The world may be in lockdown, but self-isolation doesn’t mean we have to stop experiencing art. Despite COVID-19 closures, Australian art is finding new ways to go viral. Artists, museums, galleries, institutions, and more are exploring innovative ways to reach audiences, spreading some timely comfort and unity. Below is our ever-growing list of Australian art ready for you to discover.
Some events free, some are ticketed but we encourage you to make a donation to these and other organisations if you enjoyed their performances. For a full list of digital events check out ArtsHub’s What’s On guide.
PERFORMING ARTS: YOUTUBE AND LIVESTREAMING
The Adelaide Guitar Festival team has moved the Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition online, and it is also exploring ways to share with audiences via its social media channels.
All the Queens Men: Digital Dance Club
All the Queens Men are offering a free online dance platform to connect the community during the coronavirus closures. The Dance Club will be held every second Sunday on Zoom. The next sessions will be Sunday 19 April, 2.00pm – 3.30pm (EST), and Sunday 3 May, 2.00pm – 3.30pm (EST).
Arts Centre Melbourne: Morning Melodies
Art Centre Melbourne invites audiences to watch a free stream of the Morning Melodies performances. The first live stream, accessed via the Art Centre Melbourne’s website, Exposing Edith was broadcasted on the 23 March at 11am, and is now available to view anytime on the Art Centre Melbourne’s Youtube Channel. Stay tuned for future offerings.
Arts Centre Melbourne has also introduced the online initiative Together with you. This offering will feature never-before-seen items from the Australian Performing Arts Collection and Australian Music Vault, virtual workshops, new commissions and documentaries, alongside some of our favourite performances.
Australia Theatre Live: Virus Free Theatre Festival
Not-for-profit arts organisation, Australia Theatre Live has kept the theatre open with its Virus Free Theatre Festival. Enjoy the Dapto Chaser streamed live and free this week, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April at 8PM (AEST) on the Australian Theatre Live Facebook page.
The Australian Ballet: Ballet TV
The Australian Ballet has made available some of its most popular ballets free of charge on Ballet TV. David McAllister’s production of The Sleeping Beauty is now available for a limited time.
Australia’s preschool entertainers have come together for the very first Aussie Kids Couch Concert. Available via streaming video platform Vimeo On-Demand, hosted by actor Emily McKnight this music and dance-filled adventure takes kids into the worlds, and living rooms, of some their favourite local performers.
Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) have launched an immersive Digital Season: HomeCasts, featuring new recordings, live streamed performances, access to archival and never-released footage, specially curated playlists, in-depth interviews and more. ACO’s website will be updated every Monday with new content for the week ahead.
On Monday 23 March Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Camerata launched 5@5. Available through its Facebook page, the online initiative will see the Camerata play for five minutes at 5pm (AEST Monday-Friday), giving the public a change of pace and allowing for some time to reflect. The public is encouraged to use the hashtag #TuneInTuneOutWithCamerata.
Cooped-Up Cabaret: Live Stream Variety Show
Melbourne based cabaret performer and producer, Sophie deLightful has devised a live stream variety show that will go live fortnightly from 4 April. Cooped-Up Cabaret will feature a rotating list of talented performers. The launch show is on sale now, and limited to 100 attendees. Each registration costs $15 and viewers have the ability to comment and tip performers.
Fishlace Jones: This is Acting
Created by Charlie Ranger, Fishlace Jones: This is Acting is a five-part web-series available on YouTube. The story revolves around Australia’s Best-Known Unknown Actor, Fishlace, as he takes a Masterclass with five actors.This comedy series was created to be released with the comedy show FISHLACE JONES Masterclasser at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
For the kids – Sydney Opera House
Experience the Sydney Opera House from your home with a range of digital content and hands on activities created especially to inspire young minds. From parkour to classical music, model-making to puppets, there’s something for kids of all ages to discover.
John Foreman’s Aussie Pop Orchestra: What a Wonderful World
John Foreman’s Aussie Pop Orchestra and friends have ‘phoned in’ an isolation orchestra performance of What a Wonderful World, made famous by Louis Armstrong, to raise awareness of music industry charity Support Act. Support Act is Australia’s only charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers. You can make a donation to Support Act via its website.
Marian Street Theatre for Young People: #nowwemake2020
A not-for-profit organisation, Marian Street Theatre for Young People is running an online art campaign to encourage children to send through any art they make – drawings, poems, scripts, a dance, and more. Marian Street Theatre for Young People is asking young people to “show us a snapshot of their lock down life”. The aim is to document the experiences of young people in this incredible period of change.
MSO: Thursday Night (in) at the Symphony
Following on from the success of two livestreamed events last week, which were collectively viewed by more than 100,000 people, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is offering: Thursday Night (in) at the Symphony, a new premiere concert series every Thursday evening at 7.30pm on the MSO YouTube channel. And from the weekend of 28-29 March the MSO will also present a series of pre-recorded chamber ensemble concerts curated by Principal Viola Christopher Moore, streamed each Sunday at 3pm.
If, like everyone else, you are missing your live theatre fix, The Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) has launched a new digital platform: MTC NOW. You will find a weekly collection of digital content curated by MTC via its website.
In the lead up to Bach’s birthday (31 March) and in unity with Perth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) violinist Julia Watson’s #Bachaday campaign, #BachintheBathroom is designed to inspire everyone to pick up their instruments and stay connected. People around the world are asked to take a video of themselves playing their favourite piece of music by Johann Sebastian Bach – in the bathroom – and upload to Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #BachintheBathroom and #Bachaday.
QMusic, Queensland’s music industry development association, has launched a series of free online workshops and masterclasses aimed at the Queensland music community. QMUSIC CONNECT sessions will commence at 5.30pm (AEST) via Facebook Live on Monday 6 April.
On 18 March, Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) launched its first Concert over the Fence video. The first video features QSO Concertmaster Warwick Adeney and Section Principal Flute Alison Mitchell getting together over a fence to keep the music alive. Concert over the Fence will be released every Friday on QSO’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Red Line Productions will present a livestreamed reading of Lyle Kessler’s Orphans, featuring Alec Baldwin, Aaron Glenane and Red Line Productions Co-Founder Andrew Henry. The 90-minute live stream will be broadcast on Red Line’s Facebook page at 11am on 12 April.
Riverboats Music Festival: The Lounge Room Sessions
Riverboats Music Festival has launched a new platform called The Lounge Room Sessions to help put money directly into the hands of Australian performing artists. The first session was streamed on 25 March at 8pm AEDT. Each night an Australian solo artist or band will perform a 20-minute set from their lounge rooms, which will be broadcast via Facebook Live. A link will be included alongside each post where viewers can make an optional contribution to the artist via a dedicated fundraising page, administered by TryBooking. 100% of all funds received will be paid directly to the artist.
Selby & Friends Chamber Music: Selby & Friends at Home
To replace its cancelled May performances, Selby & Friends have recorded a live concert on 27 March featuring Andrew Haveron and Umberto Clerici. This concert will be made available to 2020 subscribers and Tour 2 ticketed patrons online. Selby & Friends have also launched Selby & Friends at Home, an initiative available via YouTube that will allow the public access online to a range of live concert recordings from its archives.
Sydney Opera House: From our House to yours
Sydney Opera House’s From our House to yours initiative brings an array of full-length performances and talks, never-before-seen footage, podcasts, long-form articles and behind-the-scenes content. Sydney Opera House will also release new content via its website weekly.
Sydney Dance Company: Virtual Studio
The Sydney dance company has launched Virtual Studio, a new online dance classes initiative. Suitable for everybody from absolute beginners to experienced dancers, classes will be available in dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop. Virtual Studio teachers will include Sydney Dance Company dancers, who will be teaching from their lounge rooms.
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has launched a new digital project: #TSODailyDose. As of 25 March, TSO will release digitally engaging content daily at 8am. The daily dose will include footage from recent concerts, tracks from the TSO’s extensive recorded archive with newly created imagery, interviews, show-and-tell demonstrations and chamber music performances.
Tuck Shop Ladies: Online Concert
The Tuck Shop Ladies, a partnering of Australian folk musicians Sam Lohs and Rosie Burgess, will present their show: All up in my dial up as a Facebook LIVE concert.
All up in my dial looks at life’s pertinent issues and gives a peek into the personal relationship of touring musicians. You can support the Tuck Shop Ladies by purchasing a $10 ticket to the concert.
Universal Studios: The Shows Must Go!
The Shows Must Go On! YouTube Channel has announced from Saturday 4 April it will make available a selection of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much loved musicals. Each show will be available weekly from 5AM each Saturday for a limited 48-hour period online – no charge or sign up required.
To find more performing arts and other streamed content head to our What’s On Streaming Event guide.
VISUAL ART: VIRTUAL TOURS AND ONLINE EXHIBITIONS
Australian Centre For Photography (ACP) is now providing private tuition. These one-on-one digital sessions provide access to specific, practical tuition in whatever field you choose. Learn more at ACP’s website.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image’s (ACMI) Cinémathèque screenings, held on Wednesdays at The Capitol, has now been moved to a weekly Virtual Cinémathèque screening every Tuesday. ACMI will release details of the weekly Virtual Cinémathèque via its social media channels. ACMI is also partnering with Media Mentors to create twice-weekly micro-skills workshops for screen professionals and enthusiasts. New workshops will be uploaded to the ACMI YouTube channel at 10am every Wednesday and Friday.
For all the parents at home with little ones, ARTea Art School is running an art challenge as a school holiday activity. The challenge runs from Monday to Friday at 9am with a new theme posted on ARTea’s Facebook group. Children are encouraged to respond to the daily theme through all forms of media, including drawing, painting and sculpture, with parents sharing images of their child’s creation.
The Biennale of Sydney has announced it will make the move to a digital experience. Working with long-time Biennale partner Google – and in a first for the Biennale of Sydney – audiences around the world will be able to engage with NIRIN through live content, virtual walk-throughs, podcasts, interactive Q&As, curated tours and artist takeovers on the Google Arts & Culture platform.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre: VIRTUAL INSIGHTS
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre has launched the VIRTUAL INSIGHTS program, a curated selection of digital content, featuring DIY art making activities, staff insights into the collection, exhibitions, book and game recommendations, wholesome food recipes from their café and more. The program will feature local artists, creatives and makers, and Blue Mountains Cultural Centre invites the public to contribute with their ideas and stories.
Castlemaine State Festival: online art auction
Castlemaine State Festival will be taking their biennial fundraising program online. The ten-day Castlemaine State Festival Art Auction begins on Friday 27 March with bids closing at 5pm on Sunday 5 April. As one of the Castlemaine State Festival’s main fundraising activities, the annual event aims to support the Festival as well as the many artists living and working in the region.
Casula Powerhouse: Digital Program
Casula Powerhouse is rolling out its school holiday programming online. Comic creations, Stop motion, drawing, science and art classes will all be made available online for free.
Cork & Chroma: Paint and Sip sessions
Art studio Cork & Chroma are now providing online Paint and Sip sessions. The basis of the sessions is still the same as in-studio sessions – following the instructions of an artist, the participant paints a designated picture whilst having a few drinks.
Dominik Mersch Gallery: online exhibitions
Dominik Mersch Gallery in Rushcutters Bay will be offering online showings of new works by Meng-Yu Yan, Peta Clancy and Piers Greville. Clément Cogitore’s exhibition can also be viewed online through Dominik Mersch Gallery’s VIRTUAL TOUR, which offers an in-gallery experience of Cogitore’s cinematic and photographic works.
Geelong Gallery | National Portrait Gallery: The Look Exhibition
Geelong Gallery has decided to close The Look exhibition and return the works to the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. However, the exhibition is now available to view online via the National Portrait Gallery’s website.
Matt Stewart: Creative Artwork Puzzles
Brisbane-based artist Matt Stewart has launched art puzzles of his original works. With 1,000 pieces and seven artwork options the jigsaw puzzles become artwork pieces that people can mount or frame and display once finished.
Museums Victoria: Museums at Home
A new project from Museums Victoria: Museums at Home will enable the community to connect and explore. Events on offer include The Listies’ LOLtastic tour of Melbourne Museum, a STEM fix from Scienceworks, and stories of human experience from Immigration Museum. Museums Victoria will be sharing educational experiences, quick Q&As with experts, live streaming virtual events and more.
MUMA: E-newsletter for artists
Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) has announced it is suspending its regular fortnightly e-news, and offering its digital space as a platform for artists to produce and share artwork and resources. Sign up on MUMA’s website.
MPavilion 2019: podcast library
MPavilion 2019, designed by architect Glenn Murcutt AO closed on Wednesday 18 March, however 52 new podcast recordings featuring Glenn Murcutt, Green Magazine, Blakitecture, AsiaTOPA, Eugenia Lim, the Archibald Prize, the Louvre Museum, Indigenous Astronomy and many more can be found on the MPavilion website.
Newcastle Art Gallery: Virtual tour
Recorded in January 2018, the exhibitions PAINTING MEMORY: From the collection and EVERYTHING CHANGES: Tim Maguire 2002 – 2017 have been documented in a 3D showcase of the Gallery building, recording some of the most iconic works of art from Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection as an interactive and educational online resource.
National Film and Sound Archive Australia (NFSA) will be offering new content every fortnight via its social media channels. Social posts will help highlight key items from the collection along with unique and behind-the-scenes content.
Virtual tours, online collection galleries, eBooks and activities for children will be available via the NGV website and social media channels. During the temporary Gallery closure new content will be uploaded to the NGV Channel regularly. Exhibitions Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines and KAWS: Companionship In The Age Of Loneliness will be available as virtual tours.
Enjoy some fashion-focused cultural conversations at The Sherman Centre for Culture and Ideas’s (SCCI) Virtual Fashion Hub. The platform offers videos, podcasts, articles, and back-catalogues.
Sydney Olympic Park: ARTEXPRESS Contemporary exchanges exhibition
Students from the 2019 HSC Visual Art examinations are unable to exhibit their artworks due to coronavirus closers, so this year Sydney Olympic Park has made available the ARTEXPRESS Contemporary exchanges exhibition as a virtual tour. Support these young artists and visit the Sydney Olympic Park website.
Tjanpi Desert Weavers: Weaving tutorial
Tjanpi Desert Weavers have made available an online weaving tutorial. Sit down with Tjanpi artist, Loria Heffernan and learn to make a basket of your own. Weaving can be a great way to release stress and calm the mind.
To find more virtual tours and exhibitions head to our What’s On Digital Exhibition guide.
Writing and Publishing: Books, podcasts and virtual crowds
2020 Stella Prize: 2020 online announcement
The Stella Prize is inviting the wider public to the virtual awards ceremony for the 2020 prize. Tune in to the Stella Prize website from 8pm (AEST) on Tuesday 14 April 2020 to help celebrate the vibrancy and quality of Australian women’s writing. The 2020 online announcement features guest speaker the Hon. Julia Gillard AC. Audiences will also hear from Louise Swinn, chair of the Stella judging panel on the evolution of Australia’s national writing culture, along with other speakers yet to be announced.
2020 Australian Book Industry Awards: Virtual Awards
The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) will be a live streaming Virtual Awards Event. ABIA are throwing the doors open to everyone on Wednesday 13 May at 4:00pm. Join the virtual crowd and help celebrate the achievements of authors, publishers, editors, illustrators, designers, publicists and marketers. With the move to a digital platform, the ABIAs will be experienced in a new way, taking it from 500 invited guests to thousands of people across Australia and around the world.
A monthly exploration of the Australian arts sector and the artists who inhabit it, the ArtsHubbub is a new podcast created by the ArtsHub editorial team. The latest episode delves into the topic of art as recovery during times of devastation and destruction. You can subscribe to the Arts Hubbub via iTunes, Google, or Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.
Australian Book Review: the ABR Podcast
Released every second Wednesday, The ABR Podcast features a range of reviews, poetry, fiction, interviews, and commentary. In the latest episode, Poetry for Troubled Times, 18 artists – including John Coetzee, Robyn Archer, and Sarah Holland-Batt – read some of their favourite poems, works that resonate in these anxious times. You can subscribe to The ABR Podcast via iTunes, Google, or Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.
Clarence Arts & Events: TWO SIDES: Stories and Music from Home
TWO SIDES: Stories and Music from Home calls for local artists, writers and musicians to submit works created through the pandemic. The stories will be released in a small publication with an accompanying album that will be sent out via post in June 2020. Find out more on Facebook.
State Library of Victoria: free access
Australia’s oldest library is offering free access to a range of collections, e-resources and online services. There are 4.1 million digital collection items on the State Library of Victoria’s website along with a treasure trove of stories, galleries, exhibition content, videos, music and more. The Ask a Librarian service will also be available online from 25 March.
Sydney Writers Festival: Podcasts
Sydney Writers Festival has made available a treasure-trove of podcasts from its archives. Listen to conversations from Marlon James, Jeanette Winterson, Kate Tempest, Herman Koch, Douglas Coupland, Annabel Crabb, more. You can search for each episode on all major podcast platforms including iTunes and Spotify.
Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival: TAF2020 Replay
From 26-29 March, Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival (TARWF), based in southern Tasmania, is offering a full replay of all 12 of its TAF2019 Murder She Wrote Panel Sessions, courtesy of the TARWF podcast team at Living Arts Canberra. Inspired by Agatha Christie, join TAF2020 Replay for four days of virtual panel discussions exploring crime and mystery fiction written by women, followed by live Q&As online.
Touring company Think Inc. has launched an online event series: Outside the Box. The first event will be hosted on Sunday 19 April at 12:00 PM AEST (2:00 PM NZST), to a global audience. The event will be launched by Prolific spoken-word artist, Luka Lesson for his event: Building Resilience: A Poet’s Guide. The event will focus on helping people have their voices heard above the noise of our chaotic world. Tickets are on sale via Think Inc.’s website.
Writers Victoria: Season two program
For the writers at home, Writers Victoria have Season two of its program available via its website. Writers Victoria are also currently holding its April Flash Fiction, connect with them via twitter.
To find out more on books and publishing head to our What’s On Online workshops & courses guide, and What’s On Panels, lectures & ideas guide.
Missed an event or want to create a listing? Email updates to digitalevents@artshub.com.au.