Sydney artist Julia Gutman wins Archibald Prize 2023 for portrait of music artist Montaigne
The winner of this prestigious Archibald Prize for 2023 has been named Sydney-based artist Julia Gutman with a portrait of Eora/Sydney pop artist Montaigne.
The 29-year-old first-time Archibald Prize finalist is one of the youngest winners in the 102-year history of the prize, with the win also marking just the 13th time the Archibald Prize has been awarded to a woman (11th woman to win) since it began in 1921.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
With a unanimous decision, Gutman took the top gong – which comes with a monetary prize of $100,000 – for her portrait of Montaigne, titled ‘Head In The Sky, Feet On The Ground’, which was created using oil paints on canvas as well as found textiles and embroidery.
“I’m so elated and overwhelmed to have won. Shocked, dumbfounded, but very happy. It’s honestly completely surreal. I’m so grateful to be working at a time when young female voices are heard,” said Gutman.
“So much of my practice is devoted to revisiting, critiquing and contending with the histories housed in institutions. It’s so affirming for that conversation to be recognised in such a public way.
“Montaigne and I have been friends for a few years and there is a lot of alignment in our practices; we are both interested in creating our own forms and approaches rather than strictly adhering to any one tradition.
“Montaigne’s work defies genres, while her [their] mercurial soprano has become an indelible part of the fabric of Australian music.”
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Gutman is a multi-disciplinary artist who reuses found textiles to produce painted ‘patchworks’ that merge personal and collective histories to explore themes of femininity, intimacy and memory. She was included in the Primavera 2022: Young Australian Artists exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, was a finalist in the 2021 Ramsay Art Prize and was awarded the Create NSW 2020 NSW Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship.
Montaigne is a Sydney-based singer who has become an important figure on the Australian indie music scene. They have represented Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, and in 2016 won an ARIA award for Best Breakthrough Artist.
“It’s such an insane honour to be the Archibald Prize winning sitter. I sure didn’t see it coming, not because I don’t believe in Julia’s incredible talent and warm heart, but because you just never think this stuff is going to happen to you,” Montaigne says.
“Thank you so much to Julia for seeing me as a worthy sitter for her beautiful vision!”
Gutman’s painting was selected as one of 57 finalists and then as the winner from 949 entries for the Archibald Prize.
Find out more here.
Soul Origin in Geelong’s CBD is giving away free coffee today
If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, head on over to Australia coffee powerhouses Soul Origin in Geelong to score a free coffee!
Announced via Westfield Geelong’s socials, Soul Origin will be giving away free cups of coffee today only for their free coffee day! Find them at Westfield Geelong on Level 1 (in the food court).
Keep up with the latest local food and booze news across the region here.
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With outposts scattered across Australia, this Geelong location is Soul Origin’s first store to open in regional Victoria.
Started by two brothers and the best mate from Sydney, Soul Origin was spawned from the frustration at the lack of quality coffee available in food courts and with a vision to re-educating the world about how they think about fast food. Using a specialty blend that is roasted locally in Melbourne, a coffee from Soul Origin can rival any boutique café when it comes to quality and taste.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to visit Soul Origin in their Melbourne locations or any others for that matter, you’ll be aware of the meticulous details found within their spots. Here they believe every cup of coffee should be incredible – and it really is. Roasted in small batches, the Single Origin coffee is sourced directly from farmers and co-ops of a particular region. The unique traceability is a distinguishing factor as it supports a unique farm and the surrounding community. The flavour is a representation of its origin, possessing characteristics of that specific region and varietal of the plant where the coffee was grown. The best part is that Single Origin is a seasonal selection ensuring that there is always a new flavour profile to explore.
Try a cappuccino, espresso or flat white, or opt for the dirty chai, hot chocolate, matcha latte or white hot chocolate if you’re feeling indulgent. Elsewhere on the menu, there’s an iced vanilla espresso frappe, mango fruit crusher, cold brew tonic or an iced caramel frappe.
Soul Origin draws heavy focus on coffee, but that’s not to say the eats should be looked over. Here you’ll find lunch baguettes, lunch paninis, lunch wraps, salads, seeded rolls and sandwiches, alongside some sweeter options like caramel macadamia slice, chocolate protein balls, Nutella brownie and choc chip cookies.
While also providing delicious food, the charm of this new coffee stop is that it’s created on the conviction that we need, more than ever, places of community to enjoy expertly brewed coffee – even within a food court.
Find out more here. Soul Origin is located at Shop K202, Westfield Geelong, 95 Malop Street Geelong.
Local production company brings skills development initiative ‘Set Educated’ to Geelong
Beloved Geelong Production company Saliba Pictures has partnered with Media Mentors to bring the ‘Set Educated’ initiative to Geelong, offering training on set etiquette, safety, crew roles, finding jobs, and valuable industry insights.
Also taking place in Melbourne, the ‘Set Educated’ event is being run to provide training and development opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the screen industry. It will take place in Geelong on 21 May.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
The program is being developed by Media Mentors Australia in partnership with Vic Screen, Freelancers Promotions, and other leading production companies, and aims to provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to the screen industry, including how content is made, by whom, and what the Victorian market for 2023 looks like.
It will also cover topics such as set etiquette, health and safety on set, basic equipment, and the working day.
If all that wasn’t enough, the program will also provide advice on finding jobs, creating a CV, and how to pursue further training.
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Featuring speakers Todd Embling, Assistant Director on Picnic at Hanging Rock, Glitch, and The Wrong Girl; Paula Salini – Production Office for Wentworth, Neighbours & Aunty Donna; Prince Nediyedath – Camera Department on John Farnham – Finding the Voice, Birdy, and tons of commercials; and Caitlin Bryan – Electrics Department on Woody Woodpecker, Surviving Summer, and Jack Irish, the event will be delivered to around 115 Geelong participants through a combination of in-person and online formats, including the Geelong in-person session and various online sessions, some of which will be free.
The ‘Set Educated’ event is to provide individuals interested in the screen industry with a comprehensive and accessible training program that covers essential topics required to enter and succeed in the industry. By partnering with industry experts and using multiple delivery models, the program aims to provide the most up-to-date and relevant information to participants, ensuring they are well-equipped to pursue a career in the screen industry.
Set Educated takes place Sunday May 21 from 10am-4pm at Geelong Library, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong. You can find out more and purchase tickets here.
The Big Design Market announces the new ‘Almost Winter’ market with 200+ makers, cocktails, food and more
After 10 years of running our ever-popular December Christmas shopping market, The Big Design Market is launching their brand new event ‘Almost Winter’, which will run from 26-28 May 2023 in Melbourne at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.
Leaning into the indulgence that beckons as temperatures drop, Almost Winter will celebrate decadent gourmet food and drink in an even bigger way, as well as offer an exceptional lineup of independent, ethical design brands.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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Boasting 200 exhibitors from Australia and New Zealand, an exquisite array of food and wine experiences, an incredible breathtaking, floral-inspired art installation and an exciting new fashion showcase pop-up, Almost Winter is a delightful opportunity to indulge the senses on every level.
Looking to the mouthwatering selection of gourmet food and baked goods as well as exceptional coffee, cocktails, craft beer and local wines, expect to see goodies from the likes of St. ALi Coffee, 400 Gradi, Mork Chocolate, Wonder Pies, Casa Nata, as well as Shortstop Doughnuts, Pizzini Wines, and Moon Dog Craft Brewery Co.
There will be an exceptional curation of ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing, innovative lifestyle products, pet wares and much more, with many new brands and exciting new product launches. Expect to find knitwear from Twoface Label and Otto & Spike, super cool, sustainably made raincoats from Amble Outdoors, premium leather goods handcrafted in Dubbo from Saddler & Co, Bridget Bodenham’s incredible ceramics, and even artisan-made dog beds from Apupment.
This brand-new event will see the reintroduction of the much-loved show bags, incredible visitor prizes and a fun creative play space for kids all in neon created this year by Electric Confetti.
The Big Design Market is a cashless event.
The Almost Winter market runs from 26 May through to 28 May at Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens. Entry is $6 (inc all taxes & fees), free for kids 12 & under. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online here.
We Came As Romans announce Darkbloom 2023 Australian Tour
Michigan metalcore monsters We Came As Romans have announced their Australian return in August on the Darkbloom Tour, with special guests and first-time visitors, Invent Animate (US).
The tour begins on Tuesday August 29 at Lion Arts Factory in Adelaide, travelling to Sydney’s Liberty Hall on Thursday August 31, The Croxton in Melbourne on Friday September 1 and will come to a close at Brisbane’s Princess Theatre on Saturday September 2.
We Came As Romans Australian Tour
TUESDAY AUGUST 29 – LION ARTS FACTORY, ADELAIDE AA
THURSDAY AUGUST 31 – LIBERTY HALL, SYDNEY AA
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1 – THE CROXTON, MELBOURNE 18+
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2 – PRINCESS THEATRE, BRISBANE AA
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
We Came As Romans make the trip down under to celebrate their fifth studio album, ‘Darkbloom’, released last October. ‘Darkbloom’ is a bright light in the darkness, honouring the legacy of their brother and fallen bandmate, co-vocalist and keyboardist Kyle Pavone. The album harnesses the strength of every WCAR album before it, ushering in an ambitious, courageous new era.
We Came As Romans’ ascent was quick and assured, catapulting the band, who met as teens, into the hearts of diehard fans immersed in the metalcore, post-hardcore, and Warped Tour subculture. Their hook-filled heavy music carried an uplifting message and connects with even greater urgency live. The increasingly diverse catalog of metallic might, melodic strength, and electronic atmosphere soars in clubs, theaters, and fests.
Much to fans delight, progressive metalcore quartet Invent Animate are making their first ever trip to Australia to debut their impassioned live show alongside We Came As Romans on the Darkbloom Tour. Amid a generation gripped by loneliness, fear, and a desperate concern for the state of the world, Invent Animate grab fans by the hand and choose to walk with them.
There’s a sense of duty among the band to bare their own pain and tragedy for their listeners, indeed creating a safe, familiar place for listeners to process their own. It’s this deeply empathic and concerned approach to their output that sets Invent Animate apart, and has seen the band develop a close knit, cult-like following over their 10 years together.
Stationed across Texas, Colorado and Sweden following Marcus Vik’s recruitment as vocalist in 2019, Invent Animate are now in prime position to break new ground with their signing to UNFD, who joined the team for the release of their compelling March full-length, ‘Heavener’.
Tickets on sale tomorrow, Friday May 12, at 10am local time via Destroy All Lines.
Indulge in this epic (and affordable) bottomless boozy lunch on the Great Ocean Road
Perched on the rugged coastline of Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road is Last One Inn, a 70’s beach shack that has been given a new lease on life and is serving up great food and vibes in a picturesque location.
Dubbed a bar/bistro, this venue started as a burger joint but quickly evolved into the perfect space for catching up with friends over a few quality cocktails, courtesy of friends Josh Morrice and Jorge Guerrero. Located at 113 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Last One Inn blends its relaxed beachside location with modern Australian cuisine and a South American twist, reflecting Jorge’s Argentinian background.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
With a classic, sun-drenched lifestyle in mind, the destination venue has given you one more reason to hit the road and head down to Anglesea to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of dining and imbibing with their epic bottomless boozy lunch!
From Saturday 13th May, the team at Last One Inn will introduce the weekly (yes, every damn week!) bottomless lunch for just $55 per person.
Over two hours, diners will enjoy Spanish-style mussels, house-made bread and fries matched with a selection of beer and wine. Choose from the locally iconic Last One Inn Lager as well as sparkling wine, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Shiraz.
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“We love a long lunch here at Last One Inn and this is a fun way to do that, using regional produce and sharing some great wines. We want to encourage people to get out and visit Anglesea, and know that having a really great lunch won’t break the bank,” says co-owner Josh Morrice.
The range of beverage choices is wide, but let’s be chill and not get too lit that you can’t remember the truly indulgent lunch you’ve just had.
Book the Bottomless Lunch at www.lastoneinn.com.au
A three-day Food & Wine Festival with Australia’s top chefs, 500+ wines and cheese heads to Melbourne
An epicurean adventure awaits as The Good Food & Wine Show makes a stellar return in 2023 to celebrate the very best Australian produce, winemakers, artisans, and chefs from around the nation.
In its 22nd year, the show will take guests on a foodie journey around the country’s top wine regions; pour tipples of over 500+ wines from the likes of Barossa, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, and Clare Valley; plate up over 60 different kinds of cheese from Queensland to France; and host brand-new masterclasses and chef demonstrations like never before.
As one of Australia’s most renowned gastronomic cities, Melbourne will host the first of four shows on 19 – 21 May, followed by Sydney (23 – 25 June), Perth (21 – 23 July) and the finale in Brisbane (27 – 29 October).
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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Tickets start from just $35 per person, which gets you access to see celebrity chefs Miguel Maestre, Nagi Maehashi of RecipeTin Eats, and Justine Schofield ignite the stages with flavour on The Kitchen by Harris Scarfe, alongside Northern Ireland-Australian celebrity chef Alastair McLeod, the Master of Ceremonies for all events.
Fan favourites Brendan Pang and Kirsten Tibballs will also take over two brand new stages to demonstrate their culinary flare and expertise – The v2food Plant Based Stage and The Baking stage.
The three-day event will see the return of over 250 exhibitors showcasing their unique produce and artisan expertise. Step inside the Cheese Corner, the destination for all things cheese; the Good Food Village, a market style hub to try and buy artisan products from local producers; and the Wine Regions – Barossa, Margaret River, Clare Valley, and McLaren Vale.
Adding to the excitement of the 2023 chef line up comes brand new masterclasses featuring some of Australia’s most loved brands, including Cobram Estate for a tasting masterclass in award-winning Australian oils, and the SodaStream Mixology Moments masterclass which offers guests the chance to create their own cocktails or mocktails to spark the senses, adding a creative twist to a classic or shaking up a new creation.
Wine enthusiasts can attend a palate appreciation class at the RIEDEL Drinks Lab hosted by wine expert Nick Ryan and sample the top wine varieties at the ever-popular Wine Selectors Tasting Room, while those who fancy a washed-rind, aged or a little smelly bite, The Smelly Cheese masterclass is back for another year, guiding aspiring curd-nerds through artisanal cheese masterclasses and hand-selected Australian and international cheeses from France’s cheese expert, Valérie Henbest.
Spirit fans will be spoiled for choice this year with the Show’s Spirits Platform exhibiting a selection of their top brands, including Cointreau, Fiorente, Villa Massa and Licor 43.
There’s a lot of see, a lot to love and of course, a lot of taste! For more info and to purchase tickets, head here.
Peaky Blinders meets The Great Gatsby: Ballarat’s new Sly Grog Speakeasy announces sneak-peek secret event
Mimicking the secrecy and time period of the old Prohibition-era speakeasies with hidden entrances, minimal (or no) signage, dim lighting, 1920s-30s jazz music, and elaborate cocktail menus, Sly Grog Speakeasy will soon open its doors as Ballarat’s newest bar and distillery.
Due to officially open in June, Sly Grog Speakeasy will be a glamorous addition to the region, courtesy of the team behind Aunty Jacks Ballarat, Roy Hammond and Hop Temple, all incredible drinking destinations, offering unique and incredibly diverse experiences.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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Hidden away in the heart of the city, a secret speakeasy event awaits this May, providing a sneak peek into the new bar as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival.
Bringing back the glitz and glamour of the city’s goldrush era – think Peaky Blinders meets The Great Gatsby – the mysterious event on Friday, 19 May will feature a live swing band, locally made spirits and roaming canapes from local producers.
The venue and menu will remain a mystery until 24 hours before the event. Dress up’s are encouraged.
For only $99 your ticket includes all-inclusive food and drinks – including gin, vodka, wine, sparkling and soft drinks.
Providing an intimate and exclusive first look at Ballarat’s newest destination, this is one event you’ll want to get to.
Find out more here.
‘A source of inspiration’: Danielle Laidley headlines Geelong IDAHOBIT event next week
Celebrated every year on 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia AKA IDAHOBIT marks the day the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its classification of diseases and related health problems.
Dedicated to building LGBTQIA+ inclusion and fighting discrimination, with allies and LGBTQIA+ folks who must stand together to create lasting change, May 17 is celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
This year Geelong will be celebrating with an event featuring former AFL footballer and coach Danielle Laidley as the keynote speaker.
In addition to partnering with WorkSafe, Wellways, TAC, Victoria Police, Drummond Street Services, and Geelong Rainbow Inc. to present the event, 2023 has seen the City of Greater Geelong also welcome partners in Geelong Cats Football Club and Nicholes Family Lawyers.
The author of the memoir ‘Don’t Look Away’, Danielle Laidley tells the story of being diagnosed with gender dysphoria and how she became an advocate for transgender people, raising awareness in a quest for acceptance of diversity.
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“This day is an important step in showing support for members of the LGBTIQA+ community,” says Mayor Trent Sullivan.
“There is no place in our community for any form of discrimination and that includes discrimination based on gender or sexuality. It’s vital that everyone feels they have a voice and are free to express themselves as valued members of our community.
“I have no doubt hearing Dani Laidley’s story will open people’s eyes to the challenges that members of the LGBTIQA+ community face, while also providing a source of inspiration.”
This event follows on from last year where the City of Greater Geelong held a sold-out discussion panel with the theme ‘Success, Courage, Pride and Overcoming Adversity’. Geelong very own stylist Deni Todorovic AKA ‘Style By Deni’ was a guest speaker alongside panelists from Geelong organisations as who shared their stories of success, courage, pride and overcoming adversity.
“There is still much work to be done to rid the community of discrimination based on gender and sexuality,” adds Councillor Anthony Aitken – Chair of the Inclusion and Care portfolio.
“While society has come a long way, it’s important that members of the LGBTIQA+ community continue to see real signs of change.
“Hosting events of this kind, and hearing guests speak of their real-life experiences, will play an important role in helping residents across the broader community understand the challenges that still exist.
“Every member of the community has a role to play in promoting equality and visibility, education and understanding.”
By going rainbow for IDAHOBIT, you can lead change, build LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and advocate for schools, workplaces and communities where LGBTQIA+ people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them.
The event links for tickets and the live stream will be made available to the public closer to the date.
Find out more here.
Ceres Distilling Co is Geelong’s impressive new craft vodka and gin distillery
Put your hands together for the newest distillery on the block, the family-owned Ceres Distilling Co.
Located in Grovedale, the Ceres Distilling Co specialises in craft vodkas and gins. Ross and Denise Johnston started this adventure with a passion for quality Australian Craft Spirits and have created a space where people can learn about distilling and support local industry and Geelong’s small business manufacturing sector.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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Rustic charm is all over this venue. Seating a comfortable 68 patrons, this high-quality establishment is the perfect location for any type of catch-up. The space is fitted out with industrial booths, high bar tables and comfortable Chesterfield seating; it’s hard not to fall in love with the design and layout from the moment you walk in.
Elevating the space, the main wall features a stunning nine-metre-high mural of the distillery’s version of Ceres: the Roman Goddess of agriculture and harvest, airbrushed by RMG signs. This gorgeous goddess is accompanied by sculptural and visual artwork that is spread throughout the distillery.
Not only do they have an array of signature cocktails that highlight the craft spirits (Ceres Dry Gin, Ceres Pepperberry Gin and Ceres Strong Gin), but they also feature a Japanese-inspired tapas menu designed to perfectly pair with the craft spirits, including a range of Katsu Sandos, Yakitori skewers and a salmon Crudo, all produced on-site from the distillery kitchen. If Japanese isn’t for you though, you can also order a charcuterie board that pairs just as well, if not better, with the craft spirits.
If you like surprises, then the Ceres Distilling Co also has you covered with a rotating cocktail of the month.
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The distillery prides itself on the visitor experience, providing vision into the distilling facilities including the stills, barrel wall, bottling line and labelling equipment. They also offer gin tastings and masterclasses, where you can learn how to make some of your favourite cocktails or drink pairings on the menu, as well as distillery tours to see where and how your new favourite spirits are made, with passion and using the finest harvest ingredients environmentally and sustainably.
Ross and Denise have goals to expand the spirits available and will be releasing a craft vodka range this year, and a craft whisky range in 2024. There’s also a Barrel-aged Sherry gin coming soon in the next few weeks, so it’s the perfect excuse to check them out.
Whether you’re a Geelong local, a city or regional day tripper, or visiting from interstate or overseas, check Ceres Distilling Co off your bucket list, and head down and try some hand-crafted spirits and food produced on-site, made with love by them, all for you!
Ceres Distilling Co is located at 36/8 Lewalan St, Grovedale. It’s open Thursday – 1-5 (tasting and distillery sales) Friday – 2-9, Saturday – 12-10 and Sunday – 12 – 8. Visit the website here.
Celebrate culture, community and conversation with Geelong Arts Centre at these incredible First Peoples-led events
Committed to a long-lasting reconciliation journey that acknowledges, respects, includes and responds to First Nations community, and connects First Peoples’ stories and voices with the broader community through meaningful artwork, performance and conversation, Geelong Arts Centre is bringing some awesome First Peoples-led events across National Reconciliation Week and beyond.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
I LIKED IT, BUT…
Up for something a little different? How about pub trivia with a contemporary dance twist at Little Creatures?
From 11 – 13 May, the brainchild of proud Wiradjuri man, Joel Bray, I Liked It, BUT… takes “experimental contemporary immersive performance” out of the theatre and into the bar, to see what passes the “pub test’.
Served with tongue firmly in cheek, I Liked It, BUT… caters to a broad range of entertainment seekers. Know heaps/nothing about contemporary dance? Come along! Love self-deprecation and some good pub humour? You’ll love this. Keen to open your mind to the world of performance art from the casual comfort of Geelong’s most iconic village brewery? This show has you covered!
A creator, choreographer, and performer, Joel Bray’s practice is inextricably linked to his cultural heritage. Using his body as a vessel for storytelling and evolution, Joel invites audiences to explore the experiences of fair-skinned Aboriginal people and the experiences of contemporary gay men in an increasingly isolated world.
I Liked It, BUT… hits Little Creatures’ Furphy Hall from 11 – 13 May and limited places remain. Lock in a date with your mates, and secure your seats now. Tickets cost $25 – $39 and can be purchased here.
CULTURAL CONVERSATIONS: RECONCILIATION WEEK 2023
Kicking off from 27 May – 3 June, the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is Be A Voice for Generations. The week invites Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to gather, join the conversation, ask questions, and walk together on a journey to reconciliation.
Facilitated by proud Gunditjmara actor and playwright, Tom Molyneux, join a panel of local First Nations artists, respected community members, and allies for this free event as they come together to examine the tangible ways in which we can all use our power and words to be a voice for reconciliation in our everyday lives.
Hear from Member for Geelong and Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, Christine Couzens MP; proud Worimi artist, Gerard Black; dual-premiership former Geelong Cats football star, Matthew Stokes; Proud Adnyamathanha woman, entrepreneur and Arranyinha business owner, Marsha Uppill; and spend the afternoon immersed in a yarning circle, exploring how to “Be a Voice for Generations: Act today for a reconciled tomorrow”.
Now in its third year, Geelong Arts Centre’s Cultural Conversations series aims to bring First Nations voices and stories to the forefront and to provide a culturally safe space in which to engage in shared learning and important discussions.
Registration is free but essential – capacity is strictly limited.
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THE VISITORS
Through both conversation and performance, Geelong Arts Centre puts the spotlight on stories that challenge, inspire, and deserve to be told. Visitors leave, right?
Coming to The Story House stage from 1 – 4 November, the renowned Sydney Theatre Company and Moogahlin Performing Arts present The Visitors; a powerful, imaginative response to the beginnings of modern Australia.
Famed for her plays Stolen and Rainbow’s End, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison turns her attention to that pivotal moment when the First Fleet dropped anchor.
A riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history, and a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.
On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. The attendees, six of them Elders and one new initiate, catch up, laugh together, share a meal and compare notes. But beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made.
After its Sydney Theatre Award-winning premiere production at the 2020 Sydney Festival, The Visitors will be reworked for this brand new production directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch AM.
This is powerful, truth-telling theatre at its rawest. Don’t miss out. Tickets cost $49 – $75. Find out more here.
CULTURAL CONVERSATIONS: TRUTH TELLING, TRUTH LISTENING
But that’s not all! Taking place at 5:30pm on 2 November, duck between Geelong Arts Centre’s The Open House and The Story House theatres and heighten your learning with a discussion to compliment the performance of The Visitors.
Come together with a brand new panel to reflect on what it means to truly, deeply listen and acknowledge the histories of Australia’s First Peoples.
With so much discussion about Australia’s readiness for truth-telling, maybe it’s time to flip the script… First Peoples have been telling their truth for more than 200 years; maybe what requires attention now, more than ever, is our readiness to engage in truth-listening.
In a conversation that holds space for First Nations voices from the local community, this Cultural Conversations event will examine the role that theatre can play in communicating truths to audiences who are ready to listen, and how we all have a role to play in navigating Australia’s difficult history.
Registration is free but essential, with panellists to be announced soon.
Make sure you stay in the loop by signing up for Geelong Arts Centre’s fortnightly What’s On e-newsletter at geelongartscentre.org.au.
Plus, got a penchant for First Nations arts experiences? Stay up to date with all upcoming First Nations performances and events by selecting ‘First Peoples Programming’ when nominating your interests.
There’s a new leadership program empowering young women and non-binary locals with disability
Through action, activism, and education young women and non-binary people with disability are having a significant impact on a global, national, and local scale in recent years. People like Greta Thunberg, Grace Tame and Barwon’s own breakout star Chloe Hayden are young, disabled and are literally changing the world.
When action is needed, leaders rise, but leaders don’t just magically appear. They need to find themselves first. For some, that means rethinking and redefining what we know and have been told about leadership. There is no one way, or right way, to lead.
Redefining what it is to be a leader, Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) have launched the Enabling Young Women Leadership Program with the aim to unearth that potential through fun and meaningful ways.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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The Barwon region has a strong legacy of disabled advocates and innovative disability inclusion, making it a perfect fit for the online empowerment Program. To truly
represent and capture the needs of the region, WDV has formed a reference group consisting of local organisations with expert knowledge and connections.
The Program is also proud to create valued employment opportunities for emerging leaders like local woman Vanessa Davies who joins WDV as the Program’s co-facilitator.
If you, or someone you know, wants to become a better leader, identifies as a woman or non-binary person with disability, aged 18-25 and are connected with the Barwon Region (live, work or play!), this is the program for you! Vanessa and the WDV team are currently seeking participants so don’t be shy.
The seven week online leadership Program, will start this at the end of this month and will conclude with a Gradation to celebrate participant achievements. Across the duration of the program, participants will explore who they are, reflect on strengths, learn about human rights, practice speaking up, work with a mentor to achieve a leadership goal, and become a stronger leader in the community.
The best part is the program and all materials are free for participants, while activities and sessions are adaptable to meet access needs.
Applications are now open. For more information and to apply, head to WDV’s website at wdv.org.au
Monty Python and Fawlty Towers’ legend of comedy John Cleese is coming to Geelong
Fresh from making headlines for likening King Charles Coronation to Monty Python, the legendary British comedian John Cleese has announced a run of shows across Australia this year, including a local stop in Geelong.
Cleese will take over Costa Hall in Geelong for one night only on Saturday, 29 July at 8pm, reporting on his experiences in the afterlife, and what the audience can expect when they get there.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
A message for my Twits in Oz
I shall be doing shows in Oz this summer
July 24th Lawnsister
July 26th Herbbat
July 29th Jeelon
July 31st Mealbun
Aug 2nd Brizbin
Aug 5th Seedknee
Aug 8th Cornbarrow
Aug 11th NookasselJnho Cleazzz
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 8, 2023
John Cleese is loved all over the world for his comedic antics in cult films such as “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, “Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life”, “The Life of Brian” and the ever memorable television series “Fawlty Towers”.
Winning a British Academy Award for Best Actor in “A Fish Called Wanda” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline, Cleese has also appeared in the James Bond films “The World is Not Enough” and “Die Another Day”.
This is a show you do not want to miss! Hurry, this will sell out!
General public tickets go on sale Monday 15 May, with pre-sale tickets on sale Wednesday 10 May – Sunday 14 May. Head here for more info.
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall. Little Creatures Brewery. Geelong. 7:30pm. Free.
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall. Little Creatures Brewery. Geelong. 7:30pm. Free.
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall. Little Creatures Brewery. Geelong. 7:30pm. Free.
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall
‘I Liked It, BUT…’ ft. Joel Bray Dance & Hassall. Little Creatures Brewery. Geelong. 7:30pm. Free.
Geelong Jazz Day (Lt Malop St Party)
Geelong Jazz Day (Lt Malop St Party). Piano Bar. Geelong. 1-5pm. $20.98.