Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Out and about in Sydney

I love living in Sydney and every year I try to embrace as many cultural events the city has on offer. Here is a taste of some of the current festivals which are occupying my time.


A4 PAPER FESTIVAL
31st May - 5th June 2011
The highly anticipated A4 Paper Festival is a unique event to Sydney and solely dedicated to the uses of print and paper. It will offer audiences insight in contemporary developments with paper, by means of groundbreaking exhibitions, lectures and workshops.


VIVID SYDNEY
27th May - 13th June 2011
A spectacular night-time exhibition which lights up the CBD's best landmarks in splashes of colourful projections. There are multiple music events and inspirational talks throughout the first half of June. New to the event this year is a fine dining experience on Sydney Harbour's Fort Denison. Lap up the illuminations from afar whilst indulging in a three course dinner.
vividsydney.com


WHITE RABBIT GALLERY
If you haven't already visited this beautiful space in Chippendale make sure you put it on your "to do" list asap. Australia's best collection of every changing Chinese contemporary art. The art stretches over four exhibition levels including a mini-theatre and library. Adding to the exquisite experience is the foyer tea-house where you can linger to sip on delicious unique brews whilst nibbling on a savoury or sweet tasting plate. The collection is updated four times a year so you are encouraged to return regularly.


NEW CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE @AGNSW
For the first time ever the Art Gallery of NSW opens a whole new floor dedicated to contemporary art. This is a huge step and one that should be celebrated by visiting the space over the next few months. An outstanding photography exhibition showcasing Tracey Moffatt's oversized photographic works is one that should not be missed.
www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/new-contemporary-galleries

Tuesday, 31 May 2011

I love BONDI

Being a devoted resident of Bondi Beach, I would like to share some of my favourite haunts and past-times in an attempt to shed some light on a suburb which often is mistaken for being stuck-up and "too cool for school".


WAVERLY ARTS CENTRE
138 Bondi Road Bondi Beach
If you're a local you would have passed this community art school repeatedly on the 333 or 380 bus run. Most people never venture inside or take the time to explore the art classes that are open to all. Set in a terrace house, this school is an incredible resource to have on our doorstep and the array of courses on offer is broad. Classes include drawing, painting, sculpture, print-making, pottery, mixed media, ceramics and more. Each term runs for approximately 9 weeks and the cost is very affordable. 
www.wwas.org.au/index.php


BONDI FARMERS MARKETS
Bondi Beach Public School, every Saturday 9am-1pm
For a long time I've been travelling to Sydney's inner west to lap up organic fresh produce. My favourite spots are the Orange Grove Market in Lilyfield and The Eveleigh Market at CarriageWorks. Finally my wishes have been granted and Bondi now has it's own weekly market for fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, organically grown meat, baked treats, flowers and more.
www.bondimarkets.com.au/farmers

BONDI 88 FM
143 Curlewis Street Bondi Beach
The Bondi FM Cafe is the first radio station/cafe/bar in Australia. The aim was to create a funky venue where music lovers can enjoy hearing and seeing the radio shows being presented live in the studio which is situated in the heart of the cafe.
www.bondifm.com.au

MY FAVOURITE LOCAL BUSINESSES
FLORIST
Maggie May Flowers
84 Gould Street Bondi Beach

HOMEWARES + FURNITURE
The Market Collections
19-23 O-Brien Street Bondi Beach

YOGA
Jois Yoga
40 Hall Street Bondi Beach

WINE + TAPAS BAR
Speakeasy Bar
83 Curlewis Street

PHOTOGRAPHY
Aquabumbs Gallery
151 Curlewis Street Bondi Beach