sabrina Claudio, Kiana Lede, Summer Walker, and Mahalia will bring nothing but chill vibes to your living room as she debuts her first performance.

Happening Friday 14 August from 7.30-9.30 live online.

See Facebook for more information.

Lake March

Lake March is a spontaneous dance and music performance unfolding along the pathways of Lakes Burley Griffin, Ginninderra and Tuggeranong across two weekends in August.

Families, friends and exercise buffs of all ages flocking to the Lake to fill up on nature, gossip and sweat will unsuspectingly be treated to an artistic happening, a shared moment of surprise, reflection and joy.

Along the water’s edge, eight dancers continuously move in a spatially distanced procession to live musical accompaniment honouring these watery spaces as places of connection, reflection and for some, trauma.

Ignited by the turbulent context we are experiencing globally in 2020, the artists draw on notions of absence – of human-to-human touch, of a just and stable world, of collective joy – experiences for which we yearn.

Lake March links to world-famous director, Pina Bausch’s ‘Nelken Line’ currently being performed by citizens across the globe, uniting communities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian Dance Party invite you to get involved and participate in Lake March – The Nelken Line on Sunday 16 August.

Happening on various dates across August at Lake Burley Griffin.

Bookings essential to keep to COVID safe numbers. Book here.

Canberra Women of Science and Art

Canberra Women of Science and Art – webinars, a competition, fun activities! Meet a diverse group of amazing Canberra women working in or inspired by science, tech, engineering, art and maths (STEAM).

These interesting people are anything but ‘boring scientists’ or ‘wacky artists’. We are encouraging Canberra families and young people to develop a creative interpretation responding to the stories you hear and the women who share them.

You can create anything—from art, stories/poems, videos, animations, to comedy and beyond!

No limits (you’ll just need to be able to send it or a photo/video of it electronically).

Happening 15-23 August online.

See Facebook for more information.

FOOD + DRINK

The Truffle Festival 2020

Beat the Canberra chill and indulge in a feast for the senses at The Truffle Festival—a taste of mid-winter magic.

Savour the flavours and aromas of heavenly truffle creations at local restaurants, cafes, bars and wineries. Enjoy the thrill of a truffle hunt and be amazed at the talented truffle dogs as they hunt for these highly prized gems at nearby truffle farms. Learn from accomplished chefs at a cooking class or demonstration, then pop along to a market and buy some black truffle for yourself.

The festival celebrates the seasonality of this special ingredient and runs throughout the entire truffle season. So come along and choose from a range of events and experiences and satisfy your taste for life’s finer things.

Happening until 31 August at various venues across Canberra.

See trufflefestival.com.au for more information.

MUSIC

Kirrah Amosa + MCKY: Live In Ya Lounge

Get keeen! Kirrah Amosa is live and ready to light up ya life and ya lounge with a brand new show, complete with dancers, new never-performed tunes, and half of Samoa!

As always, Kirrah aims to help you escape your worries so be sure to tune in to let her and the K crew help you forget Ms. COVID and the trouble she’s causing.

MCKY is a twenty-something-year-old singer and songwriter based in Canberra, Australia whose R&B and soul genre depicts of modern day and truly identifiable love stories both good and bad.

Having rebranded from a different sound, MCKY’s soulful and moody sound along with her sultry vocals inspired by the talents of Sabrina Claudio, Kiana Lede, Summer Walker, and Mahalia will bring nothing but chill vibes to your living room as she debuts her first performance.

Happening Friday 14 August from 7.30-9.30 live online.

See Facebook for more information.

Australian Miniseries – Presented by Canberra Symphony Orchestra

Co-curated by Professor Matthew Hindson AM and incoming Artistic Advisor Jessica Cottis, the Australian Miniseries sees 15 established and emerging Australian composers produce short works for solo instrument, for online premiere by CSO musicians.

Happening Fridays across August from 7-28 August live online.

See cso.org.au for more information.

Where You Are Festival

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, the way we interact and the way we as a community enjoy all the amazing events, activities and attractions Canberra has to offer.

The Where You Are Festival delivers exciting and vibrant cultural experiences from our local creators, event organisers and artists. Seek out new opportunities to connect, explore and discover, both online and offline events in Canberra.

See the full program here: risecanberra.com/where-you-are-festival

Happening until 11 September 2020 online and across various venues in Canberra.

See risecanberra.com/where-you-are-festival for more information.

Outside The Cube with DJ RAWSØN

Looking to keep the party going? Well, every Fri-yay Cube Nightclub comes alive (stream) thanks to DJ RAWSØN and BoomBox2U.

Listen and dance to all your fav Cube Anthems, Requests, Top 40 Bangers, Old School and More. Let’s Party!

Happening Fridays from 9 pm–midnight live online.

Listen here: streamlabs.com/outsidethecube/tip

STAGE + SCREEN

Credit: Lorna Sim.

Lake March

Lake March is a spontaneous dance and music performance unfolding along the pathways of Lakes Burley Griffin, Ginninderra and Tuggeranong across two weekends in August.

Families, friends and exercise buffs of all ages flocking to the Lake to fill up on nature, gossip and sweat will unsuspectingly be treated to an artistic happening, a shared moment of surprise, reflection and joy.

Along the water’s edge, eight dancers continuously move in a spatially distanced procession to live musical accompaniment honouring these watery spaces as places of connection, reflection and for some, trauma.

Ignited by the turbulent context we are experiencing globally in 2020, the artists draw on notions of absence – of human-to-human touch, of a just and stable world, of collective joy – experiences for which we yearn.

Lake March links to world-famous director, Pina Bausch’s ‘Nelken Line’ currently being performed by citizens across the globe, uniting communities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian Dance Party invite you to get involved and participate in Lake March – The Nelken Line on Sunday 16 August.

Happening on various dates across August at Lake Burley Griffin.

Bookings essential to keep to COVID safe numbers. Book here.

Park-In Pictures

Park-In Pictures—located in Majura Park shopping centre’s expansive parking lot—is a classic drive-in experience and fun for the whole family.

Park-In Pictures will boast the full drive-in experience, with food and drink available to purchase and audio via the car radio.

Open on Friday and Saturday evenings, each night will feature two films—an early family-friendly offering, and then later showing for adults, with screenings scheduled for at least six weeks.

Happening Friday and Saturday evenings at Park-In Pictures Canberra at Majura Park Shopping Centre.

See majuraparkshopping.com.au for more information.

The World From Here with Chris Endrey–Part of CTC@HOME

The World From Here is a new weekly variety show hosted by Chris Endrey. Playful, insightful and always curious, this show is a stimulating exploration of the world through interviews, music and play.

With a new theme each week and guests ranging from intellectuals and elite athletes to your cheeky elderly neighbours, our playful mission is to learn and share from all of our lives, with heart.

Happening Fridays at 8 pm live online.

See Facebook for more information.

TOURS, WORKSHOPS AND TALKS

The Canberra Writers Festival

The Canberra Writers Festival will be held from Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 August 2020. The program is available and tickets can be purchased from The Canberra Writers Festival website.

Now in its fifth year, the Canberra Writers Festival has something for everyone, from the lover of fine fiction to those who wish to be entertained by Australia’s leading foodies and non-fiction authors.

Happening 12-16 August live online.

See canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/2020 for more information.

Canberra Women of Science and Art

Canberra Women of Science and Art – webinars, a competition, fun activities! Meet a diverse group of amazing Canberra women working in or inspired by science, tech, engineering, art and maths (STEAM).

These interesting people are anything but ‘boring scientists’ or ‘wacky artists’. We are encouraging Canberra families and young people to develop a creative interpretation responding to the stories you hear and the women who share them.

You can create anything—from art, stories/poems, videos, animations, to comedy and beyond!

No limits (you’ll just need to be able to send it or a photo/video of it electronically).

Happening 15-23 August online.

See Facebook for more information.

That Poetry Thing: Koraly Dimitriadis + Open Mic

Welcome to That Poetry Thing, your weekly fix of poetry and spoken word, coming to you every Monday night right where you are, via Zoom, and live from the stage at Smith’s Alternative in Civic.

Featuring the best of ACT and interstate poetry talent, plus a chance to perform your own poems on the open mic. On Monday 10 August they welcome best-selling Melbourne poet and performer Koraly Dimitiradis.

The rest of the audience can watch along on Zoom. Includes an extended open mic section, for both live attendees and Zoom attendees. 6.30 pm for a 7 pm start.

Happening Monday 10 August from 6.30-8.30 pm in person at Smith’s Alternative and live online.

See smithsalternative.com for more information.

THE AMAZING FACE – A 14-DAY DIVE INTO PORTRAITURE

The National Portrait Gallery has a free online class to learn the language of portraiture.

Every day, for 14 days, iconic portraits from the NPG Collection will be highlighted, and curatorial contexts and artistic insights shared along with other interactive elements.

At the end of the program, participants will be invited to use this knowledge to create their own portrait which they’re encouraged to share with their loved ones and online.

Showing until 31 August 2020 at portrait.gov.au/content/the-amazing-face

Live@theMuseum

Explore the National Museum of Australia’s stunning collection, exhibitions and building. Ask questions in this regular live broadcast on the Museum’s YouTube channel.

Join the NMA weekly as they explore Australian history in our galleries and offsite collections. Get up close, and go behind the scenes with some of our favourite objects and collections with our curators, conservators and guests. Join the discussion!

Happening every Thursday from 12.30 pm on the Museum’s YouTube channel.

See nma.gov.au/whats-on for more information.

How about a self-guided walking tour? Check out the National Capital Authority’s walking tours here: nca.gov.au/tours

FESTIVALS

DESIGN Canberra photography competition

DESIGN Canberra festival 2020 has kicked off its annual photography competition.

Inspired by our main COVID-era activity of spending time at home, the competition is looking for entries that respond to the theme of ‘This Is Suburbia‘.

Kicking off on 6 July, the competition will run until 28 September ahead of DESIGN Canberra festival 2020, which will take place from 9-29 November across Canberra.

The competition will speak to a broader theme of Canberra’s suburban identity, which will be present in much of the festival’s 2020 program.

The six winners will take away cash prizes of $100 each, while the top 100 photos will be displayed at a special exhibition during the festival. There are also open and student categories in the competition.

How to enter

Entries are to be submitted via Instagram, between 29 June and 28 September. For entries to be considered, participants will need to follow and tag @designcanberrafestival and hashtag their photographs with #designcanberra #dcphotocomp2020 and #student if you are a college or high school student.

Entry to the competition is free and submissions close 28 September 2020. The winners will be announced on social media and on the DESIGN Canberra website in November 2020.

Read the full terms and conditions and selection criteria on the DESIGN Canberra website.

Free entry.

Happening until 28 September via Instagram.

See designcanberrafestival.com.au for more information.

Where You Are Festival

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, the way we interact and the way we as a community enjoy all the amazing events, activities and attractions Canberra has to offer.

The Where You Are Festival delivers exciting and vibrant cultural experiences from our local creators, event organisers and artists. Seek out new opportunities to connect, explore and discover, both online and offline events in Canberra.

See the full program here: risecanberra.com/where-you-are-festival

Happening until 11 September 2020 online and across various venues in Canberra.

See risecanberra.com/where-you-are-festival for more information.

KIDS

LITTLE GRIFFINS

Little Griffins is back online! For the month of June we are looking at (talking and singing about) Canberra’s iconic bridges over Lake Burley Griffin.

Join us for some fun craft activities, Duplo and songs! We’ll include instruction sheets and words to the songs so families can join in from home.

Happening online via youtube.com.

ON AIR PLAYUP

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

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

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

EXHIBITIONS

Some national institutions have reopened their physical exhibitions.

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

XU ZHEN® ETERNITY VS EVOLUTION

XU ZHEN® is one of China’s most significant artists and activists. His recent work centres on sculptural installations, video and performances that challenge cultural assumptions, question social taboos and comment on the idea of art as a commodity.

This is the artist’s first solo exhibition in Australia.

Showing until 13 September at the National Gallery of Australia.

See nga.gov.au for more information.

ENDEAVOUR VOYAGE: THE UNTOLD STORIES OF COOK AND THE FIRST AUSTRALIANS

This stunning exhibition takes you on a journey, travelling onboard the ship with Captain James Cook and for the first time hearing the stories from those on the shore.

In looking at our past, we have the chance to join together and imagine a shared future. Explore our new exhibition online or onsite and trace the Endeavour voyage.

Tickets are timed to assist in physical distancing.

Showing until 11 October 2020 at the National Museum of Australia.

See nma.gov.au/exhibitions/endeavour-voyage for more information.

NGALIM-NGALIMBOOROO NGAGENYBE

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

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

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

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

Find out more at portrait.gov.au.

Small and Humble

Contemporary Australian art visits traditional China @ Humble House gallery.

GOST goes to Humble House gallery (HHg) for a special collaboration bringing together contemporary art in a traditional Chinese setting.

Exhibiting artists: Ellen Rosalie Gunner, Amy Hick, Pia Larsen, Jacqueline Lewis, Nic Mason, Phil Page, Isobel Rayson, David Suckling, Amanda Westley.

Showing until 2 August 2020 at Humble House Gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick.

Gallery hours are 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Free entry. Free parking. Wheelchair Access Available

See humblehouse.com.au/exhibitions for more information.

THE GALLERY OF SMALL THINGS IS NOW OPEN

Watson’s Gallery of Small Things (GOST) is happy to announce that they’ve reopened for visitors as of 4 June.

As the gallery is less than six metres square in total, there’s no need to measure—you can have the gallery all to yourself!

Currently, GOST is showcasing their exhibition Little Studies by tapestry artist Lee Leibrandt.

If you’re bringing a friend or partner, they can check out the ceramics workspace next door while you browse Canberra’s smallest gallery, then the two of you can swap!

Gallery of Small Things is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 am – 4 pm or by private appointment from Monday to Wednesday at 27 Wade Street, Watson.

See galleryofsmallthings.com for more information.

ENDEAVOUR VOYAGE: THE UNTOLD STORIES OF COOK AND THE FIRST AUSTRALIANS

This stunning exhibition takes you on a journey, travelling onboard the ship with Captain James Cook and for the first time hearing the stories from those on the shore.

In looking at our past, we have the chance to join together and imagine a shared future. Explore our new exhibition online or onsite and trace the Endeavour voyage.

Tickets are timed to assist in physical distancing.

Showing until 11 October 2020 at the National Museum of Australia.

See nma.gov.au/exhibitions/endeavour-voyage for more information.

ON AIR PLAYUP

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

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

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

Feature image: Kirrah Amosa. Credit: We Are Found.