Oxford Street Design Store is just one of the unique artistic spaces that has benefitted from City of Sydney's initiative. Photo courtesy of Concrete Playground.

There’s a new buzz around a certain section of Oxford Street, and it’s coming from a hive of thriving creatives. Thanks to an initiative from the City of Sydney, art organisations, collaborations and collectives alike are successfully operating from a scattering of once vacant offices and shopfronts. By offering artists affordable rents, City of Sydney has developed a creative hub which supports local talent.

But this initiative has not only opened up fantastic opportunities for said artists, the general public now have access to creative works and ideas that they may not have otherwise. There’s an array of unique spaces to explore, covering design, visual arts, film, transmedia, music, literature and more.

66 Oxford Street houses a multitudes of creative organisations. There you’ll find Music NSW, a not for profit industry association that supports contemporary musicians, Fishburners, a not for profit enterprise that helps entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground, and the Sydney Writers Room which offers workspaces to serious writers looking to publish.

You’ll find He Made She Made Concept Gallery at number 70, promoting the work of the under-represented, and at number 72 sits the aptly named art gallery Platform 72 which gives 100% of the profits to artists. A must visit is the unique Oxford Street Design Store at number 58, where various artists sell their works for $20 or less.

There’s tons more to check out in the area, so get down to Oxford Street to discover diversity of Sydney’s creativity, perhaps while you listen to Oxford St’s favourite radio station!

Words by Elise Annetts

If you are worried about escalating fines for overdue or lost books or just too embarrassed to go back to the library, then now is the time to wipe the slate clean. The City is also hoping that long-lost books ─ and borrowers with expired membership ─ will make a reappearance at the City’s libraries.

Did a dog eat The Life of Pi? Was The English Patient left on a plane? Or is it too hard to part with a treasured copy of Wolf Hall?

Simply come in and see the staff at the front desk of any of the nine City of Sydney Library branches, or email or phone during April and ask to have any fines incurred prior to 1 March 2012 erased ─ no matter how large or small.

Plus throughout April, City of Sydney residents can also sign up for a free 12 month membership or renew their membership for free as well.

For more information or to contact City Of Sydney Library:

Visit:    cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library

Email:  library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Phone: 02 9242 8555

2001: A Space Odyssey at the AGNSW

Does this film really need an introduction? Head down to the Art Gallery of NSW for an exclusive FREE screening of Stanley Kubrick’s revolutionary masterpiece. Be sure to arrive a little earlier than the start time to secure your seat, as spaces are limited.

When: 2:00pm, Sunday 25^th March
Where: Domain Theatre, Art Gallery of NSW
How much: FREE
More info here (Bottom of the page)

Seniors week talk – Older women’s network theatre group

Uma Kali-Shakti talks about her work as an activist, writer, director, performer and poet and her new role as director of the Older Women’s Theatre Group, based in Millers Point.

When: 12:00pm-12:30pm, Friday March 23 
Where: The Rocks Discovery Museum, Kendall Lane, The Rocks (entry via Argyle Street)
How much: FREE
More info here or 9240 8680

Assisted Dying: Distortion, Misinformation and the Religious Lobby  

At the AGM of NGO Dying With Dignity, Chrys Stevenson, author in The Australian Book of Atheism, reports on how religion influences the public debate about assisted dying. 

When: 2:00-4:00pm, Saturday March 24 
Where: Mitchell Theatre, Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Level 1, 280 Pitt Street
How much: FREE
More info here

Magnum Contact Sheets

For a limited time only Stills Gallery will feature Magnum Contact Sheets, an exhibition of early and original contact sheets by photographers from the renowned photographic agency Magnum. Often compared to an artist’s sketchbook, the contact sheet, a direct print of a roll or sequence of negatives, is the photographer’s first look at what he or she captured on film, and provides a uniquely intimate glimpse into their working process. It gives a behind-the-scenes sense of walking alongside the photographer and seeing through their eyes.

When: 29^th February to 24^th March, open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: Stills Gallery, 36 Gosbell Street, Paddington
How much: FREE
More info here

Civil Liberties in an Age of Increasing Terrorism…and Decreasing Crime  

Dr. Martin Bibby, Former UNSW lecturer and convenor of the NSW Council of Civil Liberties civil and indigenous rights and criminal justice subcommittee, considers how we can stop security and crime concerns from overriding basic civil liberties like freedom of movement, association, speech and also privacy.

When: 6:45pm-8:00pm, Tuesday March 27
Where: Glass Room, Joe’s Kitchen, City of Sydney RSL, Level 2, 565 George Street, Sydney
How much: FREE
More info here

Unveiled / the Sydney Project

For this project, renowned German photographer Sascha Weidner has moved between Sydney’s terrain and subterrain, with images shot over a ten-day period. At the conclusion of the installation period, Weidner departs, leaving the images to chemically decompose during the six-week exhibition period. The project combines object and installation and encourages visitors to investigate, touch and handle the works laid out in darkroom developing trays. Weidner’s work is informed by investigations of polarity including darkness and light, urban and bush, beauty and ugliness.

When: 3^rd March – 15^th April, open Tuesday-Friday 12-7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm
Where: Australian Centre for Photography, 257 Oxford Street, Paddington
How much: FREE
More info here

EASTSIDE Live at 505

Make sure you’re free on Thursday night for Eastside’s very own live at 505 event, featuring the Funky, Dubby, Juicy beats of Gypsy Dub Sound System, fresh from performances at the Sydney Festival, Woodford and the Opera house. They are supported by Paris and Georgie, who you may know from the Groovescooter show on Tuesday Evenings, who will be spinning funk, jazz and soul tunes all night long. All proceeds go to keeping Eastside Radio on air – come along and show your support for community radio!

When: 7:30, Thursday March 8

Where: Venue 505, 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills

How much: $15/$10 for Eastside supporters

More info here
The Girl Who Loved Ned Kelly: The Story of Ettie Hart  

In 1926 a woman dies in Balmain Hospital, taking to her grave one of the greatest untold love stories in Australian history, she was the love Ned Kelly left behind. With recently released and previously unseen historical documents, Paul O’Keefe, her great great grandson paints an amazing and tragic picture of a remarkable young woman who was an integral part of this defining period in Australian history. While the event is free, please book beforehand on 9367 9211.

When: 6:30-8:00pm, Wedesday March 7

Where: Balmain Library, 370 Darling Street, Balmain

How much: FREE

More info here

James Muller Trio at 505

Next Monday 12^th of March, Renowned Sydney Jazz guitarist James Muller will be appearing with the James Muller trio and Steve Barry on Keys. If you haven’t seen this guy yet you should definitely come along, he is a exciting and supremely talented musician who has collaborated Mike Nock, Renee Geyer, James Morrison and Dale Barlow, to name a few. It’s a bargain at only $10 – don’t miss it!

When: 7:30pm Monday March 12

Where: Venue 505, 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills

How much: $10

More info here

The Spot Festival

Every year the streets of The Spot precinct come alive, with the sounds and smells of Randwick’s biggest street festival. Now in its fifth year, The Spot, at the corner of Perouse Road and St Pauls Street in Randwick, will once again be transformed into a vibrant community street party, and a celebration of film and food. It features three stages with all sorts of entertainment, a variety of market stalls selling homewares, clothing and gifts, and mouthwatering food from around the world.

When: 1:00-7:00pm, Sunday March 11

Where: The Spot, Perouse Road & St. Pauls Street, Randwick

How much: FREE

More info here

Florence Taylor: architect, editor, businesswoman – the ‘Great Lady of Sydney Town’   

Dr. Bronwyn Hanna describes the humble beginnings, courageous career and mixed legacies of Florence Taylor, Australia’s first professionally qualified, practising woman architect. Taylor was also an engineer, town planner, journalist, publisher, social climber and rightwing feminist. In 1955 she was described as “the empire’s most remarkable woman”.

When: 6:00-7:00pm, Thursday March 8

Where: Level 1, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills

How much: FREE

More info here 

Avant garde beatmaster Ras G, of Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder imprint, will be playing a live set at the Burdekin Hotel on Wednesday 29^th February. Highly regarded within the LA broken beat scene, Ras G makes dark and brooding beats drawing influences as diverse as classical jazz, hip hop, dub and noise, peppered with all sorts of quirky samples. He is supported by FBI presenter Monk Fly, and local beatsmiths Ostinato and Peon. It’s not everyday an international act like RAS G plays a FREE gig at a local bar – don’t miss it!

When: Wednesday 27^th February, 9:00pm – late

Where: Burdekin Bar, 2 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

How much: FREE

More info here

Wunder Pond exhibition at Tin Sheds

Wunder Pond presents the work of four contemporary Australian artists who create distinctly personal introspective visions. Working across a range of media, artists David Capra, Charles Dennington, Hossein Ghaemi, and Matthew Tumbers approach their work intuitively, adapting a range of loose, immediate, playful, humorous and apparently disordered styles.

When: 10^th February – 10^Th March

Where: Tin Sheds Gallery, 148 City Road, Camperdown

How much: FREE

More info here

ArtExpress 2012

ArtExpress is a dynamic and popular exhibition featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts, 2011. It includes a broad range of approaches and expressive forms, including ceramics, collection of works, documented forms, drawing, graphic design, painting, photomedia, printmaking, sculpture, textiles and fibre, and time-based forms.

When: 22^nd February – 22^nd April

Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales

How much: FREE

More info here

Pop Sydney – Sussex Lane

For two days only Sussex Lane will be transformed into a great, green oasis in the heart of our bustling city. Feel the grass under your feet, learn about the City of Sydney’s innovative plans for green infrastructure or enjoy a casual drink from one of the small bars in the lane. Want to experience a green Sydney? Get it in the diary and remember, it’s green for two days only.

When: Monday & Tuesday, 5^th & 6^th of March, 6:00pm onward

Where: Sussex Lane, Sydney

How much: FREE

More info here

Raunchy Romance Storytime

Take one romance book expert, let her loose with a line-up of the finest (and most gorgeous) Australian actors and performers and get a night of the raunchiest, naughtiest, funniest, swooniest stories around. We are excited to present this special adults only storytime featuring Rhys Muldoon, Libbi Gorr & PJ Lane, and curated by self confessed romance book addict and Book Thingo blogger Kat Mayo.

When: Wednesday 7^th March, 8:00-9:00pm

Where: Reading Room, Customs House Library, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney

How much: Gold coin donation (fundraiser for International Women’s Day)

More info here

SIMA presents the Matt Baker Quartet

The Matt Baker Quartet will appear at the Sound Lounge at the Seymour Centre this Friday the 24^th. The New York based jazz group, originally from Sydney, had a busy year in 2011 recording a new album, Underground with a number of guest appearances. The bandleader is well known within the New York club scene, and has ‘performed professionally with some of New York’s top musicians including drummer Gregory Hutchinson, saxophonist Dayna Stephens and with trumpet legend Roy Hargrove’.

This is a rare opportunity to see a talented group at the top of their game – don’t miss it!

When: Friday 24^th February 8:30-11pm

Where: The Sound Lounge at The Seymour Centre, corner of City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale

How much: $20 (non-member), $15 (member), $10 (student)

More info here

Courtyard Sessions at the Seymour Centre

Every Friday evening from the 20^th January to 30^th March, The Seymour Centre courtyard hosts FREE gigs featuring up-and-coming talent from Sydney’s vibrant local scene. This week, you can witness the talents of Sydney based collective Panama, who make feel-good indie music with an electronic twist. After the gig, grab a drink and bite to eat at the Courtyard Bar and BBQ.

When: Friday 24^th February, 6-9pm

Where: Seymour Centre Courtyard, Corner of City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale

Cost: FREE

More info here

Jazzgroove presents Mike Nock Trio + Ben Panucci Trio

Mike Nock, winner of the 2011 Bell Award for ‘Best Australian Contemporary Jazz Album,’ returns to Jazzgroove with his stellar band, featuring Brett Hirst on double bass and James Waples on drums.

Opening act Ben Panucci, a fixture of the Sydney jazz scene, appears as bandleader in a trio that ‘draw influence from the lyrical and blues flavoured playing of musicians such as Lester Young, Bill Frisell and Ornette Coleman.’

When: 8:30pm, Tuesday 28^th February

Where: Venue 505, 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills

How much: $15/$8

More info here

Bert Flugelman – Sculptures: 1990-2010

A retrospective of work by celebrated Australian sculptor Bert Flugelman (of ‘silver shish-kebab’ fame), featuring photographs of his public sculptures by David Perry.

When: 29^th February – 17 March, gallery open Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00-17:30

Where: Peter Pinson Gallery, 143 Edgecliff Road, Woohllahra

How much: FREE

More info here

Eveleigh Farmers Markets

Eveleigh Market is an award-winning authentic Farmers’ Market held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm at Carriageworks in inner-city Sydney. The market allows local NSW based farmers and artisan food producers to sell their fresh and seasonal produce direct to public. The Market is home to over 70 regular stallholders who sell a wide range of farm fresh products, from source to hub, for all your weekly grocery needs.

When: Every Saturday, 8am-1pm

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Darlington

How much: FREE

More info here

Convict Sydney

Explore Australia’s convict history at the World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks. Learn about the forced transportation of convicts, their daily lives and how they built the colony. Wander the streets of 1820s Sydney on the giant map, try on a set of leg-irons, lie in a convict hammock, look for your relatives on the convict database, and discover the intriguing stories of some of the 50,000 convicts who passed through the barracks doors between 1819 and 1848. Bring your kids along for dress-ups and the convicts Kids’ Trail.

When: 11 September 2010-31 May 2013

Where: Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney

How much: FREE

More info here

Wildlife photographer of the Year 2011

Experience the power, mystique and beauty of nature through the wildlife photographer’s lens.  Be captivated by playful polar bears, agile cheetah cubs, swooping scavengers and misty sunsets from over 105 images selected from more than 40,000 entries worldwide. With entries from 95 countries across the globe, this is a selection of the most powerful images capturing wildlife and nature.

When: 10 December 2011-18 March 2012

Where: Level 2, Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney

How much: $12/$8/$6 (includes entry to museum)

More info here

Heidrun Lohr – Parallax: The Performance Paradigm in Photography

Heidrun Lohr has been photographing Sydney’s performing arts community for over 20 years. As resident photographer at Belvoir, she has photographed the cream of Australian’s actors in action – Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Hugo Weaving to name a few – and continues to shoot performance of all sorts. This exhibition will feature imaginative portraits of both big name celebrities and lesser-known artists alike. Come along and witness a unique perspective on Sydney’s vibrant performing arts scene.

When: 07 February-15 April 2012

Where: Australian Centre for Photography, 257 Oxford Street, Paddington

How much: FREE

More info here

Jo Fabro at the Macquarie Hotel

Jo Fabro takes to the stage at Sydney’s Macquarie Hotel with her own brand of sultry blues and smoking hot Jazz. Having been performing since the age of 17, Fabro is no stranger to giving it her all to the crowd. She is backed by the Jo Fabro Group featuring Franco Raggatt on guitar, Zoe Hauptmann on bass, and James Hauptmann on drums.

When: 17^th February 2012, 8:00pm

Where: The Mac, 42 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills

How much: FREE

More info here

Tropfest Short Film Festival 2012

Not only is Tropfest Australia’s most prestigious short film festival and an iconic cultural event, it is the largest film festival in the world. Entry is open to anyone with a video camera, regardless of background and experience. So grab you friends and grab a picnic and head to The Domain for sometimes funny, sometimes sad and often thought provoking films. Gates open at 11am so pack a picnic and get down early to enjoy a summer’s night in Sydney like no other.

When: 19^th February, 8:00pm for shortlisted films, other events running throughout the day

Where: The Domain, Sydney

How much: FREE

More info here

Making Sense: Contemporary LA Photo Artists

There exists a rich contemporary art scene in and around Los Angeles, promoted by the plethora of universities and museums with strong photomedia programs and collections. The Art Gallery of NSW has acquired a group of 13 photographs by artists based in Southern California, whose work deals with relations between landscape and architecture, high and low culture, representations of the body, politics and irony, word and image. The artists include Allan Sekula, Miles Coolidge, Christina Fernandez, Sharon Lockhart, Mark Wyse and many others.

When: 11 February-13 May 2012

Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney

How much: FREE

More info here

Movement at the Beach Road

Each Friday night, the Beach Road Hotel will be hosting Niche Productions’ free electronic music night, Movement. Come along if you’re a fan of leftfield dance music, with some of Sydney’s best DJs spinning dubstep, techno, hiphop, nu disco and wonky beats all night long.

Where: Beach Road Hotel, 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach

When: Fridays, 8pm – 12 midnight

How much: FREE

More info here

The Rise of the Precarious Society

As part of the Sydney Ideas Festival, Professor Guy Standing will discuss the findings of his new book, The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class. He will be speaking about the emergent ‘precariat’ class, a section of society that is precariously unemployed, and how it came to be.

Where: Law School Foyer, University of Sydney, Chippendale

When: Thursday 9 February, 6:00pm

How much: FREE

More info here

20 Years in Fred’s Footsteps

To commemorate twenty years since the establishment of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Waverley Library is hosting a special touring photographic exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late eye surgeon.

Where: Waverley Library, 32-48 Denison Street Bondi Junction

When: 30^th January – 21^st February

How much: FREE

More info here

Red Tape Gold Scissors

Drawing from Dr Shirley Fitzgerald’s book – Red Tape Gold Scissors – this exhibition explores the life of Australia’s largest Chinese community. As part of Sydney City’s Chinese New Year program, this is sure to be an enlightening exhibition, and will feature a selection of photographs of the Sydney of times past.

Where: Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010

When: 6 January – 29 February

How much: FREE

More info here

Courtyard Sessions at the Seymour Centre

Every Friday evening from the 20^th January to 30^th March, The Seymour Centre courtyard hosts FREE gigs featuring up-and-coming talent from Sydney’s vibrant local scene. This week, 5 piece all-girl vocal outfit ‘Lady Sings it Better’ take to the stage with a smoky old-school cabaret spin on some well-known classics by bands such as AC/DC, Queen and the Rolling Stones. After the gig, grab a drink and bite to eat at the Courtyard Bar and BBQ. 

When: Friday 10^th February, 6-9pm

Where: Seymour Centre Courtyard, Corner of City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale

Cost: FREE

More info here

‘The Good News Story’ – how a sustainability revolution IS happening around the world

Join local resident and sustainability expert Simon Carter as he presents a positive and exciting view of sustainability – one focused on opportunity, prosperity and hope rather than loss, cost, fear and failure. Event is free but booking is preferred. Please come early and join us afterwards to chat and share some tasty snacks.

When: 1^st February, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Where: Bronte Surf Life Saving Club

How much: FREE

More info here or 9369 8045

Dragon Boat Racing – Chinese New Year

The Chinese Year of the Dragon has just begun – what better way to celebrate than at the Dragon Boat Races at Darling Harbour? This event is part of the City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year celebrations and is sure to be big! Races run over 2 days from 4-5 of February, and take place every 8 minutes. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunblock.

When: 4^th February, 8am – 5pm, 5^th February, 8am – 3pm

Where: Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour

Cost: FREE

More info here

Seymour Centre Courtyard Sessions

Every Friday evening from the 20^th January to 30^th March, The Seymour Centre courtyard hosts FREE gigs featuring up-and-coming talent from Sydney’s vibrant local scene. Bands include high-octane bluegrass outfit ‘Bellyache Ben and the Steamgrass Boys’, six-piece female cabaret group ‘Lady Sings it Better’, and energetic pop-rock stalwarts ‘The Sculptures’. Take a break from dancing and grab a drink and bite to eat at the Courtyard Bar and BBQ. The venue is also ‘kid and pooch friendly’.

When: Fridays from 20^th January to 30^th March

Where: Seymour Centre Courtyard, Corner of City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale

Cost: FREE

More info here 

Picasso Goes to the Movies

As part of their Picasso exhibition, the Art Gallery of NSW is running free weekly screenings of classic films influenced by the Spanish master. Sessions run from 9^th November to 25^th March, and feature the work of auteurs such as Federico Fellini, Stanley Kubrick, Jean-Luc Godard and Luis Buñuel. Check out the website for full session listings. Please note that tickets are limited and must be collected in advance.

When: Wednesdays 2:00pm and 7:30 pm, Sundays 2:00PM

Where: Domain Theatre, Art Gallery of NSW

Cost: FREE

More info here

Surry Hills Markets

The Surry Hills Markets, held the first Saturday of each month, is brimming with vintage clothing, used books and records, and all sorts of curios and knick knacks. Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or casual shopper, you’ll find something interesting at Surry Hills Markets. When you’re done, grab lunch or a coffee at one of Crown Street’s many chic eateries.

When: Saturday 4^th February, 7:00am – 4:00pm

Where: Shannon Reserve, Surry Hills, Corner of Crown and Collins Streets

Cost: FREE

More info here