Baker Boy is just one of the many Indigenous artists who’s music is proving more vital than ever. Photo: supplied.
Canberra businesses continue to open up this week as the ACT nears the one-month mark since its last active COVID-19 case. It means that all kinds of precious freedoms like going out for a coffee, sitting down in your favourite restaurant, and experiencing the tentative steps back towards live, in-person performance are all on offer across the weekend and throughout the week.
But instead of celebrating these newfound freedoms, many Canberrans will be turning their attention to those whose freedoms are impacted by systematic racism, police brutality and deaths in custody. As Reconciliation Week draws to a close, there are plenty of opportunities to use this weekend for self-education, difficult discussions and protest, and a lot of it can be done from home.
All Weekend
Rapper Briggs features on the Black Flag Spotify playlist. Photo: Supplied.
Listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians
Where: Streaming via Spotify
When: Anytime
In the wake of protests against institutional racism around the world, the community is this week being asked to educate themselves about the ways that racism seeps into our everyday lives. For Australians, one of the simplest ways to do this is by surrounding ourselves with the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The Black Flag playlist, compiled by a local Canberra artist, features a diverse showing of Indigenous musicians, from the politically charged hip-hop of Briggs, to the emotionally raw songwriting of Alice Sky and the infectious joy of Baker Boy.
The Reconciliation Day pledge postcard. Image: Events ACT.
Reconciliation Week: Pledge and Share
Where: Your place
When: Anytime
Reconciliation Week might be officially over for 2020, but the reconciliation journey continues regardless. Your household may have received a pledge postcard in the mail late last month, offering a series of steps that we all can take in making meaningful progress towards reconciliation. It’s an opportunity to make a commitment and promise to yourself to continue the process and continue the conversation for more than just one week out of the year. If you missed out, you can still download the postcard from Events ACT.
BentSpoke Brewing Co is celebrating six years this weekend. Photo: supplied.
BentSpoke Brewing Co’s 6th birthday
Where: Online event hosted by BentSpoke Brewing Co
When: Thursday and Friday from 6:00 pm, Sunday from 11:00 am
Canberra brewer BentSpoke is six years old, and they’ve lined up a whole week’s worth of events to celebrate. Tune in to Bent Brewers Live on Thursday evening to hear from the brewers themselves as they take you through the story behind their new birthday beer. Friday night is all about the pairings, with Cheesy Beers, a guided tour through a handpicked selection of cheeses and beers.
Live music is returning to The Basement in Belconnen. Image: The Basement.
Unplugging The Basement Acoustic Series
Where: The Basement, Belconnen
When: Friday 6:30 pm, Sunday 3:00 pm
Live music is making its slow return across the city, and The Basement is offering the chance to catch a gig in person this weekend with their Unplugging The Basement Acoustic Series. Small audiences of 20 will be treated to intimate sets from two exciting local performers in Paul Blackwell and Christiaan ‘Seppy’ Sep. Because of the small capacity, booking in advance is highly recommended for both of these events. Bookings can be made over the phone. Head to The Basement’s Facebook page for more information.
Learn online with the National Portrait Gallery. Photo: Jack Mohr.
The Amazing Face
Where: Hosted by the National Portrait Gallery
When: Anytime
This free, online introduction to the world of portraiture has been designed by the National Portrait Gallery to “banish boredom, manifest mindfulness, and conjure creativity”. Jump online and investigate 14 portraits over 14 days, exploring everything from the artist-sitter relationship through to self-portraiture and the importance of presence.
The launch of Market Grill showcased Pialligo Estate’s wonderful variety of fresh, delicious produce.
Dine in at Pialligo Estate
Where: Hosted by the Pialligo Estate
When: Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner
Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at Pialligo Estate this weekend. Each space is heated with views over the 55-acre Estate. Enjoy the a la carte menu and physically distanced dining, or choose an even more exclusive option by opting for a private room for groups of two to 20. Bookings are essential for an experience you’ll never forget. Check out the event page for more details.
Thursday
PhotoAccess are hosting an online in-conversation event with artists from their current exhibition. Photo: PhotoAccess.
Traces Unseen: Artists in Conversation
Where: Streaming online, hosted by PhotoAccess
When: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Curator of the Traces Unseen exhibition Aimee Board will be joined by exhibiting artists Damien Shen, Tara Gilbee and Todd Johnson in this live-streamed in-conversation event. Tune in to the PhotoAccess Facebook page on Thursday evening to join the discussion and gain insight into the inspirations and methods of these three artists. Don’t forget to bring your questions.
Friday
Black Lives Matter will take their protest to Parliament House. Photo: File.
Black Lives Matter – Peaceful Protest
Where: Garema Place
When: From 10:30 am
Organised to show solidarity with the George Floyd protests taking place in the US, this peaceful protest will address the institutionalised racism that faces Indigenous people in Australia. Beginning at 10:30 am in Garema Place, expect a series of speeches before the group marches across the lake to Parliament House. Hand sanitiser and face masks will be available for those who need them, with social distancing measures also set to be in place where possible.
The NFSA’s Virtual Vinyl Lounge is back this Friday. Image: Supplied.
Virtual Vinyl Lounge
Where: Online event hosted by the National Film and Sound Archive. Register via Eventbrite.
When: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
The National Film and Sound Archive continue their online Vinyl Lounge sessions this weekend with a curated musical journey brought to you by curator Thorsten Kaeding. This fun and insightful virtual listening party is a chance to connect with fellow audiophiles and delve into some of the more intriguing recorded sounds from throughout history. Participants are also invited to share a song with the group and talk briefly about why it’s important to them and their musical journey.
Saturday
Learn all about the world of mushrooms hidden underfoot in our forests and gardens. Photo: Supplied.
Mushroom Discovery Workshop
Where: Online event, hosted by Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
When: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
This down-to-earth workshop is all about connecting with the stunning natural environment we are blessed with in the region. By delving into the realm of fungi, participants will gain an appreciation for the careful balance of species and cycles in our forests, gardens and national parks. Learn how to tell the difference between mushrooms you can bring home to cook from the ones you ought to avoid in this two-hour online workshop.
Wednesday
Michael Terry examining Lasseter’s message carved into a tree trunk, Lake Christopher region, Western Australia, 1932. Photo: nla.cat-vn6577327.
Finding Local History – Webinar
Where: Online event, hosted by the National Library of Australia
When: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Ever wondered about the history of where you live? Follow along with the Library as they take you through their special collections researching your local history. Learn how to search through time and place to build family stories and local narratives. This is a free event, but places are limited.
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