September
Seven must-see shows this October
From a Bette Davis cabaret, to Celine Dion on the Titanic and a takeover in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, there are plenty of reasons to leave the house this month.
- Michael Bailey
‘We’re not Logos by the Sea’: How to make arts sponsorships work
Transfield’s exit from Sydney Biennale in 2014 started a torturous recent history for corporate support, but there are still successful exceptions.
- Sue Williams
- Opinion
- Opinion
There is a compromise for disputes like the one at MSO
Art is meant to disrupt, but audiences must be free of interference too. There is a time and a place for both.
- Patrick Langrell
August
- Exclusive
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
How the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is tearing itself apart
War erupted on the board of one of Australia’s most prestigious arts institutions long before the public upheavals over a pianist’s remarks about Gaza.
- Myriam Robin, Michael Bailey and Patrick Durkin
Save the date for a feast of shows in September
From Spiderbait to Sweeney Todd, Oscar Wilde to David Williamson, our pick of the best shows around the country will put a spring in your step.
- Michael Bailey
July
He was terrified of planes, but Boyd’s works could fly at auction
Seven paintings by celebrated Australian artist Arthur Boyd are going under the hammer in Melbourne on July 24.
- Elizabeth Fortescue
Escape the crowds with an intimate tour of a pop legend’s Paris home
For the first time since his death, the unchanged abode of musician Serge Gainsbourg is open to the public, with his daughter as your guide.
- Kate Hennessy
June
What triggered the PM to say he opposes ‘cancel culture’ in the arts
The prime minister has used the opening of a major exhibition in Canberra to defend the problematic legacy of French post-impressionist Paul Gauguin.
- Tom McIlroy
Do view this at home: How the video art market works
Gone are the days when you needed a gallery-sized space to view digital art.
- Rachael Bolton
Paris recaptures its position as global centre of contemporary art
Move aside London and New York. Post-Brexit, the French capital is reaping the benefits of major investment into its cultural identity.
- Brook Turner
Selling a painting like it’s a mansion a plus for elite bidders
Del Kathryn Barton’s anatomy-bending work will be the tenth to be offered at private auction by Smith & Singer, a concept that borrows from high-end property sales.
The story of artist Christo’s $6m wrapped VW Beetle
Christo’s wrapped buildings are ephemeral and impossible to buy, so a 1961 VW Beetle wrapped in wax tarp presents as a rare opportunity.
- James Tarmy
May
‘Gina effect’: Gallery got 25pc bump after Rinehart portrait gripe
The fuss about an image of Gina Rinehart being included in a National Gallery exhibition did not register in the artist’s home community of Indulkana, the Senate has been told
- Tom McIlroy
$6m Wu-Tang Clan album to be played in MONA
The two CDs are the only physical copy of a Wu-Tang Clan album recorded in secret over six years, and sold for millions at auction.
- Michael Bailey
Are these contemporary artists the future of the market?
This annual auction of contemporary art presents living artists at relatively affordable prices, but this year bargain hunters proved harder to find.
- Elizabeth Fortescue
From Barbie to Warhol, the must-visit major cultural exhibitions
Toting a briefcase around the world’s financial capitals can be exhausting. Galleries and museums offer a sanctuary and stimulation for the business traveller.
- Elizabeth Fortescue
- My Brilliant Weekend
- Life & Leisure
Michael Brand’s weekend rituals and favourite restaurants
The Art Gallery of NSW director has a packed weekday – and night – agenda. This is how he lets go on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Elizabeth Fortescue
April
This famous artist hates questions, and isn’t afraid to let you know
Celebrated Australian artist Dale Frank, whose 10-year survey has just opened at the National Art School in Sydney, will answer your questions. Begrudgingly.
- Samantha Hutchinson
NGA seeks $60 million for sculpture park revamp
Major philanthropic support will fund a project to revitalise the gardens linking the National Gallery of Australia and Lake Burley Griffin.
- Tom McIlroy
The beautiful French city built on the profits of pastel
Toulouse may be France’s fourth-biggest city, but its centre still has the intimacy of a substantial country town.
- Robert Bevan