One of the unexpected impacts of the current global COVID-19 crisis is that the world’s cultural activities have become more widely spread than ever before.
Although festivals, art galleries and even some parks and gardens have closed their gates, the internet is brimming with live streams, virtual tours and creative activities.
We’ve collected some of our favourite happenings from around the internet here. Scroll on to discover eight things you can do in Canberra this weekend without leaving the house.
Whilst National Zoo & Aquarium is currently closed, Zoos around the country are offering glimpses into the lives of their inhabitants via live streams and hidden cameras. Photo: Supplied.
Virtual Zoo Tours
Where: Zoos Victoria and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
When: All week
Free from the madding crowds and noise that usually accompanies a day at the zoo, captive animals around the country must be breathing a sigh of relief. Us humans can still satisfy our curious side and delve into the lives of mysterious creatures from around the world, though, as zoos move to initiate live streams of their enclosures.
Zoos Victoria’s Snow Leopard Cub Cam is a certified hit, while crocodile feeding time in Sydney was a popular choice earlier in the week.
Maybe a few weeks at home is the excuse you need to kickstart that music career? Photo: Supplied.
Embrace your musical ambitions
How to get involved: Various
When: All week
Perhaps some mandatory self-isolation is exactly what you need to finally realise that latent musical potential of yours. Guitar company Fender is offering its three-month online courses for free at the moment. Closer to home, the Bec Taylor School of Music has moved to an online teaching model so you can learn from local musicians over the internet. For seasoned players who need to brush up on their theory, AMEB has moved their industry-standard music theory courses into online mode as well.
Cultural institutions around the world are open, albeit virtually. Photo: Supplied.
Shakespeare from The Globe
Where: Head to The Globe website
When: All week
The Globe Theatre in London has a whole range of performances available to stream via their website this week. At the time of writing, Hamlet was taking place across the virtual stage, but audiences will see different plays on offer at different times. No matter what’s play(ing), this is a chance to catch world-class performers taking on timeless classics, all for free, and all from the comfort of your own home.
Easi Delivery has more than 300 restaurants on its books. Photo: Supplied.
Grab take-away from your favourite local restaurant
Where: Search for restaurants trading in your area
When: Check for opening hours
Just because you can’t physically sit in your local food hotspot to dine, doesn’t mean you can’t support your favourite businesses. Many restaurants around the region have moved to pick up or delivery as a way to keep the doors open and the hotplates firing. Pialligo Estate has this week started up a click-and-collect scheme, and locally-owned app Easi can connect you with businesses with contactless delivery options.
A weekend trip to Murramarang National Park (pictured) might be a stretch, but you can take virtual walking tours through the world’s national parks online. Photo: Supplied.
Explore the world’s national parks
Where: Head to the Hidden Worlds website
When: Anytime
What with advise levels for movement becoming more strict, this weekend might be the perfect time to let nature come to you. Google offer free virtual walking tours of national parks from around the world, including Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the majestic Kenai Fjords, meaning that you don’t have to miss out on the thrill of exploration if it becomes harder to physically get out and about.
Thursday
Hugh Ramsay, ‘Two girls in white’ (1904) also known as ‘The sisters’. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Photo: Ray Woodbury, AGNSW.
NGA Curator Talk – Dr Deborah Hart in Hugh Ramsay
Where: Join the live stream on Facebook
When: 12:45 pm
Now that the National Gallery has announced its temporary closure, the best way to enjoy the national collection is by diving into the world of live streaming and virtual tours. This Thursday, Deborah Hart will tell the story of Hugh Ramsay’s life, following on from his intercontinental career, sharing his important connections (including Dame Nellie Melba), and delving deep into the life of an immensely talented painter.
Friday
Harry Potter remains as culturally relevant as ever. Photo: File.
Worldwide Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Where: Join the event on Facebook
When: 7:00 pm
Start your own Harry Potter viewing party or join the online conversation thread as thousands of Potterheads around the world press play on the second film in the iconic franchise at exactly the same time. This looks set to be a weekly tradition, so true fans will want to check in next week for objectively the best Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Sunday
Young Canberra band Learner’s Permit is live streaming alongside a host of other local acts this weekend. Photo: Learner’s Permit Facebook.
CBR LIVE – Online Music Festival
Where: Join the event on Facebook
When: 5:30 pm
An Instagram festival for the ages. Canberra indie upstarts Learner’s Permit head up this all-local live stream lineup for an evening of performances you can watch from home. Also playing are the psychedelic HYG, power punk trio Box Dye, avant-garage rockers Paint Store, and racket enthusiasts The Dirty Sunflowers. Tune in from 5:30 pm on Sunday for this free event.
For even more online music action, head over to this week’s RiotACT Gig Guide.
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