2024 ARTS AND LIVE MUSIC GUIDE Lake Macquarie, NSW
exhibitions, live music, theatre comedy, festivals and more!
JOIN LAKE MAC ARTS Become a member Lake Mac Arts is your go-to for exhibitions, creative workshops, theatre shows, film screenings, live music and more! Join the growing number of Lake Mac Arts members who get insider discounts, VIP invitations and other special perks across Lake Macquarie’s premier cultural venues.
ARTS.LAKEMAC.COM.AU
LAKEMACARTS
LAKEMACARTS
2024 ARTS AND LIVE MUSIC GUIDE
Lake Macquarie is home to a thriving and vibrant arts, live music and performing arts scene, supported by a range of dynamic and contemporary arts facilities throughout the city. Discover a diverse and jam-packed program of exhibitions, music, theatre and immersive experiences in our 2024 program.
CONTENTS Live music and performing arts
4
For the family
12
Exhibitions and festivals
14
Our venues
26
Food & Beverages Disability Access
For more details including ticket sales scan the QR code or visit arts.lakemac.com.au/events
*Information is correct at time of printing. Dates subject to change. Contact event organisers for more information.
arts@lakemac.nsw.gov.au @lakemacarts
02 4921 0333 @lakemacarts
Cover image: Mirrorball 2023. Courtesy MAP mima
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival returns in 2024.
SUNDAY SESSIONS Held monthly on selected Sundays
1-3pm
M useum of Art and Culture, yapang $20 | $18 Lake Mac Arts
Enjoy artmaking, local music, cheese and wine overlooking beautiful Lake Macquarie. Sunday Sessions is held on selected Sunday afternoons with a different artmaking activity and musician each month.
UNFURL 30 March
5-9pm
M ulti-Arts Pavilion, mima
FREE
Unfurl is back once more in 2024 bringing you even more music magic. Presented in partnership with Queer and Now. The festivity features artist talks, music performances and more.
ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL 6 April
session 1, 1pm | session 2, 4.30pm
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba $30 single session | $27 Lake Mac Arts members | $45 two session combo $40.50 Lake Mac Arts members two session combo
The One Act Play Festival is a theatre competition showcasing short, sharp and original one-act plays. Be taken on a rollercoaster ride as the plays explore contemporary themes that will make you laugh, cry, and challenge your perspective.
Unfurl 2023
SHADOW BOX 12 April
M ulti-Arts Pavilion, mima
5-8pm
$10 | $5 Lake Mac Arts members | $8 Concession
Immerse yourself in the seamless artistry of ‘Shadowbox’ as two dancers navigate the interplay of illumination and darkness. Inside a purpose built portable white cube artists interact with a multi-media visual program.
ORCHESTRAL POPS 28 April
4-5pm
M ulti-Arts Pavilion, mima
$40 | $30 Lake Mac Arts members | $27 Concession
Back again in 2024, the Lake Mac Philharmonic Orchestra bring you all your favourite orchestral pops.
EUROVISION WATCH PARTY 11 May
5-9pm
M ulti-Arts Pavilion, mima
Eurovision watch party with drinks, dancing, costumes and hilarity.
FREE
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Lake Macquarie Winds Concert Band
LAKE MACQUARIE MUSIC SOCIETY PRESENTS SUPREME BALLROOM OLD TIME DANCE 7 June
7-10pm
R athmines Theatre, nawayiba
$40
The Dungeon Big Band will play authentic sounds of the bands from the 1930s and 1940s. Enjoy the music of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and others. Band leader is Rod Barnes.
LAKE MACQUARIE WINDS CONCERT BAND 29 June
2pm
R athmines Theatre, nawayiba
FREE
Lake Macquarie Winds is an active community Concert Band comprising 27 amateur musicians under the baton of Dr Mark Pinner. The band plays a variety of music from the classics, musicals, jazz and popular music such as Coldplay and Queen.
Opera Hunter’s performance of La Traviata at MAP mima in 2022.
OPERA HUNTER: CARMEN 10-21 July
evening and matinee sessions available
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba $55 adult | $45 Concession
Opera Hunter proudly presents Bizet’s Carmen. It is the story of Carmen and her disastrous liaison with soldier Don Jose and her affair with the Toreador Escamillo. It inspired Bizet to write one of the best operas of the 19th Century. It features The Lake Mac Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Christopher Bearman OAM.
SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE 8 August
7-9.30pm
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
$50 | $45 Lake Mac Arts members
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia to bring the best of the 2024 Festival to Lake Macquarie. Expertly curated and lovingly presented, it features some of the Festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter.
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Australian Haydn Ensemble
LAKE MACQUARIE MUSIC SOCIETY PRESENTS FESTIVAL OF THE CHOIRS 22 September 2pm Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba $30
Featuring a diverse mix of eight invited choirs from Maitland, Port Stephens, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions. Songs performed vary from the classics through to popular and jazz and ends with a massed choir performance.
AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE 2pm R athmines Theatre, nawayiba $60 | $54 Lake Mac Arts members
29 September
The Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE), under the direction of Artistic Director Skye McIntosh, is one of Australia’s leading historically informed orchestras and chamber music groups. AHE brings together world-class musicians who excel in both modern and period instrument performance and are highly committed to both historical research and performance.
Fast and Loud Festival concert at MAP mima
LAKE MACQUARIE MUSIC SOCIETY PRESENTS FESTIVAL OF STRINGS N THINGS 13 October
$25
2pm
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
With an accent on the fine string teaching in the Hunter, this concert features all string instruments in group playing and as solos. Students from Newcastle Suzuki School, Newcastle Youth Orchestra, and private studios play ensembles alongside invited prize winning singers and instrumentalists.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF JOHN WILLIAMS WITH THE LAKE MACQUARIE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 24 November 3pm and 7pm Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
$45 | $30 concession
Relive the excitement of Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park during this orchestral concert of favourite works of the great composer John Williams. Swoon to the lovely solo violin played by Catherine Sheng-Cooper in music from Schindler's List. Enjoy this very special musical tribute.
LIVE MUSIC LAKE MAC 2024 SERIES
Live Music Lake Mac is back in 2024 for its 4th series! Showcasing incredible local and national artists across a mixture of genres including blues, indie, opera, country, folk and rock.
Clare Bowditch performing at Live Music Lake Mac 2023. Courtesy Swamp House Photography
WILDFLOWERS & PIPER BUTCHER 7 March 6.30pm Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba $50 | $45 Lake Mac Arts members
Presented by Live Music Lake Mac and HIT Productions. Part of Women in Sport Festival and International Women’s Day.
HOT POTATO BAND & SPECIAL GUEST 19 April 6.30pm Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba $50 | $45 Lake Mac Arts members
A ten piece brass collective who are larger than life.
EMMA DONOVAN & BAND & SPECIAL GUEST 16 May 6.30pm Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba $50 | $45 Lake Mac Arts members
Presented by Live Music Lake Mac and HIT Productions
BUDDY KNOX PROJECT & SPECIAL GUEST 24 July 6.30pm Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba $50 | $45 Lake Mac Arts members
Presented by Live Music Lake Mac and HIT Productions DOORS OPEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE PERFORMANCE. ENJOY LOCAL CRAFT BEERS AND WINE FROM OUR REGION
FOR THE FAMILY
Press Play!, Curious Legends 'Curious Creatures Dance Party' 2023. Courtesy Curious Legends and MAP mima
ARTSPACE Every Sunday Session 1, 10am | Session 2, 11am M useum of Art and Culture, yapang FREE
Free family artmaking activities themed around the current exhibitions, led by a friendly art museum educator.
PRESS PLAY 23-25 February
M ulti-Arts Pavilion, mima
$ various
Press Play is back at MAP mima with a weekend of family friendly fun to celebrate the end of summer and our summer exhibition, Valley of a Thousand Plants. Be immersed in Joel Zika’s vibrant and captivating exhibition, and join us for a weekend of workshops, artmaking, dancing and more.
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DREAMING ALICE WITH WHALE CHORUS 18-19 April
10am Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima $8 concession | $5 Lake Mac Arts members
Join the team from Whale Chorus for interactive development workshops for a new piece of theatre for kids. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, help us explore this iconic story. Suitable for ages 5-12 years.
HOT POTATO BAND FAMILY CONCERT 19 April
Two sessions 11am and 1pm
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
$15 | $13.50 Lake Mac Arts members
Hot Potato Band’s larger-than-life brass collective is a breath of fresh air, setting a new bar for energetic and interactive musical performances. Join us for a special family concert full of energetic, fun-loving and quirky musical performances with the Hot Potato Band.
HISTORY KIDS Various dates $5-$25
Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari
An exciting new program for children to engage with history through fun and interactive tours and workshops, including ‘Night at the Library Museum’, ‘Portraits of Water for Kids’ and ‘Eat your History’.
EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS
Joel Zika Valley of a Thousand Plants 2023. Courtesy Joel Zika
JOEL ZIKA: VALLEY OF A THOUSAND PLANTS 9 December 2023 – 25 February 2024 M ulti-Arts Pavilion, mima Awarded MAP mima’s 2023 summer commission, Valley of a Thousand Plants is an immersive installation where audiences are surrounded by a cornucopia of local plants, re-imagined as hyper-real animated forms, designed by media artist Joel Zika.
RAUSCHENBERG AND JOHNS: SIGNIFICANT OTHERS 9 December 2023 – 4 February 2024 Museum of Art and Culture, yapang Rauschenberg and Johns: Significant Others will introduce the work of two of the 20th century’s most pivotal artists to Australian communities. The exhibition examines the legacy of Rauschenberg and Johns’ early creative exchanges and their printmaking practices.
Tour at the Sugar Valley Library Museum 2023.
WESTY: WE BUILT THIS HISTORY Ongoing
Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari
This exhibition presents the story of the region through enticing and immersive experiences, and objects portraying the life and times of this unique township. Developed in conjunction with the West Wallsend District Heritage Group.
EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS
Exhibition view, First Class 2022, MAC yapang, February 2023.
LAUNCHPAD@LAKE MAC LIBRARIES Ongoing
Belmont, Charlestown, Swansea, Toronto and Wangi Wangi libraries.
Held across five locations, Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries provide emerging artists, community groups and schools the opportunity to showcase their creative talents in a public space.
FIRST CLASS 23 10 February - 7 April
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
First Class celebrates and showcases the exceptional standard of work produced by HSC Visual Arts Students from the Hunter and Central Coast regions. This exhibition continues to embrace the diversity of media and techniques that represent the wide scope of the NSW HSC Visual Arts syllabus.
Pam Slattery, Grandma’s Hat. Handmade book, watercolour.
AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF MINIATURES: A CLOSER LOOK 10 February - 7 April
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
A Closer Look will provide insight into contemporary miniature art, a world away from the tiny lockets and portraits of the past, opening the eyes of visitors to a new experience.
LINA BUCK: IT ISN’T ALWAYS, ALWAYS 1 March – 5 May
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
Developed through the MAP mima artist in residency program, Lina Buck presents It isn’t Always, Always. The exhibition investigates the microcosm of the physical, psychological, and experiential relationship we share with the landscape around us.
EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS Amy Scully, Orange off the dome.
COLOUR SCORE: AMY SCULLY 13 April – 2 June
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
Colour scores are arrangements of found colour – sea-tumbled plastic, glass, beach, bush and urban debris. Fervent fields of colour of varying shades, a photographic document of what we leave behind, Colour Score evokes emotional soundscapes with their intensity. Transforming discarded pieces into colour fields, a swirling spectrum of detritus.
Sir William Dobell, Mr Joshua Smith (1943). oil on canvas. Courtesy Dobell House.
SINGLE CHANNEL 12 May - 23 June
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
Single Channel brings together moving image artworks by some of Australia's most nationally and internationally significant artists. The works consider notions of identity in powerful, unexpected and mesmerising ways. Single Channel is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by the Australian Government through the National Collection Institutions Touring and Outreach Program.
DOBELL FESTIVAL 1-30 June
Various locations around Lake Macquarie
The Dobell Festival is an annual month-long celebration of the life and work of esteemed local artist Sir William Dobell. The program includes exhibitions, events, workshops and performances held across Lake Macquarie.
EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS
Installation view. Untethered by Alyson Bell 2023. Courtesy MAP mima
BERNARD OLLIS: SNAKES AND LADDERS 8 June - 4 August
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
This survey exhibition by Bernard Ollis entitled Snakes and Ladders celebrates and encompasses his entire oeuvre, with works ranging from 1973 to now. Within these works Ollis paints the imagined world that he inhabits, almost in secret. A world of fears and psychological threats, of Other Spaces.
YOU NEED NOT FEAR THE MONSTERS OF THE SEA, ELHAM ESHRAGHIAN-HAAKANSSON, 2023 28 June – 1 September
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
An immersive 360 visual poem. A significant marker of the artist's 'selfportrait' - magnifying her relationship to estrangement and care whilst shifting in-between the push and pull of historical and contemporary trauma through geographical and bodily landscapes within magical realism.
Bernard Ollis, Aminals with Ladders 2002. Oil on linen
TWO GIRLS FROM AMOONGUNA - ARTBANK + ACMI COMMISSION 10 August - 13 October
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
Arrernte and Southern Luritja artist Sally M Nangala Mulda and Arrernte and Western Arrarnta artist Marlene Rubuntja have developed their practice to be completely recognisable and representative of the place in which they live, Mparntwe/Alice Springs. The third Artbank + ACMI Commission, encompasses video, soft sculpture and paintings.
EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS
Artist Kaylene Gayner participating in Open Studios at Tinkat Alley Art Studio
STORY COUNTRY: UNCLE JIM RIDGEWAY 19 October - 8 December Museum of Art and Culture, yapang This exhibition is the result of a recent acquisition into the MAC yapang collection. It features the work of respected Biripi Elder and Artist Uncle Jim Ridgeway comprised of ceramics and paintings.
LAKE MAC OPEN STUDIOS 2–3 November 2024 Various locations around Lake Macquarie Open Studios is a weekend long event that allows local artists and makers to throw open their studio doors to the public. Art lovers are given the opportunity to meet artists, learn about the creative process and purchase unique artisan made artworks and gifts.
Hannah Bronte Motherload 2022. Courtesy MAP mima
MAP MIMA SUMMER COMMISSION 6 December 2024 - 23 February 2025 Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima The summer commission is an immersive work exploring how we connect with one another, our communities and environment. The work uniquely engages with the 360° projection space to create something our audiences have never seen before.
KEG DE SOUZA: BLUE HAZE – SHIPPING ROOTS 13 December 2024 - 8 February 2025 Museum of Art and Culture, yapang Keg De Souza will create with community consultation a new body of work to extend her previous work Blue Haze. Her work will involve some relational aesthetics and community participatory element involving the artist, eucalyptus tea and story sharing.
MEMBERSHIP
Exhibition view, First Class 2022, MAC yapang, February 2023.
BECOME A LAKE MAC ARTS MEMBER Enjoy special discounts, VIP invitations and complimentary tickets, while supporting the art you love.
Sign up and receive: • 2 x complimentary tickets to selected arts events in 2024 • 1 0% discount on events and programs* • 1 0% discount at ShopMAC 5% discount on books at MAC yapang and MAP mima • Access exclusive invitations, pre-sales and insider benefits
Cost: Adult $80/year Concession $72/year Student $50/year
• Special invites to curator talks and exhibition openings • M ember exhibition entry at the Art Gallery of NSW arts.lakemac.com.au/membership
*A small number of events may be excluded
OUR PARTNERS
Lake Mac Arts and its programs are supported by Lake Macquarie City Council and key funding partners. Lake Mac Arts is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW
PROUDLY SUPPORTS LOCAL WINERIES AND BREWERIES, PROVIDING A FINE SELECTION OF WINES, BEERS AND CIDERS
100% LOCAL, PARTNERS ARE WITHIN 50KM RADIUS OF LAKE MAC SUSTAINABLE SUPPLIERS, CARING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
Regional NSW
OUR VENUES
MULTI-ARTS PAVILION, mima 96 Creek Reserve Road Speers Point MAPmima@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 0448 409 604
MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE, yapang 1A First Street Booragul MAC@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 02 4921 0382
SUGAR VALLEY LIBRARY MUSEUM, kirantakamyari 156 Portland Dr, Cameron Park lakelibraries@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 02 4921 0111
RATHMINES THEATRE, nawayiba 25 Stilling Street, Rathmines theatres@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 02 4921 0333
WARNERS BAY THEATRE, baramayiba Lake Street, Warners Bay theatres@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 02 4921 0333
SEEN@SWANSEA 228-234 Pacific Highway, Swansea lakelibraries@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 02 4921 0111
LAUNCHPAD@LAKE MAC LIBRARIES Venues include Belmont, Charlestown, Swansea, Toronto and Wangi Wangi lakelibraries@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 02 4921 0111
SUGAR VALLEY LIBRARY MUSEUM, kirantakamyari
MULTI-ARTS PAVILION, mima MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE, yapang
WARNERS BAY THEATRE, baramayiba
TORONTO LIBRARY, tirrabiyangba
BELMONT LIBRARY, ngarrabangba
RATHMINES THEATRE, nawayiba
WANGI LIBRARY CREATIVE HUB, wanji wanji
LAKE MACQUARIE
SWANSEA LIBRARY, kariyawangba SEEN@SWANSEA
CHARLESTOWN LIBRARY, walyamayi
FEATURED EVENTS DATE
EVENT
10 February - 7 April
First Class 23
23-25 February
Press Play
1 March - 5 May
Lina Buck: It Isn't Always, Always
7 March
Live Music Lake Mac presents Wildflowers and Piper Butcher
6 April
One Act Play Festival
18-19 April
Dreaming Alice with Whale Chorus
19 April
Live Music Lake Mac presents Hot Potato Band & special guest
28 April
Orchestral Pops with the Lake Mac Philharmonic Orchestra
12 May - 23 June
Single Channel
16 May
Live Music Lake Mac presents Emma Donovan & Band
1-30 June
Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival
8 June - 4 August
Bernard Ollis: Snakes and Ladders
28 June - 1 September
You need not fear the monsters of the sea, Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, 2023
10-21 July
Opera Hunter: Carmen
24 July
Live Music Lake Mac presents the Buddy Knox Project
8 August
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase
10 August - 13 October
Two Girls from Amoonguna - Artbank + ACMI commission
29 September
Australian Haydn Ensemble
19 October - 8 December
Story Country: Uncle Jim Ridgeway
2-3 November
Open Studios
13 December 2024 8 February 2025
Keg De Souza: Blue Haze - Shipping Roots
Live music and performing arts For the family Exhibitions and festivals
For more details including ticket sales scan the QR code or visit arts.lakemac.com.au/events *Information is correct at time of printing. Dates subject to change. Contact event organisers for more information.