Friday 11 June

Fire Water

As winter settles on the city, the spotlight will be turned on the world’s most stunning outdoor stage-Sydney Harbour, as Fire Water adds a dazzling splash of colourful theatre to the Emerald city.

Step back in time and relive the tragedy and adventure of the crew from the tall ship Sydney Cove as they sail from India to Australia in 1797 as told through the eyes of an 11-year-old Indian-Australian girl.

Fire Water captures the glamour of Bollywood and the glitter of the harbour in a remarkable performance of Sydney’s past. Featuring darling aerialists, fire sculptures, exquisite lighting, a dramatic soundscape and an amazing tall ship finale.

Just a few steps away candle-making workshops, delicious food and winter fashion await you at the Fire Water Night Markets.

(Excerpt from http://www.therocks.com/sydney-Things_To_Do-The_Rocks_Fire_Water.htm)

When: 6-10pm

Where: Locksmith Project Space, 6 Botany Road, Alexandria

More Info: http://vividsydney.com/events/the-rocks-fire-water/the-rocks-fire-water

Saturday 12 June

Hijacked 2: Australia / Germany (Artist Talk)

In this floortalk Mark McPherson and German co-curator Ute Noll discuss the unorthodox approaches they took with Hijacked 2: Australia / Germany, and artists from the exhibition discuss their work in the context of this exhibition.

(Excerpt from http://www.acp.org.au/events/2010/hijacked-2-australia-germany)

When: 1-3pm

Where: 257 Oxford Street, Paddington

More Info: http://www.acp.org.au/events/2010/hijacked-2-australia-germany

Sunday 13 June

FIFA Fan Fest

Rogue Traders live at 8pm followed by the Algeria v Slovenia match on giant floating screens.

Where: Cockle Bay

When: 9.30pm

More Info: http://www.sydneyfifafanfest.com.au/

Monday 14 June

The Vinyl Arcade (Opening Night Party)

Listen up now, because this complicated concept is worth getting your head around. The Vinyl Arcade is a participatory play-set. It is an immersive sound system, where competitors race remote-controlled cars with attached audio pick-ups over a racetrack of disused vinyl records. Video projections keep you hooked up to the car’s point-of-view, and your car’s movements produce the soundtrack. This here is a feast for your eyes, ears and gaming trigger fingers.

(Excerpt from http://www.twothousand.com.au/stray/the-vinyl-arcade/)

When: 6pm

Where: Nitroseptimus, 35 Septimus Street, Erskineville

More Info: http://www.twothousand.com.au/stray/the-vinyl-arcade/

Tuesday 15 June

Waiting for Godot (Theatre)

Two old friends meet to converse, joke and argue with themselves as they wait through one day and then another for the mysterious Godot. Beckett’s combination of music hall, poetry and tension redefined what is possible in theatre, so that today Waiting for Godot is accepted as one of the most significant plays of the 20th century.

(Excerpt from http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/waiting_for_godot.aspx?start=yes)

Where: Sydney Opera House

More Info: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/waiting_for_godot.aspx?start=yes

Wednesday 16 June

So Frenchy So Chic w/ Nouvelle Vague and Berry

So Frenchy So Chic, those fine purveyors of the best new music from France, are proud to present an unforgettable double bill on our shores with the hip new indie voice of chanson, Berry, plus Australia’s favourite troubadours of 80s reinvention, Nouvelle Vague.

(Excerpt from http://www.factorytheatre.com.au/events/2010/06/16/so-frenchy-so-chic-with-nouvelle-vague-berry)

When: 8pm

Where: Factory Theater, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville

More Info: http://www.factorytheatre.com.au/events/2010/06/16/so-frenchy-so-chic-with-nouvelle-vague-berry

Thursday 17 June

Small Worlds

Sydney based photographer, Keith Loutit is known globally for his Bathtub series of short films, that present Sydney and its surrounds in miniature. Loutit’s scaled down, and sped up realities challenge people’s perceptions of scale, helping them to distance themselves from places they know well, and see the ordinary as being worthy of their attention.

(Excerpt from http://headon.com.au/event/small-worlds-customs-house)

Small Worlds – Preview. from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

When: 8am – Midnight

Where: Customs House, Ground Floor, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay

More Info: http://headon.com.au/event/small-worlds-customs-house

Friday 4 June

Art, Verse, Music 2

There will be art, verse and music too!

Quit staying faithful to just one artistic medium – mess around with three of them, all at once. This event is overflowing, with music downstairs, literary types reading poetics upstairs, and artists doing their thing all over the joint. Things could get messy.

(Excerpt http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/art-verse-music-2/)

When: 7pm

Cost: $5 donation

More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124332057586441

Saturday 5 June

Crowds and collaboration (Talk)

Crowd-sourcing, social networks and new platforms for collaboration change the way we create, communicate and engage in commerce. Presentations explore the space for communities, culture and business in the crowded cloud.

When: 2-3pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks

More Info: http://www.creativesydney.com.au/events/creative-futures/crowds-collaboration

Sunday 6 June

NightTime: Everyday Hero

Curated by Lara Thoms and Jess Olivieri, NightTime: Everyday Hero will use live performance, participatory live work and video to slice open our desire for heroes and expose its quivering vitals for all to weigh and judge.

When: 7.30pm

Cost: $15

Where: CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh

More Info: http://www.performancespace.com.au/?p=150

Monday 7 June

Tai Chi with Lou Reed

As part of Vivid LIVE, Lou Reed has invited his personal teacher Master Ren Guang Yi to conduct a series of classes outside the Opera House. Tai Chi with Lou Reed? That’s another one to tick off the bucket list.

(Excerpt from http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/power-and-serenity-seminar-to-power-21/)

Cost: FREE

Where: Sydney Opera House

More Info: http://vividlive.sydneyoperahouse.com/PowerSerenity.aspx

Tuesday 8 June

Now and When (Photography Exhibition)

This exhibition shows the work of five young people, produced during a series of photography workshops,which the Australian Centre for Photography ran at the Oasis Youth Support Network in Surry Hills in partnership with the Salvation Army.

When: 11am – 4pm

Where: 2/65-67 Foveaux St, Surry Hills

More Info: http://tmp.acp.org.au/current/

Wednesday 9 June

I, Robot

A lo-fi, hi-tech celebration of robots, sci-fi and radical visions of the future, featuring hi-tech wizardry from Dorkbot, literary challenges from Even Books, and live performance from Australian Theatre for Young People’s Fresh Ink playwright program, with more music and art guests to be announced.

When: 8.30 – 10pm

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks

More Info: http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/3890/i-robot.htm

Thursday 10 June

The New Niche (Panel Discussion)

Going deep, not broad, to connect with your market: how do creative businesses and practitioners maintain authenticity while expanding audiences? The panel explores the shift from niche to major markets in skate, surf and cycle cultures.

Speakers include Chris Searl & Campbell Milligan (Monster Children), Kathryn Franco (Nutcase) and Alastair Walton (City of Sydney).

When: 6.30 – 8pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks

More Info: http://www.creativesydney.com.au/events/panel-discussions/the-new-niche

Film of the Week

Kick Ass

Like an explosion in a bad taste factory, Matthew Vaughn’s teen-superhero black comedy Kick-Ass is a thoroughly outrageous, jaw-droppingly violent and very funny riff on the quasi-porn world of comic books – except that there is absolutely no “quasi-” about it. Vaughn and screenwriter Jane Goldman have adapted a comic-book series by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr by crushing the essence of Kill Bill, Spider-Man and Ghostbusters to create something fantastically anarchic and gloriously irresponsible: a surrealist fantasy of adolescent wish-fulfilment and fear, sploshed on to the screen in poster-paint colours.

(Excerpt from http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/mar/31/kick-ass-review-film)

Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krOzVRj9z88

More Info: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/mar/31/kick-ass-review-film

Friday 28 May

Crossing the Void – Peter Andrikidis (Talk)

One of Australia’s most prolific TV drama directors, Peter Andrikidis discusses the leap from TV drama to telemovie and on to the feature film format with Kings of Mykonos and another two features slated for later in the year.

(Excerpt from http://www.aftrs.edu.au/whats-on/friday-on-my-mind.aspx)

When: 5pm

Where: 130 Bent St, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

Cost: FREE

More Info: http://www.aftrs.edu.au/whats-on/friday-on-my-mind.aspx

Saturday 29 May

Crayon Fields (Concert)

Crayon Fields are a four-piece Melbourne based band that have been described as having an artful naïve-pop aesthetic.

Random YouTube comment: “i see talent… you guys are going somewhere. sounds like dappled cities fly mixed with the beach boys”

When: 8pm

Where: Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

Cost: $12

More Info: http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=36313&ref=moshtix

Sunday 30 May

Signauxß, Pia van Gelder

Dorkbot’s Pia van Gelder has created a video harp. It allows her to do all kinds of fancy things like mix layers of audio and video through performative gesture, which then welcomes glitched audio and video noise. It also allows her to draw attention to the ethereal qualities of electronic signal transmission, and the concept of ‘machine vision’.

(Excerpt from http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/signaux-pia-van-gelder/)

When: 12-6pm

Where: Firstdraft, 116 Chalmers St, Surry Hills

More Info: http://www.aimia.com.au/i-cms?page=7410

Monday 31 May

Noise Night (Concert)

A night to journey to the outer edges of music and beyond, featuring some of today’s most adventurous sonic explorers; Boris (Japan), Bardo Pond (USA), Marc Ribot, Melt-Banana (Japan), Oren Ambarchi, Rice Corpse, The Night Terrors and Zond.

This is a noise-rock showcase, where walls of sound are sculpted and woven with practiced mastery into works of strange and terrifying beauty, ironic humour and adrenaline-fuelled excitement. Prepare for an assault on the senses that will leave you rocking and reeling and wondering what is music anyway…

Where: Sydney Opera House

Cost: $35 – $45

More Info: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/noise.aspx

Tuesday 1 June

The Challenge of Choice: The Impact of Media Platform Proliferation (Talk)

Digital media is revolutionising the fast moving advertising industry.

In today’s connected world, information abounds and the ways in which people can access that information are exploding. Everything from your PC to your mobile phone, MP3 player and iPad is becoming an information source and an advertising channel at the same time. This on top of the long list of traditional media channels that are well and truly alive and well.

In this presentation, Bruce Akhurst will talk about how a commitment to choice has transformed Sensis: the journey they’ve taken, the challenges they’ve faced and the opportunities that have emerged along the way.

(Excerpt from http://www.aimia.com.au/i-cms?page=7410)

When: Midday – 2pm

Where: Hilton Sydney, 488 George St, Sydney

More Info: http://www.aimia.com.au/i-cms?page=7410

Wednesday 2 June

My Favourite Australian (Photography Exhibition)

My Favourite Australian, a unique multi-platform collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, called on the public to vote for their favourite Australians in two categories, Popular and Unsung Heroes.

This exhibition includes video portraits of famous Australians including Gough Whitlam, Fred Hollows and Olivia Newton-John, and includes work by Lynette Wallworth, TV Moore, Merilyn Fairskye and SODA_JERK.

(Excerpt from http://tmp.acp.org.au/current/index.php#favourite_australian)

When: Midday – 7pm

Where: Australian Centre for Photography, 257 Oxford St, Paddington

More Info: http://tmp.acp.org.au/current/index.php#favourite_australian

Thursday 3 June

Bams and Ted pop-up (Shopping)

bams & ted is a vintage store cum dress-up box! With no fixed abode, bams & ted temporarily sets up shop in various locations around Sydney – from 19th century police cells to ex-Locksmith premises on the Redfern/Alexandria border. Each month bams & ted surrounds a different character of conceptual interest with the store transforming itself into an immersive, theatrical space inspired by the film or novel in question.

Please join us on Thursday 3 June from 6 – 9pm for the opening night of Sebastian when Locksmith Project Space will reveal itself as the den of 1920’s English excess

(Excerpt from http://bams-and-ted.blogspot.com/)

When: 10am-6pm

Where: Locksmith Project Space, 6 Botany Rd, Alexandria

More Info: http://bams-and-ted.blogspot.com/

Friday 21 May

Big Scary + Cabins + Cameras (Concert)

Big Scary’s super-seasonal release, ‘Autumn’ is the sound of a modern coming of age, of packing up and driving off, and sure, maybe some falling leaves along the way. See them, with Cabins and Cameras, before they go off to support Midlake and get all big in their boots.

(Excerpt from http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/big-scary-and-cabins-and-cameras/)

When: 8pm

Where: 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst

More Info: http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/big-scary-and-cabins-and-cameras/

Saturday 22 May

Una Batalla!!! (Roller Derby)

Muchachas and hombres, Sydney Roller Derby League presents Una Batalla a la Muerte! The Sydney City Assassins are about to be unleashed on roller derby leagues across the country, with their first victim being the Northern Brisbane Brawl Stars.

This is the biggest and best flat track roller derby bout that has ever been put on in this State! Wear black and red if you want to support Sydney Roller Derby League and don’t forget your luchedore mask! A night of roller girls, a demo bout between two mystery leagues, music, performance artists and so much more!

Where: Hordern Pavilion, Driver Ave, Moore Park

When: Doors open 5pm, start approx 7pm

More Info: http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/

Sunday 23 May

Primo Italiano – Be Italian!

One of Sydney’s best-loved street events, Primo Italiano salutes our first little Italy in East Sydney and brings the authentic tastes and sounds of Italy to Stanley, Yurong, Crown and Riley Streets.

Combining delicious food from surrounding restaurants and hand picked Italian specialty stalls with great entertainment from divas to DJs and an atmosphere that could only be described as bellissimo. There’s an outdoor cinema showing Italian themed short films, documentaries on Italian fashion, music and cooking programs.

(Excerpt http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2234-event-details.asp?EventID=83258)

Where: Stanley, Yurong, Crown and Riley Streets, Sydney

When: 11am – 5pm

More Info: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2234-event-details.asp?EventID=83258

Monday 24 May

Homeground! A Series of Exhibitions on Pubs in Newtown

HOMEGROUND is Anne Zahalka’s latest body of work exploring the vernacular of sport and leisure imagery as it has been represented through pub paintings of the 30’s – 60’s and travel posters from the period.

She revisits these idealised images to expose the stereotypes and reflect the changes that have occurred across gender, sexuality, ethnicity and class.

These images take up positions on the fronts of four local pubs in Newtown in the suburb she lives and will contest those glorified scenes of the past with the real players and teams of today.

Where: Town Hall Hotel, Union Hotel and ZanziBar Hotel in Newtown

More Info: http://headon.com.au/event/homeground-newtown-pubs

Tuesday 25 May

Sydney Himalayan Day (Dinner)

Celebrate Himalayan Day…with food!

The Cumin Restaurant kitchen is headed by Chef/Owner, Ravi Gandhi. He is a third generation restaurateur and Chef, who has regularly been featured as part of India’s top 20 master Chefs & cuisine experts in various publications. After successfully running ‘The Great Punjab’ group of restaurants in India for the last two decades, Ravi Gandhi brings you Indian food, the way it’s meant to be.

Where: Cumin Restaurant, 2 Burlington St, Crows Nest

When: 7pm

Cost: $35 pp for an Indian banquet (BYO wine only)

More Info: http://www.cumin.com.au/

Wednesday 26 May

The Garment Store Gallery

The Garment Store Gallery is a temporary space housing a collection of works from Sydney based artists practising across a range of mediums. The upcoming show features Dan Simon, Maja Baska, Lillian Rumble and Alex Greene, who also curated the show. Shifting between the violent, absurd, melancholic and contemplative, this exhibition takes the opportunity of a vacant space to explore some peripheries of contemporary art.

Where: 30 Glenmore Rd, Paddington

When: 6-10pm

More Info: http://www.twothousand.com.au/look/the-garment-store-gallery/

Thursday 27 May

Pecha Kucha Night for Haiti

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

This is a special global Pecha Kucha Night taking place to raise funds for rebuilding in Haiti. 200 cities will be hosting Pecha Kucha nights on the same day forming one continuous 24hr fundraising effort. We will have a live link up to other cities during the course of the evening and all proceeds and donations on the night will go directly to Architecture for Humanity.

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks

When: 7.30-10.30pm

Cost: $20

More Info: http://www.pecha-kucha.org/night/sydney/14

OR

Photo Festivals

The Directors of Australia’s most dynamic photographic festivals, including FotoFreo International Photography Festival, Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Vivid National Photography Festival, and the Head On Photo Festival present the highlights of their programmes.

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks

When: 6-8pm

Cost: $5-$10

More Info: http://www.acp.org.au/events/2010/photo-festivals

Friday 14 May

Fashion Weekend – Fashionably Late Friday

Kick your weekend off in style and indulge in some serious shopping at Fashionably Late Friday. Perfect for after work retail therapy or even that half day’s holiday you keep meaning to use up. Plus everyone who pre-books a ticket for Friday evening will receive a complimentary drink afterwards at The Fringe Bar, Paddington.

When: 2 – 9pm

Cost: $20 – $55

Where: Royal Hall of Industries, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

More Info: http://www.fashionweekend.com.au/

Saturday 15 May

The Chills (Concert)

“Formed in 1980, with members dipping in and out of related bands such as the Clean and the Verlaines over the years, the band has seen some tough times, steady lineup changes and sad losses. And yet, Martin Phillips has always been there, leading the charge with his heavenly pop hits. This is a band that demands you do a little jig when you find out they’re playing in your town…”

(Excerpt from http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/3382/the-chills.htm)

Watch The Chills perform Pink Frost

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAcZtIwnOXs

Where: Walsh Bay, Hickson Rd, Sydney

More Info: http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=35341

Sunday 16 May

Sydney Writers Festival

The 2010 Sydney Writers’ Festival celebrates the year’s literature and welcomes the writers, both local and international, who have produced it. Come face to face with an interesting selection of contemporary fiction and cutting edge nonfiction authors, as well as some of the world’s leading public intellectuals, scientists and journalists.

More Info: http://www.swf.org.au/

Monday 17 May

IAB Australia – Weight Watchers Case Study (Presentation on Online Video)

Online video advertising is expected to be a $40m market in the next 12 months according to Paul Fisher, CEO IAB Australia.

Many marketers are still under utilising online advertising and are keen to better understand the impact of online video advertising on their consumers, on their consumer’s attitudes towards their brand, and also how they can integrate it with their other marketing channels.

The IAB partnered with global research company Dynamic Logic, media agency Tongue and Weight Watchers to provide a detailed case study to help local marketers gain some insights into these questions.

This case study investigated the impact of online video advertising in a campaign which ran between 28 December 09 and 31 March 10.

The event will look at how online video can:
- work independently
- work alongside a standard display campaign
- impact brand awareness and favorability
Insights into the impact of frequency on online video advertising will also be discussed.

When: 8.30 – 10am

Where: PwC, Lvl 10, 201 Sussex St, Sydney

Cost: FREE

More Info: http://www.iabaustralia.com.au/index.php?/events/item/weight_watchers_case_study_-_sydney

Tuesday 18 May

The Power of Yes (Theatre)

Drawing on countless interviews with the big wigs of the finance world, The Power of Yes is playwright David Hare’s attempt at aiding us all in nutting out our fatally flawed, smoke-and-mirrors monetary system and how the economic landslide of 2008 came to pass.

When: 6.30pm

Where: Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills

More Info: http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/3121/the-power-of-yes.htm

Wednesday 19 May

Stanley Street Station (Bar and Restaurant)

Try something different at this new East Sydney, where the design and menu is based on psychogeography (the notion of taking pedestrians off their usual paths and opening up their awareness of urban landscapes).

When: Midday – Midnight

Where: Cnr of Crown and Stanley St

More Info: http://stanleystreetstation.com.au/

Thursday 20 May

BE Brands Live

BE Brands Live shatters the myth that business presentations need to be made of the same boring Powerpoint content we see everyday. Presented by brand expert Simon Hammond and accompanied by guitarist Sam Vandenberg, BE Brands Live combines music and business strategy into a show that will leave you wanting more.

This exciting and inspirational 90 minute show is designed to allow business leaders to leave conservatism and rational business thinking at the door, thinking beyond WHAT you do to WHY you do it.

BE branding has been used to position some of the world’s greatest brands over the past 10 years and now BE Brands Live puts it on show for everyone to see. A unique opportunity to learn the secrets of the world’s top brands and challenge the way you think about your business.

Where: Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahan

When: 7pm

More Info: http://bastionbrands.com.au/be-brands-live/

Friday 7 May

Finders Keepers Markets

This month the biannual indie art and design market hits CarriageWorks once again and you won’t want to miss it. Luckily enough, the lengthy Finders Keepers trading hours mean that there’s a good chance you won’t have to. Until late on Friday night and all day Saturday, punters will be able to ogle the whimsical Dreamers and Believers jewellery, quaint White Sqaure brooches, stylish Temono leather goods and one of a kind Blinking Flights toys.

When: 6 – 10pm

Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh

More Info: http://www.thefinderskeepers.com/

Saturday 8 May

Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ll (Party)

Like many a club night, Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ll was born in the warehouse party scene. These parties went well, a little too well perhaps, teasing out jaded party-goers hungry for something new and unexpected. With a musical vision all about spontaneity, genre-bending and shimmy-inducing dance, it’s no wonder this humble party, in love with the idea of surprise and spectacle, has grown into a legit monthly party at The Gladstone.

(Excerpt from http://www.twothousand.com.au/keyword/anti-genre/)

Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 115 Regent St, Chippendale

Cost: FREE, or $10 after 8pm

More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115722201776829&ref=ts or http://www.twothousand.com.au/keyword/anti-genre/

Sunday 9 May

Ross Noble (Comedy)

Fresh from a mammoth sell-out run on London’s West End Ross Noble returns to Australia.  Ross Noble was voted one of the top ten greatest stand ups of all time by British TV viewers. Here’s your chance to see why.

In his new show Ross will be covering the topic of things – big things and small things. Things that have happened to him, things that have happened to you. Surfing the wave of the here and now, join ‘the most brilliant stand-up of his generation’ (Sunday Telegraph) in a free form, free wheeling ride into the way things are.

When: 8pm

Where: Enmore Theatre, 118 – 132 Enmore Rd, Newtown

Cost: $39

More Info: http://www.enmoretheatre.com.au/events/2010/05/04/ross-noble

Monday 10 May

Safari 2010 (Exhibition)

SafARI is an unofficial fringe exhibition to the Biennale of Sydney, exhibiting the work of emerging, unrepresented artists across multiple Artist Run Initiative (ARI) venues in Sydney during the opening weeks of the Biennale. SafARI connects viewers with grass roots art practice; drawing attention to the crucial role ARIs play in fostering creative talent.

When: 12 – 6pm

More Info: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SafARI/98200977023

Tuesday 11 May

Internet Censorship (Debate)

Topic: Governments should not censor the Internet

‘For’ speakers:

Antony Loewenstein is a Sydney-based independent freelance journalist, author and blogger.

Ross LaJeunesse is Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs for Google Inc. in Asia.

David Marr has spent the last 35 years reporting for Fairfax, broadcasting for the ABC and writing books.

‘Against’ speakers:

Elizabeth Handsley is Professor and Associate Dean of Law at Flinders University in Adelaide.

Kaiser Kuo is a Beijing-based columnist, and commentator on technology and politics.

Alastair MacGibbon is founder of the Internet Safety Institute and Managing Partner of internet consultancy the Surete Group.

Where: City Recital Hall, 2-12 Angel Place, Sydney

Cost: $32

More Info: http://www.iq2oz.com/events/event-details/2010-series-sydney/04-may.php

Wednesday 12 May

Head on Portrait Prize (Photography)

Head On hosted by the ACP, is Australia’s most critically acclaimed photographic portrait competition reflecting a vibrant diverse cross-section of new and traditional photographic practices.

‘Head On is really the only opportunity to see the best photo portraiture work the country has to offer’ Good Weekend

When: 10am – 7pm

Where: Gallery 3 & 4, 257 Oxford St, Paddington

More Info: http://tmp.acp.org.au/current/

Thursday 13 May

Mumbrella Media Metrics Masterclass

Australia’s media measurement systems have been going through an unprecedented period of change.

Mumbrella presents a half day masterclass offering an opportunity to get up to speed with the key changes and controversies in all of the main media metrics, and build an understanding of how they work.

When: 1.30 – 6pm

Where: Start Room, Level 6, IMAX Theatre, Darling Harbour

More Info: http://mumbrella.com.au/events?event_id=328

Ongoing Theatre

Mortal Engine (Dance)

Using the latest in digital projection and sound generation, Mortal Engine promises to never be the same show twice; the music and visuals respond in real time to the movements of the dancers, creating a stunning experience. Beautiful human forms are shadowed and highlighted by laser light, and oscillating sound waves pick up even the slightest movements to create a moving score.

(Excerpt from http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/3294/mortal-engine.htm)

When: 5 – 15 May

Where: Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

Cost: $30 – $50

More Info: http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/3294/mortal-engine.htm

Saturday 1 May

Free Comic Book Day

This is not a drill – get a free comic book!

More Info: http://www.twothousand.com.au/goods/free-comic-book-day/ and http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/indexohb.cgi?AREA=06

Sunday 2 May

Interior Linework/Interceptor Intersection by Shaun Gladwell (Exhibition)

Interior Linework/Interceptor Intersection is a major solo exhibition that brings together a selection of Shaun Gladwell’s work from his Maddestmaximvs project along with significant new work commissions. The Maddestmaximvs project began in 2007 with a series of recorded performances located in the Australian hinterland. It has since developed into a comprehensive body of work comprising video, sculpture, painting, photography and installation and was most recently exhibited in the Australian Pavilion at the 53rd Venice Biennale, 2009.

(Excerpt from http://www.e-flux.com/shows/view/7922)

Where: Campletown Arts Centre, Cnr of Camden and Appin Rd, Campbelltown

More Info: http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/interior-lineworkinterceptor-intersection-shaun-gladwell/

Monday 3 May

Stories East and West (Storytelling)

Six storytellers confront their family skeletons to flesh out the stories of the here and now. Accompanied by images from private collections, they reveal engaging and moving insights into family, identity, ambition, confusion and determination.

Directed by renowned storyteller, photographer and performer William Yang and producer/writer Annette Shun Wah.

Where: Belvoir Theatre (Upstairs), 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills

Cost: $20

More Info: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2234-event-details.asp?EventID=84463

Tuesday 4 May

Micmacs (Film)

Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s uniquely irreverent brand of quirk always makes for a fun trip to the cinema. Known for capturing his zany characters in a gorgeous, idealised, French film reality, Jeunet is probably most famous for introducing the world to Audrey Tautou in Amélie. Micmacs sees Jeunet and his long time collaborator Guillaume Laurant assemble yet another weird and wonderful crew of misfits.

(Excerpt from http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/2432/micmacs.htm

Where: Palace Verona Cinema, 17 Oxford St, Paddington

Cost: $17

Watch the trailer and read a review: http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2844465.htm
Buy a ticket: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/sessiontimes/session/158/64225/

Wednesday 5 May

Wrong Prom (Dance Party)

Relive your dance floor glory days amongst friends, learn some groovy moves, and then dance the night away with DJ’s spinning the music your memories are made of under the glint of the disco ball. In a mass dance class for over 18’s, professional dance instructors teach the moves you’ve always wanted to master from classic dance films like Flashdance, Blues Brothers (unleash your Soul Man!), Grease and Chicago (brush off your fishnets!).

Get to CarriageWorks at 7.00pm to get warmed up, then the dance class runs from approximately 8pm for about an hour. Afterwards you can throw your own shapes on the dance floor until 11pm.

(Excerpt from http://www.carriageworks.com.au/?page=Event&event=Wrong-Prom-2010)

When: 7 – 11pm

Where: CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Everleigh

More Info: http://www.carriageworks.com.au/?page=Event&event=Wrong-Prom-2010

Thursday 6 May

The Slew (Concert)

In one of the most exciting collaborations to grace the stage in years, Canadian turntable masters Kid Koala and Dynomite D team up with former Wolfmother crew Chris Ross and Myles Heskett to create a psych/heavy-rock-drenched project The Slew.

(Excerpt from http://www.metrotheatre.com.au/events/2010/05/06/kid-koala-presents-the-slew-live)

Cost: $40

Where: Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney

More Info: http://www.metrotheatre.com.au/events/2010/05/06/kid-koala-presents-the-slew-live

Friday 23 April

Beneath Hill 60, Jeremy Hartley Sims & David Roach (Talk)

WW1 feature Beneath Hill 60 is inspired by the true story of Australian Captain Oliver Woodward and his exploits in the secret tunnels beneath No Man’s Land. As it releases into cinemas, this director and writer/producer duo explains how to make period films relevant to contemporary audiences.

Special guests:

* Jeremy Hartley Sims – director (Last Train to Freo)
* David Roach – screenwriter (Young Einstein, Reckless Kelly, Mr Accident)

(http://www.aftrs.edu.au/whats-on/friday-on-my-mind.aspx)

When: 5pm

Where: AFTRS Theatre, 130 Bent St, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

More Info: http://www.aftrs.edu.au/whats-on/friday-on-my-mind.aspx

Saturday 24 April

Archibald Prize 2010 (Exhibition)

‘‘The Archibald Prize is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards. JF Archibald’s primary aims were to foster portraiture, support artists and perpetuate the memory of great Australians. Since its inception in 1921 the prize has been awarded to some of Australia’s most important artists, including George Lambert, William Dobell and Brett Whiteley.’’

More Info: http://www.thearchibaldprize.com.au/

Sunday 25 April

Lost in the Romantics (Picnic)

No longer must you while away the hours in dark, ornate rooms, whispering the words of Keats, Byron and Shelley to yourself like a mantra. Closet Romantics, now is the time to confess. Shroud yourself in mystery and prepare for your hair to be gorgeously windswept: your chance for irrational dalliance is at hand.

Air your aesthetic preferences, flamboyant dress and emotional baggage in the bright, sunlit gardens of Vaucluse House for this themed, 19th century picnic.

Cost: $20

When: Midday

Where: Vaucluse House, Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse, NSW

More Info: http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/2824/lost-in-the-romantics.htm

Monday 26 April

Plantation and Other (Exhibition)

A sense of nostalgia runs deep in Tracey Moffatt’s Plantation and Other exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery. Hand painted in technicolour hues, the vintage-looking diptychs of burning sugar cane and stilted houses conjure up the flavours of the Deep South, despite being shot in Australia’s own sunshine state, Queensland.  In conjunction with the show is a video collaboration by Moffatt and Gary Hillberg, titled Other. It’s a roller-coaster of a ride and you’ll struggle to guess all the movies in the montage; it’s well worth it for the explosive finale.

Where: Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, 8 Soudan Lane, Paddington, NSW

Cost: FREE

More Info: http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/2939/plantation-and-other.htm

Tuesday 27 April

Rock n Roll Nightmare, 1987 (Screening)

At an old farmhouse, a family mysteriously disappears at the hands of evil. Years later, hair metal band The Tritons comes to the farmhouse, whose barn now features a 24-track recording studio. Lead singer John Triton gets the band to perform their first night in the farmhouse after dinner, and weird little beasties suddenly appear, and strange things start to happen.

When: 7.30pm

Cost: $5

More Info: http://www.mumeson.org/

Wednesday 28 April

Night with Martin Dalgleish and Daniel Petre of Netus on the couch (Networking)

Come and join us at the FED when Martin Dalgleish and Daniel Petre, Executive Chairman and Founder of netus, navigate the seven seas of Australian media. From ebay to e-learning, from Seek to Seven, from Foxtel to FetchTV. And any other alliteration they can think of on the night. It promises to be a rollicking ride…!

(Excerpt from http://mumbrella.com.au/events?event_id=314)

When: 6 – 10.30pm

Where: The CBD Hotel, Level 3, Cnr York & King Streets, Sydney

More Info: http://mumbrella.com.au/events?event_id=314
Register here: http://202.125.170.42/fed/registration.aspx

Thursday 29 April

Word they make with their Mouths (Theatre)

It’s closing time at the pub and a party mix of bright young things carouse on to their next destination. In the time-travelling tradition of Proust, these sixteen Gen Ys will each tell their story to the audience over the scant 100 metres it takes to reach the next street corner. All are fuelled by their unique desires and surface concerns, and yet there is something that connects these people together beyond friendship.

Their words come out from the same mouth.

Tim Spencer brings his award-winning solo show back to Sydney for a single week of performances as part of the ATYP Under the Wharf program. Drawing on both his skill with words and a love of vaudeville, Spencer performs with an energy that is as unrelenting as it is fragile, wooing his audience into a world of fairy lights and tender tragedies.

Cost: $17.50 – $22.50

Where: ATYP Studios, The Wharf Pier, 4/5 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

More Info: http://concreteplayground.com.au/event/1469/words-they-make-with-their-mouths.htm

Friday 16 April

De-Con-Struction

Adam Turnbull, Bennet, Kalen and Pigeonboy are four very seperate artists. They each use different materials to represent different things. What brings them together is the need to expose the hidden and internal notions of their works. Using acrylic, pen, aerosol, stencils and layering, the artists deconstruct their overlapping thoughts and insights and transfer them to various mediums.

(Excerpts from http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/de-con-struction/)

When: 6-9pm

Where: L3, 16-28 Foster St, Surry Hills

More Info: http://www.twothousand.com.au/out/de-con-struction/

Saturday 17 April

smARTarts Festival (Youth Art Exhibition)

smARTarts is an annual youth arts & cultural festival showcasing the creative talent and initiatives of young people aged 15 – 26 yrs. The 2010 festival will feature live music, roving street performers, dance performances & sculpture installations.  The festival is held as part of National Youth Week (10 – 18 April 2010).

Where: 64 Pine St, Chippendale

When: 12.30 – 6.30pm

More Info: http://www.facebook.com/pages/smARTarts-Festival-2010/292038907834?ref=ts

OR

Fairy Penguins at Rose Bay!

For the first time in many decades, Rose Bay is privy to these little creatures. It’s believed the penguins are migrating from their original rookery in Little Manly and setting up home in the eastern suburbs. Head to ‘Kayak Racing’ in Rose Bay and the guys at the boat shed will help you find them.

Cost: $20/hr (single), $30/hr (double)

More Info: http://sydney.theagendadaily.com/leisure/nature-and-the-city/ or http://www.kayakracing.com.au

Sunday 18 April

Uncorked (Wine Festival)

Come to beautiful Pyrmont Bay Park and share a premium Hunter Valley wine and food experience with the Hunter Valley winemakers, chefs, producers and their teams. Drink great wines, eat delicious local fare, stock the pantry and fill the cellar.

Where: Pyrmont Bay Park, Sydney

When: 11am – 5pm

More Info: http://uncorked.hvva.com.au/pyrmont.html

Monday 19 April

Orwell Rolls In His Grave (Film Screening)

Orwell Rolls in His Grave examines the current and past relationships between the media, the US government and corporations, analyzing the possible consequences of the concentration of media ownership. Making references to George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, the film argues that reality has met and in some ways exceeded Orwell’s expectations about a society dominated by thought control, which is made possible by the media.

(Excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orwell_Rolls_in_His_Grave)

When: 7.30pm for an 8pm start

Cost: $10

Where: Mumeson Archives, 17 Parramatta Rd, Annandale

More Info: http://www.mumeson.org/

Tuesday 20 April

Up the Cross: Rennie Ellis & Wesley Stacey

It was the ’summer of love’ and Kings Cross was as much a magnet for long-haired pilgrims and avant-garde artists as it was for American servicemen on leave from Vietnam.

Photographers Rennie Ellis and Wesley Stacey spent time in the Cross over the summer of 1970–71, getting to know the locals and delving behind the scenes. Together they captured the sights, sounds and pulsating rhythms of life on the streets and in the clubs and private pads of Sydney’s infamous red-light district.

Cost: $10-15

Where: Museum of Sydney, Cnr of Phillip and Bridge Streets

More Info: http://www.hht.net.au/whats_on/exhibitions/exhibitions/up_the_cross_rennie_ellis_and_wesley_stacey

Wednesday 21 April

Webtrends Australia Conference: Engage 2010

This event will bring together leading experts from marketing, e-commerce, new media, digital and social media to share best practices, innovations and expertise and explore the future of the industry. There will be practical insights, tips and hands-on lessons to enable you to get the most out of your marketing budget and your online investment.

(Excerpt from http://mumbrella.com.au/events?event_id=268)

When: 8am – 6pm

More Info: http://www.webtrendsengage.com/australia/agenda.php

Thursday 22 April

Sylvie Blocher: What is Missing?

French video artist Sylvie Blocher creates portrait studies of individuals or groups within society. Through these works, or ‘Living Pictures’, she explores communal issues as well as personal themes, asking questions to which her subjects respond with often surprising candor. Presented across single or multiple screens, these artworks envelop you as they address the complexities of modern urban life.

Where: 140 George St, The Rocks

More Info: http://www.mca.com.au/default.asp?page_id=10&content_id=6230

So says Philips via it’s new online branded cinema project ”Parallel Lines” .

Despite this bold claim, the film content the site contains is highly engaging, very high-end and highly inspiring.

Philips, in partnership with DDB London and RSA (Ridley Scott’s production company), have developed five very different films using six identical intriguing lines of dialogue.

Viewers can choose which film they would like to watch in whatever order. Philips’ involvement is well integrated (touting the content as being presented on the world’s first ‘cinema proportioned “TV”), and kept relevant throughout the site, so that the brand is not competing with the film content and vice versa. Social media sites are also involved.

A very tasteful example of the breadth of possibilities for branded film content. Well worth a watch!