What's on in November
27 Oct 2020
Enjoy local and international art and music, watch a highlight of the national sporting calendar and more – across Australia, here's a selection of what's happening in November.
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW
Having been postponed like so many events, the most prestigious arts prizes in the country return to Sydney a little later in the year than usual. The renowned Archibald Prize – generally featuring an eclectic mix of portraits depicting celebrity subjects from politicians to sporting heroes – has long been a standout on the harbour city’s thriving cultural scene. The Archibald is joined by two other wonderful exhibitions, the Wynne Prize and the Sulman Prize. And this time Archie Plus, a free program of art, culture and performance, is also running alongside the exhibitions.
Sydney, until January 10, 2021
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/archibald-wynne-sulman-prizes-2020/
Qantas Centenary Birthday, Longreach
This is one for the aviation enthusiasts and Australian history buffs. Qantas Airways, Australia’s national airline and indeed the third-oldest airline in the world, is turning 100! To celebrate this major milestone, Qantas Founders Museum is offering free entry on the day along with a variety of activities including a special morning tea with birthday cake, a one-hour guided tour on the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar, and a curator talk about the history of Qantas.
Longreach, Queensland, November 16
https://qfom.com.au/event/qantas-centenary-birthday/
Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF)
New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, but for one weekend in November some of the finest local, national and international jazz musicians will take to the stage in our very own city of Perth. From the intimate to the rousing, the festival will showcase a sensational array of live jazz performances at the Perth Cultural Precinct and Hyde Park in the inner city suburb, Northbridge. What’s more, a number of community events on the packed jazz program are completely free to attend.
Perth, November 6-8
State of Origin, Game 1 at Adelaide Oval
For the first time in rugby league history, the highly anticipated State of Origin series between NSW and Queensland will kick off in South Australia. The opening game of both the Men’s and Women’s best-of-three interstate series will be held at Adelaide Oval. Which state will take the early advantage in the 2020 edition of this famous rivalry? You’ll have the rare chance to see every run and tackle live at one of Australia’s most atmospheric sporting venues.
Adelaide, November 4
https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/events/state-of-origin-2020/
Sculpture Trail, Art Farm Birchs Bay
If you would enjoy a scenic walk with a spot of art and community spirit, head to Art Farm Birchs Bay (about 35 minutes south of Hobart) for the fabulous Sculpture Trail, an annual exhibition of around 20 sculptures by local Tasmanian and interstate artists. Each year, the working farm acquires one new permanent sculpture from the current exhibition. The picturesque trail leads you on a one-hour walk through pear orchards, along bush tracks and across open fields with views of Bruny Island and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. In addition to the outdoor sculpture trail, a small sculpture exhibition is also on display in the Old Distillery Gallery on weekends.
Birchs Bay, Tasmania, until January 17, 2021
https://www.artfarmbirchsbay.org.au/
DESIGN Canberra
Celebrating and promoting Canberra as a global city of design, the 2020 DESIGN Canberra festival delivers a smorgasbord of over 200 events, exhibitions, tours, presentations, markets, artist studios, open homes and much more for three splendid weeks around the nation’s capital. Now in its 7th year, the festival tailors to all design and architecture interests covering early 20th century visions, iconic experimentation from the 1950s and 60s, through to contemporary developments in sustainable design. The majority of events are free, so don’t hesitate to check out the best of Canberra design.
Canberra, November 9-29
https://designcanberrafestival.com.au/
The Other Art Fair Melbourne – Online Studios
Melburnians may not be able to visit exhibitions in person at the moment, but thanks to this online art fair presented by leading online gallery, Saatchi Art, you can still pick up a potential masterpiece to directly support local emerging artists. Founded in London in 2010, The Other Art Fair successfully made its way to Melbourne in 2017, and this year pivots to an online event so nobody misses the chance to add to their collection. Are there empty spaces at home crying out for some artwork? Go online to immerse yourself in paintings or photography from Melbourne’s brightest creative talent.
Melbourne (online), continuing throughout November, https://www.theotherartfair.com/melbourne/
Darwin International Laksa Festival
Love your laksa or simply trying out new cuisines? The Territory is famous for its amazing, authentic laksas and the Darwin International Laksa Festival is the perfect opportunity to tantalise your tastebuds with this delicious dish originating from Southeast Asia. Throughout the month, foodies are invited to embark on a Laksa Food Tour of the region. All you and your foodie friends have to do is taste and rate the laksa dishes prepared by participating restaurants, then vote for your favourite dish. The overall “People’s Choice Golden Bowl” award will be announced at the festival on Sunday, November 29.
Darwin, November 29
https://laksafestival.nt.gov.au/
GBART 2020
The Granite Belt Art & Craft Trail (GBART) will boast an eclectic line-up of artisans for its 2020 open studios event. The trail will feature more than 30 artisans exhibiting at studios and galleries as well as taking up residence in community spaces. Event founder Rosy Chapman said it would deliver a welcome boost for the region’s economy as well as bring the community together. GBART begins at the top of the Granite Belt at Dalveen (about 2.5 hours from Brisbane) and winds its way south to the New South Wales border.
Dalveen, Queensland, October 30 – November 1
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