Art Express 2017 - a refuge from the rain

Art Express at the Art Gallery of NSW has turned into one of our yearly day adventures. An inspiring day for children (and adults) of all ages that continues the conversation of art well after leaving.

Art Express 2017 
until the 23 April
Art Gallery of NSW

Genext - New Romance: Art and the Posthuman | Museum of Contemporary Art

My daughter (15) went to MCA's Genext evening New Romance: Art and the Posthuman  on Sunday. The event is for teens aged between 12 and 18, where they get the run of the museum. (images by Mischa)

More info 

Paper planes and collecting stuff

My youngest son (12 years) has been my child who has held the strongest love of paper planes in our family.  Whenever he is bored you will find him with a piece of A4 paper carefully transforming it into a sleek flying machine.

Just recently we discovered the beautiful paper plane collection by Harry Everett Smith (painter, filmmaker, collector).  Most of the paper planes were collected over 1961 to 1983 on the streets of New York and started their lives as junk mail, grocery lists or a scrap of found paper.

I still love to collect stones and rocks - the smaller ones I keep in a printers drawer in our hallway. My children add to the collection now and again.  They have all had tins of collections over the years. My sister-in-law told me recently of her sons stick collection.

'Children collect to discover who they are, and what the world should be.' Kimberely Stevens (NY Times).

The latest copy of BIG magazine is all about Collections.
Lisa Congdon collects collections with her Collection a Day project.
Book collections over at Hello Bookcase.
Candy Jernigan -  artist and collector of thrown away evidence of lives lived.

Do you and/or your children collect anything? Do you encourage them to start collections?

Vivid Sydney 2015 | Youth and Families

Vivid Light is always a major event on every family calendar. My stand out this year is Light Origami which invites viewers to explore the nature of reality by entering a giant 3D kaleidoscope.

This year we will also be including our children in our Vivid Sydney Ideas and Music adventures.

My daughter  (13 years) is a young creator - and I'm curious to learn more about her world. We will be heading to #NOFILTER  -  a 'conversation inspired by and showcasing the work of young creators and explore the distinct point of view youth can provide in the creative process. Young producers, animators, photographers and social media personalities will share insights into their own creative process, discuss what connects with their audiences, and offer key takeaways for anyone looking to learn from the future stars of content creation.'

She will also be attending An evening with Morrissey with her dad within Vivid Music.

My eldest son (16 years) will be into Feedback - A Music Conference for Young People - he is yet to explore the Vivid Music program.

And for younger kids - Archikids Play[ground] will be right up their alley in the Hyde Park Barracks as it transformed into an interactive playground. Not sure yet if it will be too young for my 11 year old son.

Dress Up Attack! = indie rock performances + interactive activities --- for young kids and their parents/carers.

The MCA Zine Fair covers all my kids.... the fair is a great introduction and inspiration into what they can create on their own and distribute.

So much to explore over May and June!

Sydney Festival 2015 for families

The 2015 Sydney Festival opens next week and has again another wonderful year for families with young and/or older children. Masquerade will be on the top of most families list  and Tabac Rouge will be magnificent.
Ali McGregor's Jazzamatazz! will knock the kids socks off and The Luck Child looks like fun.

This year we will be catching The Kitchen - in 2010 we all went as a family for Roysten Abel's The Manganiyar Seduction and we were all wowed.

There are plenty of free options across the city to keep you busy over the school holidays as well.
The Vegetable Plot - Melodies and vegetables
Hotbed Designs - Blocks prints and fabric paint
Dear Hope Street - A modern day message in a bottle
Australian Museum in the Village - Discover Hyde Park as a scientist
City of Sydney Lawn Library - Books take a holiday outside
Cool down with the Waterfall Swing at Darling Harbour
More free options.

To explore the full family festival program visit: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2015/family

Sydney Festival
8 - 26 Jan 2015

LEO | Sydney Opera House

The stage consisted of a large screen and an empty room - the lights darkened causing tiny apprehensive whispers to circulate around the room. When the lights went up we are introduced to a man and his suitcase - how did he get there and most importantly - why was he there?

LEO is a beautiful performance incorporating physical theatre, video projection, dance, music and a piece of chalk. French acrobat William Bonnet glides around the room with his movements projected onto the big screen pulling us into alternate worlds. Bonnet's strength is spectacular but not surprising with his extensive background in aerial acrobatics.

The young audience were in fits of laughter as they jumped from screen to room in delight of this gravity defying adventure.  A small segment consisting of a repetitious dance routine may have little ones restless but will be enjoyable for older children and parents.

How does this lone man eventually leave the room?
Well......we will leave that up to you to find out.

Recommended for school holidays.

LEO 
until 13 July
Sydney Opera House
for ages 8 and over

How to survive Vivid Sydney with your family

As we are heading up to the last weekend of Vivd expect more crowds and from experience - crowds and strollers do not work! The team at Vivid have given us some family tips to survive this event with your family (stroller optional).  Vivid is something every family should see and for more information on what is on offer visit http://www.vividsydney.com

1.       Go early in the week and early on!

Tuesday is set for fine weather and earlier in the week is less busy!  The crowds build at the weekend so we suggest you make your Vivid visit on a weeknight.

2.       Take an early mark: Martin Place now opens at 5.30pm every night!

Beat the rush and get to Vivid early – Martin Place opens at 5.30pm.  There’s The Urban Tree to mesmerise the littlies, as a tree grows out of the ground and up a building, complete with birds and bugs!

3.       Enjoy Vivid from one of the new precincts

There are newer Vivid precincts including Walsh Bay, North Sydney and Martin Place.  Head to one of these spots for installations, projections and much more!

4.       Leave the car at home and remember, ferries are very busy

There are an extra 3,500 bus and train services to help get families in and out of the city this year during Vivid, so families should plan their trip at www.vividsydney/transport

Ferries are also busy so bus and train are probably the way to go!

5.       Catch a show – a water show that is!

Darling Harbour is again transformed each hour from 6pm into a theatre of water with spectacular water displays, fountains, water jets and lasers. There are also fireworks displays during the week as well as weekends - Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm.

Leo - Sydney Opera House

Dancing on the ceiling like Fred Astaire, scaling the walls like Spiderman and floating mid-air like an Indian guru – escape with Leo into an impossible world, where perception and imagination are turned inside out and upside down.
Through an ingenious combination of staging and video projection, Leo rockets you to a world where the laws of gravity are thrown out the window.


We have two family passes to give away (2 adults and 2 children) for the 28 June - 3pm performance of Leo. For your chance email info@artsrocket.org with your child's favourite dance scene from a movie.
Entries close Friday 13 June. ENTRIES CLOSED

LEO
28 June - 13 July 2014
Sydney Opera House
Ages 8 and over



Arts Rocket is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner. Tickets are are not redeemable for cash. Full Terms and conditions

Arts Rocket Friday Finds

It's been a while since we posted our Friday Finds - so we have added a few extra:

• Sydney Film Festival - How to Train Your Dragon 2 - Cate Blanchett will also be at the screening to present the film.  Also don't go past catching My Neighbour Totoro on the big screen. We have listed all the films that are classified for under 18's to attend.
• BIG kids magazine are launching their latest issue at the MCA Zine fair this Sunday (25 May) - they are also running the Mother Artist Network forum.  We love the Zine fair - lots of inspiration for your kids to make their own zine.
• Michelle Schoeps will be hosting intimate cooking classes in her home. If follow Michelle's website - you would know that she makes the most beautiful and delicious organic meals for her kids. She is also interested in running a class for teens.
• The Way Out Festival for Children hits the Casula Powerhouse again -  this exciting event for families includes film, workshops and performances - all events are free but bookings are essential
• Arts classes for kids at Culture at Work in Pyrmont.  Their program generates curiosity, investigation, experimentation and ideas. They also run school holiday workshops.
• If you have children that love making their own movies -  they may be interested in AFTRS Trop Jr filmmaking week.
• Vivid lights up Sydney again - jump on public transport and make an evening out of it.
• Catch Captain Underpants this weekend at The Sydney Writers' Festival 
• The Violent Outbursts that Drew Me to You written by one of our favourite playwrights  - Finnegan Kruckenmeyer will be performed at Griffin Theatre this June/July - for teens.
• And one for  teens who love books - Penguin Teen Australia are touring PTA Live. Bookings are essential
• My kids are reading Cherub by Robert Muchamore (10), Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green (12) and Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (15 - almost 16)
• And it is ok if you want to do absolutely nothing this weekend - let your kids get bored! 

• This year we turned SEVEN! - take a look at our very first posts!  

Youth Block Party

From the team that changed how Sydneysiders interacted with The Australian Museum with Jurassic Lounge  are back with a youth event for the celebrations of Youth Week - Block Party. There's a great buzz already surrounding the event that will be held at the Hyde Park Barracks.
Expect a interactive extravaganza!

For more information and to book tickets visit
http://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/22552-block-party-hyde-park-barracks

Art Month Sydney 2014

Art Month Sydney is always an exciting time for families to get around and explore art around the city with exhibitions, talks, tours and experiences. Gallery doors are thrown open with over 200 exhibitions and events in March allowing for many adventures to be had.

Here's a few to get you started:

Art Play at the MCA - Hang out with Hiromi Tango's beautiful interactive artwork Dance (2012)
For teens - Skate Deck Painting Workshop with artist Phil James
Your mind is exactly at that line -  Bright and bold Sol Lewitt
Express Yourself - Selected artworks by 2013 HSC Visual Arts students
Discover Sydney's art neighbourhoods by bike

Art Month Sydney 2014
artmonthsydney.com.au

Cai Guo-Qiang | Falling Back to Earth

Over the last weekend of the school holidays my youngest son (10) and I went to Brisbane to spend time with family. One of the highlights was our time at the Gallery of Modern Art to visit their exhibition of artist, Cai Guo - Qiang.

We were very lucky to be the first in to see the exhibition that morning and walking into the room of Heritage 2013 featuring 99 animals from around the world drinking from a single watering hole was exhilarating.

A large Eucalptyus tree which was earmarked for clearing for an urban development (Eucalyptus 2013) sits patiently as visitors explore its colours, shapes and textures.  Children (and adults) are invited to sit and draw. 

'By placing a tree in a gallery space, Cai references the Chinese literati tradition in which artists and poets would commune with nature to gain their moral and spirtual bearings, and represent the landscape as a reflection of their experiences and values.'

Head On 2006 (inspired by Berlin's turbulent history) allowed the children to walk amongst the pack of 99 wolves throwing themselves towards a large glass panel. 

My son and his cousins (8 and 11) spent over an hour within Cai Guo - Qiang's children's project Lets Create an exhibition with a boy named Cai. They created explosion events, gunpowder drawings, and built tress, boats and animals.

If you live in Brisbane do not miss this exciting exhibition and if you are interstate do whatever you can to visit.

Another must see when visiting the gallery is the  exhibition Everyday Magic which 'focuses on how the everyday - both material and situations - can be transformed into art'.

Cai Guo-Qiang | Falling Back to Earth

Gallery of Modern Art - Brisbane

until 11 May 2014

* Free admission for children 12 years and under

Sydney Festival 2014 | Family

image: Joshua Morris

Ok - we have been busy so this is my first chance to go through the Sydney Festival 2014 program in detail.  The festival starts this week and is a great way to fill in the last few weeks of the school holidays.

There is a lot to choose from this year -  a wonderful selection of performances and activities for families - and if you still want more, it is also fun to beyond the family strand (especially if you have older children) to discover some interesting finds.

If you are a family of four - the festival also has family packages for some performances. For families on a budget these holidays but still want their children to be involved in the festival -  check out the free performances and activities on offer.

We love everything in the program but we are looking into these performances:

Othello - The remix: My eldest son (15) would love it if this is how Shakespeare is taught in school.
Band of Magicians: Magic is extremely popular in our house at the moment with my youngest son (9) and this performance is number one on his list!
Ockham's Razor: Looks absolutely amazing - Circus meets storytelling.
The Piper: Limited tickets to be involved and on stage of this intriguing retelling of The Pied Piper of Hamelin.  The Piper incorporates multimedia, puppetry and stagecraft.
Tom Thum: Beating the Habit: I caught Tom at Tedx Sydney in 2013. Kids of all ages will love Tom Thum.
Jazzamatazz!: Cabaret singer Ali McGregor does jazzy beats for kids.
Lao Qiang: Expand the music your children are listening to with ancient Rock'n'Roll from the East.

To  browse the full family program visit: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2014/Family/

re:make project

I am working on a new project with Vanessa Berry. We have been rescuing discarded art works from the streets in our neighbourhoods. We will matching 12 found art pieces with 12 emerging and established Sydney artists to give them a new life. The new artworks will be sold at an exhibition in early 2014 with funds raised to be used to develop an art workshop program at East Sydney High School.

You can find more about our project here: re:make and follow us on twitter and facebook.
You can also sign up to receive re:make updates and exhibition details

We will revealing our found artworks and artists very soon!

Arts Rocket Friday Finds

image via Underbelly Arts - Tableau Vivant

School holidays are over - but there is still fun to be had if you look a little closer:

• Underbelly Arts Festival have a great kids/teen program(kids under 12 are free) - jump on a ferry and head over to Cockatoo Island on the 4th August.
• Pop up book workshop with Tony Flowers at Sherman Gallery on 3rd August
• Kiddley is back!
• We have been playing with Poster Candy and Origrami to showcase our family images
• Beautiful bag for kids that love to draw - anywhere - anytime 
• Youth courses at Metro screen in filmmaking and video game design
• We have rediscovered Scratch - my youngest son loves it. 
• For teens - Tavi at the Opera House 
• My kids are reading: JD Salinger - Catcher in the Rye (15), R.J. Palacio - Wonder (11) and Emma Cameron - View from the 32nd Floor (9)

Sydney Festival 2013 with kids

Sydney Festival program time again.... I already have my tickets for David Byrne and St Vincent (I will be taking my teen son with me!).
This is what we are also looking forward to:

The Listies  | Earworms   The List Operators performance at the 2012 Sydney Festival was one of the hottest tickets for families.  Another  must see show for 2013. Jan 15th - Jan 19th 2013

School Dance This looks great! Teen awkwardness at a school disco, a new work by Windmill Theatre. Jan 10th - Feb 3rd 2013

It's Dark Outside   From the creators of  the beautiful The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer  (Sydney Festival 2011) this performance tells the story of an old man venturing out into the wild. Jan 11th - 15th 2013

We got to see a few Francis Bacon pieces in Italy so I am excited that the Art Gallery of NSW  will be exhibiting him as part of the festival (recommended for older children).

This is only the tip of the iceberg on what will be presented over the festival: Visit http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2013/ to see the full program. If you have older children don't be afraid to explore outside of the family program - there are some gems to be found.

Our adventure

image: Leigh Russell 2012

We are back from our wonderful adventure. Highlights included:
Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice... a beautiful home transformed into a celebration of art. The collection is amazing. Kids favourite was the wish tree in the garden by Yoko Ono.

Francis Bacon at the Strozzina in Florence (my favourite). Discovering the eerie woven threads of  Chiharu Shiota. Italian Art in the 30s beyond fascism at Palazzo Strozzi.

Finding and photographing the  love padlocks collectives on the bridges throughout Italy.

Taking new members of our  family in Dublin to the Dublin Theatre Festival for the production of White for some first time theatre experiences. The Ark located in Temple Bar is a cultural centre for children with a fantastic programme.

Now we are back in Sydney we are looking forward to what the summer months will bring!

Arts Rocket Friday Finds

 source

School Holidays have kicked in:

• Discover the Lego Colosseum at the Nicholson Museum
• Kids and Family have not been forgotten at the Sydney Biennale...programs include: Baby Biennale | "Schools Out" Holiday program | Family Sundays
• Explore Japanese Cinema at Japanese Cinema Week - Free films!
• Wonderful documentary follows 11 year olds from  around the world I am Eleven Q&A
• Have you  checked out BIG kids magazine yet?  
• Make your own Lego maze
• Drive out to Gymea to visit the Hazelhurst gallery for LOOK! The art of Australian picture books.  Free family day Sunday 1 July

Arts Rocket Friday Finds

(image via MCA)

• Kidlolly - lots of kids stuff curated from the web (found via Lotta Magazine)
• OK..I have been  late to explore this but the Google Art Project is pretty amazing
• We discovered 52 Suburbs when Louise Hawson first started her project...if you are yet to...Enjoy!
• My daughter is loving Polyvore at the moment where she can create her own magazine page layouts. 
• Messroom at MCA Australia - Sunday Art sessions for teenagers

Our March

• My daughter and I will be visiting Art Express at the Art Gallery of NSW
• Down the Rabbit Hole at White Rabbit Gallery is on our list
• Looking forward to The War of the Buttons at the 2012 French Film Festival
• Hopefully get to catch the documentary I am Eleven at Young at Heart Film Festival