ARTEXPRESS 2021 features a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the art-making component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts in 2020 – a challenging year – and provides insight into students’ creativity and the issues important to them.

The exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. features 48 artworks selected from 8617 student works submitted for the 2020 HSC, including works by students from government and non-government schools from across metropolitan and regional NSW.

The elegant and highly resolved bodies of work demonstrate a creativity, resilience and sustained investigation of the very complex world and times in which we live.

The 37th annual ARTEXPRESS represents a broad range of approaches across a range of art forms, including painting, drawing, photo-media, sculpture, ceramics, time-based works, documented form, printmaking, textiles and fibre and graphic design.

ARTEXPRESS is a joint partnership between the NSW Education Standards Authority and NSW Department of Education in association with the principal venue the Art Gallery of NSW.

Where: Art Gallery of NSW
Art Gallery Road, Sydney

When: Every day, 10am to 5pm
Friday 5 February to Monday 5 April

Cost: Free but book tickets through website

In partnership with UTS Fashion & Textiles, Australian Design Centre presents an outstanding selection of 2020 graduate designs in this revolving exhibition.

On display are the designs by Joshua Saacks, Kerry Brack and Sally Jackson. These emerging designers represent a new generation with concerns that go to the core of society’s current disquiet and upheaval.

Each of the three designers exhibited are focussed on sustainable design practices. Diverted waste, natural dyes and reclaimed materials feature in their collections.

Object Space is a window gallery located in the window of the ADC Offices on William Street in Darlinghurst. The exhibition space has direct street frontage, is accessible to view 24 hours a day and is lit for viewing at night.

Where: Australian Design Centre
101-115 William Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Object Space is a window gallery located in the window of the ADC Offices on William Street in Darlinghurst.

When: Every day, all day
Now until Saturday 20 March

Cost: Free

Explore the State Library of NSW - Australia's oldest library - during Culture Up Late with extended evening opening hours every Wednesday and Thursday evening until 1 April.

With its iconic Mitchell Library Reading Room, beautiful heritage spaces and world-class galleries, you’ll be surprised by what you discover there!

Step inside the Library’s historic Mitchell Building vestibule and see an extraordinary piece of public floor art – a massive marble version of the original Tasman Map from 1644. Just around the corner is the Collectors’ Gallery, a wondrous cabinet of some 2,000 curiosities from the Library’s collection, including Patrick White’s typewriter, Miles Franklin’s waratah teacup and Henry Lawson’s death mask.

Head upstairs to check out to the popular Photos1440 exhibition featuring the best published and unpublished images by Sydney Morning Herald photographers. This year the exhibition looks back over its 10-year history to see what made the news then and now. Free, on show until 25 April.

The new exhibition Coming out in the 70s looks at the hard-fought activism, personal sacrifices and community movements that paved the way for gay pride as we know it today. Free, until 16 May.

Visit Eight Days in Kamay and explore James Cook and the Endeavour's short stay in Kamay (Botany Bay) with new knowledge shared by the local Gweagal people. Free, until 28 February.

Over 300 unique landscape and portrait paintings are on permanent public display, including works by internationally renowned artists like Conrad Martens, Arthur Streeton and Judy Cassab.

For talks and public programs, check out the Library’s what's on guide.

All visitors are encouraged to read the Library's Special Conditions of Entry.

This initiative is part of the Summer in the City program proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the City of Sydney. We’re working together to revitalise the city centre.

Where: State Library of NSW
Macquarie Street, Sydney

When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, 10am to 8pm
Wednesday 3 February to Thursday 1 April

Cost: Free but you can book tickets through website

RSPCA NSW is launching a new Clothing Collective pop-up.

The pop-up will take place every Thursday to Sunday throughout March. All funds raised from the fashion sale are going towards helping the tens of thousands of animals that turn to RSPCA NSW for help each year. Profits will help to cover things like essential veterinary treatments and vaccinations, bedding and toys, treats and more.

Savvy shoppers will be able to grab much loved labels at a fraction of the price, with incredible donations from A list brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Shona Joy, Lululemon, Berlei, Realisation Par, Glassons, Peter and Jain and more! Prices will start from $5, so make sure you head on down to get your hands on these fantastic value items.

Fashionistas attending on opening night will be greeted by cute rescue dogs to cuddle, as well as the chance to win big on a raffle with prizes that include a $300 Lullaby Club voucher, a Peter + Jain bag (and more) and of course purchase some clothing steals.

Where: The Addison Road Community Centre
142 Addison Road, Marrickville

When:
Thursday 4 March from 6pm to 9pm
Friday 5 March from 12pm to 7pm
Saturday 6 March from 9am to 3pm
Sunday 7 March from 9am to 3pm
Thursday 11 March from 12pm to 7pm
Friday 12 March from 12pm to 7pm
Saturday 13 March from 9am to 3pm
Sunday 14 March from 9am to 3pm
Thursday 18 March from 12pm to 7pm
Friday 19 March from 12pm to 7pm
Saturday 20 March from 9am to 3pm
Sunday 21 March from 9am to 3pm
Thursday 25 March from 12pm to 7pm
Friday 26 March from 12pm to 7pm
Saturday 27 March from 9am to 3pm
Sunday 28 March from 9am to 3pm

Cost: Free

Sunset Piazza Community Concert features a line-up of local talent.

Discover non-professional or community performers and groups that expressed interest to the City of Sydney to be included in the community performance program.

My Sauce Good

Performing original songs in Spanish, this Sydney-based group with a cheeky edge, combine soulful vocals, groovy percussion and gritty guitar-driven sounds.

Sydney Street Choir

This inspiring musical group has been delighting audiences across Australia for over 20 years with their passionate and inspiring performances. The choir brings together people experiencing hardship and disadvantage.

Destructive Steps Dance Association

Local street dancers take to the stage to freestyle and cypher, showing off their individual flair with incredible dynamic movements.

The Hamiltons

Recently returned from the UK, siblings Emma (accordion, vocals) and Thomas (piano) perform highlights from their sold-out French-inspired London cabaret shows.

Athésia

Haitian Canadian jazz singer Athésia and her band perform a mix of unique compositions, traditional Haitian and classic French songs.

Benito Di Fonzo AKA Suburban Bukowski

Upbeat, folky and often funny neo-beatnik tales of failure, fun, futility and excess are trademark of the story-songs penned by award-winning poet and playwright Benito Di Fonzo.

Cajon Cats

This exciting band of Cajon box drummers perform rhythmic arrangements fusing flamenco, Latin and African flavours with a twist of contemporary groove and funky breaks.

Deio

Latin American trio Deio combine acoustic string power, percussive rhythms and vocal harmonies to bring great music and good vibes to the stage.

Learn Hula Sydney

Sharing their love of Hawaiian hula with a special dance from the island of Oahu, audiences will get to see how hand motions in hula also tell stories.

Event info

Gates open at 6.30PM. Arrive early and settle into the Piazza with an aperitivo or appetiser before the performance. See the Sunset Piazza menu here.

Sunset Piazza is a licensed event. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

This initiative is part of the Summer in the City program proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the City of Sydney. We’re working together to revitalise the city centre.

Covid-safe information

Sunset Piazza puts the safety and well-being of artists and audiences first. Patrons must follow NSW Health guidelines and follow Covid safe practices when attending Sunset Piazza events. See full details on our Covid safety.

Where: Sunset Piazza
Cathedral Square, College Street.

When: Thursday 4 March from 8pm to 9:45pm

Cost: Adult: $25.00
Book tickets through the website