Now in its third year running, the Underbelly Festival was conceived with emerging Sydney artists in mind. These artists are carefully selected and given a mere ten days to produce new and inspiring works that illuminate their talent in a particular creative area.

The festival invites public participation as we are invited to witness the step-by-step creation of these artistic works. This is achieved via daily “Lab” tours of Fraser Studios which showcase the artists in the midst of creation. Finally, on the last day of the festival, audiences can witness the artists finished creations.

With an array of artistic fields such as filmmaking, puppeteering, publishing and theatre-making covered, and a range of talented individuals with a refreshing take on art involved, the Underbelly Festival is a must see.

The festival runs from July 7 to 17. For more information visit  www.underbelly.com.au

The 17^th Biennale is a free cultural event operating across various locations throughout Sydney from May 12 until August 1. 

The Biennale offers inspiring talks from some of the nation’s best art curators, to insightful films from some of our best up-and-coming filmmakers; it even offers “mystery” tours of the infamous Cockatoo Island. 

The festival’s official website: www.bos17.comis regularly updated and features a full list of all the daily events occurring throughout the city during the period. The Biennale caters for everyone’s tastes, so you are bound to find something awe inspiring

Many of us aspire to attend a fashion show as a member of the coveted front row, to view the incredible designs of an array of Australia’s most celebrated designers up close and delve into the drama that occurs backstage…  

A must see for the fashion enthusiasts among us, Frock Stars is an exhibition capable of transforming these aspirations into reality. By showcasing the previously undisclosed behind-the-scenes operation of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week the exhibition invites you to imagine yourself as a member of the fashion elite.  

Where: The Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
When: 22^nd April – 29^th August 
Cost: $25 for a family, $10 adult, $6 concession, $5 child/student. Free for Powerhouse members.

TED is a website designed to proliferate the thoughts, opinions and ideas of a wide range of intellectuals, educators and even celebrities. Devised to educate, inspire and inform, the site offers live recordings of talks that address issues relating to themes such as technology, entertainment, design, arts and global issues.

To view the wide range of talks and themes available for viewing, visit www.ted.com

It’s that time of year again! Various events are taking place throughout the month of February to celebrate The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

On Saturday, February 27^th the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will flood Sydney’s Oxford Street for a night full of glamour, spectacle and outrageousness.

Are you a fan of legendary filmmaker/photographer John Waters? Or simply intrigued by his shocking yet clever antics? Waters will be holding a seminar for one night only as part of the month long Mardi Gras festival.

Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

When: 2^nd March at 8pm

Cost: $45 + BF

To see a full list of events and happenings visit http://www.mardigras.org.au/