A visually exciting and entertaining exhibition of satirical celebrity portraits.

Created in 1994 as a spoof of the more serious Archibald competition, the Bald Archy Prize attracts portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy and caricature.

The satirical side of this event has its basis in the irreverent, larrikin Australian comic comment. This year’s 43 finalists have provided a vintage crop, with a cavalcade of famous and infamous politicians vying with sporting figures, entertainers and even champion racehorse Winx for gallery space.

The 2019 winner features a portrait of legendary thespian, Geoffrey Rush, by Melbourne artist Simon Schneider.

“It was good that Simon Schneider’s fine portrait of Geoffrey Rush was able to withstand the avalanche of entries featuring infamous politicians and cricketers, though given that they provide such rich fodder for creative artists, it’s hardly surprising that they dominate,” says Baldy Archy convenor, Peter Batey.

“We love to push the envelope, have fun and avoid the pretensions that sometimes afflict other more ‘serious’ art competitions. The satirical side of this event has its basis in the irreverent, larrikin Australian comic comment, and the finalists this year have been fortunate to have had so much inspiration to draw from. It’s been a vintage year.”

Where: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Darling Drive, Sydney NSW, Australia
Level 4

When: Every day, 10am to 4pm
until Sunday 28 April 2019

Cost: Adult: $5.00
Child: Free

Immersive twilight tour of The Rocks

Immerse yourself in the engrossing world of fact and fiction as artists Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller lead you on a twilight video walk around The Rocks.

Experienced on a mobile device, The City of Forking Paths leads people on a fictional journey through physical surrounds at dusk. Starting at Customs House in Circular Quay, the work weaves a trail through The Rocks.

Against the backdrop of real streets, the artists invent fictional scenarios and incidents for users to discover along the way. Guided by the voice of Janet Cardiff, familiar streets, made mystical at dusk, become the backdrop for an unfolding narrative of memory, displacement and desire.

The City of Forking Paths was commissioned by the 19th Biennale of Sydney: You Imagine What You Desire, curated by Juliana Engberg. The immersive audio-visual art work continues to be experienced as a Biennale of Sydney Legacy artwork in the City of Sydney Art collection.

For more information, frequently asked questions and alternative dates visit the official website.

Where: Customs House
31 Alfred Street, Sydney

When:
Thursday 4 April 2019 from 6.45pm to 8.45pm
Saturday 6 April 2019 from 6.45pm to 8.45pm
Thursday 11 April 2019 from 5.45pm to 7.45pm
Saturday 13 April 2019 from 5.45pm to 7.45pm
Wednesday 17 April 2019 from 5.45pm to 7.45pm
Friday 26 April 2019 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Saturday 27 April 2019 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Cost: Free but need to book

One hundred and One Insect Life Stories

Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery presents One hundred and One Insect Life Stories, a solo exhibition of new work by John Wolseley. In this exhibition, comprising of sculptures and works on paper, Wolseley will explore the fascinating metamorphosis of beetles and moths, creating whimsical myths of eternal return.

Please join us at the opening reception on Thursday, 21 March 2019, 6pm to 8pm.

This exhibition coincides with Angela Brennan’s ‘Celestial – Terrestrial’ exhibition.

John Wolseley (born 1938) has been creatively exploring Australia’s flora, fauna and complex environmental systems for over 30 years. He views himself as both an artist and a scientist. In 2005, he was made an Honorary Doctor of Science by Macquarie University and was also awarded the Visual Art Emeritus Award by the Australia Council. Wolseley recently collaborated with his close friend and Yolŋu elder Mulkun Wirrpanda to create a major exhibition and accompanying publication ‘Miḏwarr | Harvest: The Art of Mulkuṉ Wirrpanda and John Wolseley.’ The touring exhibition will open at its third location at the Melbourne Museum on 4 April 2019.

Other well-known solo exhibitions include ‘John Wolseley, Malle-Maquis-Desert-Rainforest 1990-2016’, Hamilton Art Gallery, Victoria (2016) and ‘Heartlands and Headwaters’ at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (2015). He has also participated in a number of important group exhibitions and is included in numerous public and private collections globally.

This is John Wolseley’s 7th exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.

Image: John Wolseley, ‘The life of inland waters – Durabudboi river’ (detail), 2015-2018, watercolour, graphite, woodcut on paper, 124 x 445cm, photo: Mark Ashkanasy.

Where: Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery
8 Soudan Lane, Paddington

When: Every day, 10am to 5pm
until Saturday 13 April 2019

Cost: Free

Documentaries aimed at inspiring a better world

The Transitions Film Festival returns with an enthralling line-up of cutting-edge documentaries about the existential challenges, mega-trends, game-changing technologies, and creative visions that will redefine what it means to be human.

Featuring inspiring films and discussions about the solutions to our greatest collective challenges, the Transitions Film Festival will let you see the change you want to be in the world.

Enjoy cutting-edge, thought-provoking films and expert speakers, and surround yourself with a diverse community of awesome humans dedicated to building a better world!

Get engaged. Get inspired. The future is now!

Where: Dendy Newtown
261-263 King Street, Newtown

When: Tuesday 2 April 2019 from 6.15pm to 6pm
Wednesday 3 April 2019 from 6.15pm to 10pm
Thursday 4 April 2019 from 6.15pm to 10pm

Cost: Various: Visit website for details

Balmoral Swim for Cancer

The Balmoral Swim is a unique open water swim held within the beauty of Sydney Harbour, making it a safe event for all comers. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to ocean swimming, we have an event for you.

The event is in its 29th year and is organised by volunteers, most of whom are members of the Balmoral Beach Club. However the entire local community gets behind the event to make it happen. From Mosman Council, to HMAS Penguin, to the Balmoral Sea scouts, all supported by our sponsors, Platinum- Allianz, Gold – Audi Mosman and URM, Silver – Jeckra and Medilab, Bronze Raine and Horne, Edney Ryan, Mortgage Choice, and Oceanswims.com.

The Balmoral Swim has raised more than $1,000,000 since 1990 and this year hopes to raise $250,000.

The Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to childhood cancer. Every dollar received from the government and granting bodies to support direct research costs must be matched with a dollar raised by the community.

“By holding this event, the Balmoral Swim is helping us undertake the medical research we know will uncover a cure for childhood cancer,” says Children’s Cancer Institute’s Executive Director, Professor Michelle Haber.

“Fundraising events like the Balmoral Swim enable us to continue this critical research – and demonstrate what can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause.”

Over 1000 swimmers will charge into the pristine waters of Sydney Harbour for the Balmoral swim and participate in the following events:

5km swim around the bay (limited to 360 swimmers)
1km swim around the island (Anita Comelli Trophy)
School’s Team Challenge Relay (4 x 250m)
Corporate Team Challenge
200m Junior Swim – under 12yrs
Relays – Open and Junior for the HMAS Penguin Trophy

For more details see the official website.

Where: The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia

When: Sunday 7 April 2019 from 7am to 1pm

Cost:
1km adult: $35.00
5km adult: $85.00