ART AND CULTURE SYDNEY

Sydney is home to a multitude of colourful galleries, fascinating museums, internationally acclaimed theatre companies and iconic performance spaces. Permanent exhibits, touring exhibitions and a year- round calendar of events and performances showcase some of Australia’s best art and culture, from Koori, to colonial to contemporary.

Art

Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW, established in 1874, is one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions showcasing a collection of past and present Australian and International artists’ works. Displays dedicated to celebrating the arts of Asia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art are also featured. The permanent collections are complemented by a calendar of Australian and international exhibitions. The Yiribana Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery displays artworks by past and present artists from the Australian indigenous community.

Tel: + 61 2 9225 1700 Photo credit: Branca Giaca www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks Australia’s Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting the work’s of today’s artists from across Australia and around the world. The recently expanded Museum of Contemporary Art includes spacious galleries, the National Centre for Creative Learning with state- of-the-art technology and a series of site-specific commissioned pieces. In addition to the gallery’s permanent and touring exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Art offers visitors a series of talks, tours and workshops. Tel: + 61 2 9245 2400 www.mca.com.au

Alongside these iconic Sydney art galleries, a diverse collection of public, private and commercial art galleries are dotted throughout the city. From ancient art forms to cutting-edge design, visitors to Sydney can view and purchase works from internationally acclaimed artists and inspiring new talent.

The Rocks and Walsh Bay The cobblestone streets of the Rocks are home to a variety of commercial galleries showcasing the works of some of Australia’s most renowned artists and photographers, traditional and contemporary indigenous artists and creative new talent. Argyle Gallery Billich Art Gallery Aboriginal and Australian fine art Charles Billich surrealist Sydney art

Tel: + 61 2 9247 4427 Tel: + 61 2 9252 1481 www.argylegallery.com.au www.billich.com Photo credit: Chloe Ferres Ken Done Gallery Ken Duncan Gallery Iconic contemporary Australian art Spectacular landscape photography Tel: + 61 2 9247 2740 Tel: + 61 2 9241 3460 www.kendone.com www.kenduncan.com National Trust S.H.Ervin Gallery Rocks Pop-Up Australian art through the ages Creative minds in unusual places Tel: + 61 2 9258 0173 http://therockspopup.tumblr.com www.shervingallery.com.au

Sydney Inner East Contemporary galleries and fine arts dealers present original and exciting forms of creative expression in commercial studios and unique venues throughout Sydney’s Inner Eastern suburbs. 2 Danks Street, Waterloo Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills Collection of contemporary artists Former home and studio of and jewellery designers Australian artist, Brett Whitley www.2danksstreet.comau Tel: + 61 2 9225 1881 www.brettwhiteley.org

Carriageworks, Everleigh Metalab, Surry Hills Progressive multi-disciplinary art Modern design and jewellery Tel: +61 2 8571 9099 Tel: + 61 2 8354 1398 www.carriageworks.com.au www.metalab.com.au Object Australian Design Centre Cutting edge design exhibitions Tel: + 61 2 9361 4511 www.object.com.au

Sydney Inner West The colourful and often unconventional suburbs of Sydney’s Inner West present an eclectic collection of quality arts from local and international artists. Defiance Gallery, Newtown White Rabbit, Chippendale Contemporary sculpture gallery Contemporary Chinese art space Tel: +61 2 9557 8483 Tel: + 61 2 8399 2867 www.defiancegallery.com www.whiterabbitcollection.org

Sydney East A collection of art galleries, studios and dealerships throughout Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs showcase contemporary glass and ceramics, traditional indigenous art and exciting photographic exhibitions. Australian Centre for Photography Coo-ee Aboriginal Art, Bondi Photographic art exhibitions Quality indigenous artworks Tel: + 61 2 9332 1455 Tel: + 61 2 9300 9233 www.acp.org.au www.cooeeart.com.au

Olsen Irwin Gallery, Woollahra Savill Galleries, Paddington Commercial gallery Dealers in quality Australian art Tel: + 61 2 9327 3922 Tel: + 61 2 9327 8311 www.timolsengallery.com www.savill.com.au Sabbia, Paddington Contemporary glass and ceramics Tel: +61 2 9361 6448 www.sabbiagallery.com

Museums Sydney’s museums present local and internationally significant collections and exhibitions of cultural artefacts, natural science, cutting edge technology, colonial and indigenous history.

Australian Museum, Sydney The Australian Museum houses extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts featuring galleries dedicated to natural history, dinosaurs, Indigenous Australians and Australia’s unique wildlife. The newly refurbished Indigenous Australians Gallery now includes Menagerie: Contemporary Indigenous Sculpture exhibition, which features established and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists who have each produced exceptional sculptural works depicting a variety of animals. Personalised tours of this gallery and other exhibitions at the Australian Museum are available on request, or experience one of the daily Behind The Scenes tours. Tel: +61 2 9320 6000 www.australianmuseum.net.au

Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour The Australian National Maritime Museum located in Sydney’s Darling Harbour captures a range of water related themes with artefacts, exhibitions and fun activities. Permanent exhibitions are complemented by a calendar of visiting exhibitions; and include: Navigators – defining Australia, tracking the successive waves of sailors and settlers who navigated Australian shores over thousands of years; Eora First People - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is strongly entwined with the sea and this exhibition takes a journey from Tasmania to Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait, exploring this deep connection through art and adornments; Watermarks – adventure, sport and play, exploring the coastal culture's love of water; Navy - how the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operates on land, in the air and under the sea during peace and war; and Passengers – portraying the journeys of those who travelled to Australia via sea. The Australian National Maritime Museum is represented by Dynamic Tourism Group. Tel: +61 2 9298 3777 www.anmm.gov.au

Historic Houses Trust, Sydney As one of NSW’s premier cultural institutions, the Historic Houses Trust manages a portfolio of properties, museums, exhibitions and libararies in Sydney, many of which are open to the public and offer educational programs, others which are available for venue hire. Properties include architechtural showpieces from a working class terrace to suburban homes and colonial homesteads as well as buildings of national signficance such as: Government House, the Museum of Sydney, the Justice and Police Museum, Hyde Park Barracks and the Mint. Tel: +61 2 8239 2288 www.hht.net.au

Museum of Sydney, Circular Quay The sculptural installation in the museum forecourt, dubbed Edge of the Trees, marks the site of first contact between the British colonisers and the Gadigal people of Sydney. On the historic site of the first Government House, the Museum of Sydney offers visitors a journey through Sydney from the Dreamtime to modern times. Tel: +61 2 9251 5988 www.hht.net.au/museums/mos

National Trust, Sydney The National Trust is a conservation organisation for the built cultural heritage of Australia, it manages a collection of properties including Experiment Farm, the site of Australia’s first land grant, Old Governemnt House which was home to manly early Governors of the colony and S.H Ervin Gallery, one of Sydney’s leading Australian art galleries. A range of tours are available to educational groups of all ages.

Tel: +61 2 9258 0123 www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/home

Powerhouse Museum, Haymarket A brilliantly conceived showcase of interactive science and culture for the whole family. The museum’s diverse collection spans history, science, technology, design, music and transport to provide a comprehensive insight into the Australian culture and lifestyle. Regular tours, demonstrations, performances, workshops and special events complement the Powerhouse’s range of educational services and tours for groups.

Tel: +61 2 9217 0111 www.powerhousemuseum.com

Rocks Discovery Museum, The Rocks Housed in a sandstone colonial warehouse, the free-entry Rocks Discovery Museum follows the history of the Rocks from pre-European settlement to the present day through a unique collection of archaeological artefacts, photographs and interactive multi-media exhibits. Tel: + 61 2 9240 8680 www.therocks.com

Sydney Observatory, The Rocks Built in 1858, the Sydney Observatory was essential to shipping navigation, meteorology, timekeeping and to the study of Southern Hemisphere astronomy. In 1982 the Sydney Observatory became part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences which houses a museum and public observatory. Tours include indigenous astronomy, opportunities to view the sun, moon, stars and far away galaxies through powerful telescopes as well as stunning short films in the 3d space theatre. Tel: +61 2 9921 3485 www.sydneyobservatory.com.au

Theatre and Performing Arts Stages scattered around Sydney host a year round calendar of performances showcasing classical and contemporary productions, presented by talented actors, musicians and directors from across Australian and around the globe.

Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park Originally constructed as part of the Sydney 2000 Olympics facilitlies, the Allphones Arena is a major sporting and entertainment venue. With a seating capacity of 21,000 this indoor arena is the largest of its kind in Australia and will host events as varied as International Ice Hockey, P!nk and Andre Rieu this year. Tel: +61 2 8765 4321 www.allphonesarena.com.au

Belvoir St Theatre, Surry Hills Belvoir St Theatre engages Australia’s most prominent and promising playwrights, directors and actors to deliver a dynamic program of landmark productions. Tel: + 61 2 9698 3344 www.belvoir.com.au

Capitol Theatre, Haymarket From a fruit market, to a circus to a movie theatre to one of Sydney’s iconic live performance spaces, the Capitol Theatre hosts interationally acclaimed productions from West End and Broadway, such as the Lion King from late 2013. Tel: + 61 2 9320 5000 www.capitoltheatre.com.au

City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney City Recital Hall Angel Place is a world-class concert venue accoustically designed for western classical music and the spoken word. The venue regularly hosts performances from the Sydney Symphony. Tel: + 61 2 9231 9000 www.cityrecitalhall.com

Enmore Theatre, Enmore The heritage-listed art deco Enmore theatre hosts homegrown and internationally acclaimed bands, comedy acts and performances. Tel: + 61 2 9550 3666 www.enmoretheatre.com.au

Imax, Darling Harbour Home to the world's largest movie screen Sydney's IMAX Theatre, in the heart of Darling Harbour, offers a sensational mix of 2D and 3D films. The giant screen, more than eight storeys high, is designed to give audiences the ultimate film experience. Tel: +61 2 9281 3300 www.imax.com.au

Opera Australia, Circular Quay Photo credit: Branca Giaca Opera Australia is Australia's national opera company, resident at the Sydney Opera House. It is Australia's largest and busiest performing arts organisation, with more than 600 opera performances a year including the spectacular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour which will perform Madam Butterfly in 2014. Tel: + 61 2 9699 1099 www.opera-australia.org.au

Seymour Centre, Darlington

On the campus of Sydney University, the Seymour Centre hosts Photo credit: Prudence Upton contemporary theatre, music and dance performances to develop innovative and independent productions. Tel: + 61 2 9351 7944 www.seymourcentre.com

State Theatre, Sydney The Heritage-listed State Theatre is home to the Sydney Film Festival and a year round calendar of theatre productions, ballet performances and concerts. Photo credit: Lisa Tomasetti Tel: + 61 2 9373 6655 www.statetheatre.com.au

Sydney Dance Company, Walsh Bay Australia’s leading contemporary dance company presents performances at their Sydney home in Walsh Bay, and in venues across Australia and around the globe. Tel: + 61 2 9221 4811 www.sydneydancecompany.com

Sydney Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney Entertainment Centre is a multi-purpose venue on the edge of Darling Harbour and Chinatown which brings world class concerts, theatrical performances and sporting events – from Jason Mraz to Jesus Christ Superstar to the Sydney Kings basketball - to Sydney. Tel: +61 2 9320 4200 www.sydentcent.com.au

Sydney Lyric, Pyrmont Sydney Lyric at the Star hosts large scale musicals, theatre productions and ballet performances including the world premier of Strictly Ballroom in 2014. Tel: + 61 2 9509 3600 www.sydneylyric.com.au

Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay Joining a tour or experiencing a performance beneath the white sails of this iconic performance space is a Sydney must-do experience. The multimedia Essentials Tour and the Backstage Tour provide a guided look through one of the modern wonders of the world – the Sydney Opera House. Experiences packages also available combine two great icons with a tour of the Sydney Opera House and either a visit to Taronga Zoo or a Sydney Seaplane flight over Sydney Harbour and coastline. Tour and Tasting offers a tour of Sydney Opera House and a tasting plate at Opera Kitchen - home to some of Sydney's most innovative chefs. Guillaume at Bennelong is a great place for fine dining while the Opera Bar is perfect for a pre-show cocktail before taking in a performance in one of the Sydney Opera House’s distinctive theatres. Tel: +61 2 9250 7111 www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Sydney Theatre Company, Walsh Bay At home on the wharf at Walsh Bay, The Sydney Theatre Company produces, performs and tours with new Australian works and contemporary interpretations of classic productions under the artistic directorship of Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton. Tel: + 61 2 9250 1777 www.sydneytheatre.com.au

Theatre Royal, Sydney The Harry Seilder designed Theatre Royal in the heart of the Sydney CBD stages long running musicals, special events and touring acts. Tel: + 61 2 9224 8444 www.theatreroyal.net.au

Indigenous Culture

Art Gallery of New South Wales The Yiribana Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery displays artworks by past and present artists from the Australian indigenous community. Tel: + 61 2 9225 1700 www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour, The Rocks The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour was developed by Aboriginal Elder Margret Campbell and is led by Aboriginal guides who have permission to share these amazing stories. The tour provides participants with an insight into Sydney’s contemporary Aboriginal society and its connections to The Rocks. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover how the ancient Aboriginal dreaming is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape and how the billion-year old harbour, marine environment, sandstone strata, waterways, flora and fauna influenced how Aboriginal people lived in the area. Tel: + 61 2 9240 8788 www.therocks.com/dreaming

The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney - Aboriginal Heritage Tour, Sydney Visitors can learn about the Royal Botanic Gardens’ rich Aboriginal heritage. Experience traditional music, dance and artefacts, and taste some traditional bush foods. Tel: +61 2 9231 8134 www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Cultural Cruise, Sydney

Set sail on Sydney Harbour to discover the stories of the Eora, Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people, the original inhabitants of Sydney’s harbour foreshore. Step ashore on one of Sydney’s Harbour Islands to see an authentic Aboriginal cultural performance. Find out the Aboriginal names and meanings of significant Sydney landmarks, and learn about ancient traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques in the relaxed and friendly company of an Aboriginal host and crew. Sydney’s Aboriginal Cultural Cruise operates from Circular Quay and is a Tribal Warrior initiative. Tribal Warrior is a not-for profit community organisation initiated and directed by Aboriginal people and their elders. Tel: + 61 2 9699 3491 www.tribalwarrior.org

Indigenous Performance Groups Indigenous dance companies and performance groups portray traditional and contemporary indigenous culture through dance and music. The following groups are available for group performances and events.

Bangarra Dance Company Descendance Tel: +61 2 9251 5333 Tel: +61 2 9699 7071 www.bangarra.com.au www.descendance.com.au Doonooch Dance Company Indigiearth Tel: +61 2 4442 1041 Tel: +61 2 6372 1878 www.doonooch.com www.indigiearth.com.au

Attractions Pass

Iventure Card iVenture Card Australia - See Sydney Attractions Pass, Sydney The iVenture Card offers entry to more than 40 of Sydney’s top attractions, tours and things to do for one single price. The Australian Maritime Museum, Hyde Park Barracks, Justice and Police Museum, Museum of Sydney, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Opera House, Vaucluse House, Imax Theatre and Madame Tussauds are just some of the cultural attractions included on the pass. The iVenture Card offers three types of passes including the Sydney Xpress, Sydney Five in One Attractions Pack and See Sydney’s Attractions Pass for two, three or seven days. Tel: +61 2 9211 3192 www.seesydneypass.iventurecard.com

Please also refer to the Destination New South Wales Events Calendar for details of annual and special events, exhibitions, performances and festivals.