urbanvillage.com.au | September 2017
UrbanVillage
Surry Hills Mon Amour Life-long Resident Paul Capsis Talks About His Surry Hills
PLUS
Double T Projectioake Art Pop-un & program ps ...
and also
Surry Hills Festival Guide Monthly, for those who live, love, work, visit & play in Surry Hills & Redfern
Urban Village | 1
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Image: Peter Collie
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Contents 16 20 26
Issue#01 September2017
UrbanVillage
Sport for Jove Theatre company finds a home in Surry Hills.
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Member Profile: Naomi & Boris from award winning The Office Space
Cover story: Paul Capsis is Surry Hills born and raised.
50
The Hopetoun Hotel: what do we know and not know about this Surry Hills icon?
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Sarah Barns and Michael Killalea talk about public art and the Double Take project
Joe Darling talks about The Pottery Shed and an adventurous life
EDITOR Lachlan Colquhoun WORDS & IMAGES Kate Bettes, Tess Scholfield-Peters, Peter Collie, James Brickwood, Jason Phu, Jimmy Saruchera, Phil Erbacher, SeiyaTaguchi, Marnya Rothe, Nic Walker, Dean Bentick, Ansh Bose, Andrew Mackinnon & Sean Maroney DESIGN + ART Guilherme de Carvalho, Andrian Kotik PUBLISHER Leigh Harris ALL ENQUIRIES Tel: 02 8218 2163 Email: info@urbanvillage.com.au Post: Ground Floor, 483 Riley Street Surry Hills NSW 2010
Urban Village is published under licence and with the support of the Surry Hills Creative Precinct to foster communcation, innovation and networking between the business community and residents in Surry Hills, Redfern and the surrounding neighbourhoods of inner Sydney.
Urban Village | 5
Photo credits (clockwise): Kids performing at Surry Hills Festival 2016 from Neighbourhood Centre; audience participating in Binary Operators & Binary Operators postcard courtesy of Barbary Doran.
Festival Highlights The Binary Operators Barbara Doran Performances 23 September, 1pm-5pm, 5 October, 4:30pm-7:30pm ‘Amongst the many things we humans are, we are also makers of art.’ After their successful performances Digital Play and Utopia at Beams Festival 2013 and 2014, The Binary Operators, an interactive performance from multi-media artist Barbara Doran, returns for the 2017 Surry Hills Festival. The performance is an investigation of the relationship between our global cyber world and the need for human interaction to generate meaning. Doran’s Binary Operators draw upon the tactile, the visceral and the multisensory. They will create a street ‘ritual’ in which festival participants are invited to hear 6 | Urban Village
and see their names expressed in choral and choreographed binary language. Names will be realised as sounds and movements from the performers. At the back of the performance is a candle lit shrine, replicating Asian shrines and blessing practice. Festival goers are asked to write single words associated with wishes for a balanced world in binary language on small candles, light them and place them on a raised sandpit. Through the creative expression of the ritual, the Binary Operators seek to foster hope and stimulate innovation through the simple act of making marks with materials, sound and movement.
Urban Village | 7
Heads Up
p52
Your guide to Surry Hills this month
Urban Village chats with Surry Hills Festival Creative Producer, Victoria Johnstone, all things community and creativity ahead of the Surry Hills Festival.
September in the neighbourhood
2017
MEDIA RELEASE Surry Hills Festival Sep 23 Celebrating the suburb through art, live music and community events. surryhillsfestival. org
8 | Urban Village
Queer Strength Has Never Been More Important: Queer Screen Film Fest will inspire, move and enlighten: 19 September – 24 September 2017
Double Take Sydney Fringe Queer Screen Sydney Craft 10 August 2017: The 5th Queer Screen Film Fest hits Sydney next month with tickets Festival Festival Filmscreens Festival Week now on sale at queerscreen.org.au The full program runs from Tuesday 19 September to Sep 19 – Sep 24 Oct 6 – Oct15 Sep23 Oct 15 Sep 1 – Sep 30 Sunday 24 September at Event Cinemas George Street, and includes a free outdoor Rainbow
Families screening of of the Disney animated film Moana Celebrating at Sydney Park,the St Peters on A ten-day festival A series of art The largest Saturday 16 September in the lead up to the festival. colourful and celebrating the installations and independent arts diverse voices of beauty of the hand Featuring 20around films from fourfestival continents, premieres, Queer Screen Film projections inincluding NSW. 16 Australian LGBTIQ community made. Fest showcases a diverse range of LGBTIQ stories across narrative features, documentaries Surry Hills. sydneyfringe.com on screen. australiandesignand shorts. surryhillsfestival. queerscreen. centre.com/sydorg/double-take/ Thanks to a partnership with City of Sydney, Queer Screen Film Fest will present three free film org.au neycraftweek/ events for the whole community. In addition to the outdoor family screening of Moana at Sydney Park, there is a seniors (and friends) viewing of the moving documentary The Lavender Scare, complete with afternoon tea, and a youth event featuring Behind The Curtain: Todrick Hall, a high energy documentary following the titular YouTube and Rupaul’s Drag Race sensation. “Being able to give back and reach out to the community is something Queer Screen views as
Urban Village | 9
SHCP Presidents’ Note
Image from Jason Phus solo exhibition at Alaska Projects.
Next to the Shakey Sydney based contemporary artists Pricilla Bourne and Jason Phu bring their work ‘Next to the Shakey’ to the Surry Hills Festival.
I
t’s an absurdist collaboration inspired by oddities, characters and creatures of Surry Hills.
Art Prize, received the West Space commission for the entire gallery and is one of the Underbelly Arts festival artists.
Bourne is inspired by artwork that embodies authentic experiences of the world around her. She describes her work as a form of imaginative play, though it -also draws from the realm of the subconscious.
Phu triggered a wave of excitement in the art world and stamped his name firmly on the scene as the emerging artist who took home the prestigious Sulman Prize in 2015 and was a finalist in the Archilbald. His Sulman Prize winning work was titled, ‘I was at yum cha when in rolled three severed heads of Buddha: Fear, Malice and Death.’
She intertwines the two spheres of the conscious and subconscious, which is reflected in the materials she uses. Many of her works show ghostly or embodied presences of urban animals. Jason Phu graduated from COFA in 2011. This year he was a finalist in the Ramsay
In 2016 Phu exhibited a solo show at Alaska Projects on William Street and taught drawing and street art at Key College in Redfern.
He Says “ My work is about random things I see, like a bird pooping on a man’s head.” - Jason Phu Photo credit: Pru Blain for Broadsheet.
The mission of the Surry Hills Creative Precinct (SHCP) is to make Surry Hills a great place to do business and the location of choice for skilled creative people to live, work and visit. We collaborate with a broad set of partners that range from small local businesses, international companies, city and state government, community groups and major events to promote local businesses, develop infrastructure, increase visitor attraction and create a sense of community amongst local business owners. Urban Village magazine compliments the precinct’s mission by telling the stories of intriguing people behind world leading design, gourmet food, real estate, style, tech and culture emerging from Surry Hills and Redfern. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to unearthing more gems from these distinct creative enclaves in the coming months. Jimmy Saruchera President SHCP
10 | Urban Village
Bespoke picture framing; creative, innovative, collaborative, custom design.
525b Crown Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 02 9698 7731
www.acmeframing.com Urban Village | 11
SURRY HILLS FESTIVAL 2017
Experience all there is to love in our neighbourhood Surry Hills Festival returns on Saturday 23 September for a fabulous spring celebration across Ward Park, Devonshire Street, Shannon Reserve, Crown Street, laneways, pop up creative spaces, and everything in between. This year’s program introduces Double Take. Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre, in partnership with the Surry Hills Creative Precinct and local creatives Esem Projects, have been working with artists to overlay Devonshire Street and surrounds with a curated trail of projections and art - transforming the heart of Surry Hills to a plethora of creative adventure.
GUIDED TOURS WITH CULTURE SCOUTS Join a walking tour especially curated for Surry Hills Festival and Double Take. Learn about the history, public art and stories of Surry Hills. Meet the neighbourhood’s talented entrepreneurs, the curators and artists who bring you Double Take. Places are limited so bookings essential: culturescouts.com.au/#tours
WARD PARK STAGE 10am to 7pm
10:00
Warm Up With Mc/Dj Jay Katz
11:00
Jive, Swing & Mambo - Jimmy Vargas Quartet
Hosted by Jay Katz with great bands and circus performances, loads of creativity, workshops, etc.
12:00
Joe Mungovan
13:00
Ungus Ungus Ungus
14:00
Dweeb City
15:00
Borneo
16:00
The Fever Pitch
17:00
Thandi Phoenix
18:00
Coda Conduct
18:30
Devonshire Street Light Up
SHANNON RESERVE 10am to 7pm
10:00
Kyoshi Band
10:55
Funky Punch
A vintage market and spring garden. BYO picninc blanket and relax to music by artists from the Australian Institute of Music.
11:50
Schmack
12:45
Mogadishu Family Band
13:40
Oly Sherman
14:35
Megan and the Vegans
15:30
Hurst
16:25
Swamp To Sahara
16:30
Iluka
17:20
Grill Band
NEIBOURHOOD CENTRE
11am-3pm Lv 1, 405 Crown St
11am - 2pm: Threatened Species Children’s Art Competition 2pm – 3pm: The Harp In The South Kings Cross Acting Class present scenes from The Harp In the South. Directed by Suzi Dougherty and Katie Pollock.
12 | Urban Village
Surry Hills Children’s Services
Surry Hills Children’s Services
provided by
Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre
proudly serving the community for over 40 years.
A small family-oriented Long Day Care and Preschool located in a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility accommodating up to a maximum of 25 children. Opening hours 8am - 4.30pm Visit our website or call us on 9331 8409 to book a visit childrenservices.shnc.org
02 9331 8409 Urban Village | 13
14 | Urban Village
THE SURRY HILLS CREATIVE PRECINCT BUSINESS LOUNGE @ IDEAL SPACE
See more informations on surryhills.org/doubletake
Urban Village | 15
JOVE
FINDS A HOME IN SURRY HILLS
Words by Lachlan Colquhoun
life rafts
For Creative People 16 | Urban Village
“ There is the Shakespeare Hotel Sport for Jove in Devonshire Theatre Company had its origins in Street so there western Sydney are theatrical and the Blue references Mountains, but has everywhere.” made its home in the creative hub of Surry Hills.
Artistic director Damien Ryan, whose own roots are in Sydney’s west, says it was always his ambition to base the company in the inner city and be a part of the “cultural ferment” of the theatre scene.
“Surry Hills was always going to be our ideal home if we could find a space to exist here,” says Ryan. “There is Belvoir, of course, and further towards Newtown the 505 Theatre, and we wanted to be a part of that. “And there is the Shakespeare Hotel in Devonshire Street so there are theatrical references everywhere.” After looking in the area for a suitable space for some time, Sport
Images (left to right): from production of Cyrano de Bergerac (credit Phil Erbacher); Damien Ryan head shot (credit Seiya Taguchi).
for Jove had a stroke of luck when the Big Day Out concert organisation were vacating premises in Marlborough Street. Some frenetic fundraising from supporters and negotiation from the company’s chairman followed, with the result that Sport for Jove are now ensconced in a space Ryan says is ideal for the company’s development.
“ We are very much living, breathing and working here.”
“Rather than doing one off shows and trying to find a space to rehearse and a theatre to work in we have a fantastic empty space facility, and a relationship with the Seymour Centre just down the road,” says Ryan. “We are very much living, breathing and working here.” The stability has enabled Sport for Jove to expand the number of productions, and the company will put on nine shows this year, including outer Sydney festivals. Ryan agrees that theatre companies are like “liferafts” to which creative people, otherwise
at risk of drowning alone, can clamber aboard and create a direction and a team. “We might have a very small full time team, of three people including me, but there are hundreds who come through each year from actors, designers and other theatre people, ” he says. “It’s become something of a family. The people who come through tend to do a series of projects together. We’d love to build a larger permanent team but of course it’s all about funding.”
SOURCE ABS 2009
Urban Village | 17
As it matures and grows Sport for Jove also continues to expand its repertoire. For audiences used to its productions of Shakespeare and Marlowe, the company’s August production at the Seymour Centre was One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
“ Every few years we like to take a challenging American work which still has resonance.” Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel had its first production on Broadway in 1963, with Kirk Douglas in the main role. Kesey’s play was hailed for using a mental hospital as a metaphor for 20th century America, but Damian Ryan says it has universal implications in 2017. “The play is quite an insight into the stigmas of mental health, and while in some ways we are getting past the stigmas, in so many ways there is so little help for people,” he says.
Image: Julius Caesar rehearsal (credit Marnya Rothe) 18 | Urban Village
“The play really takes its gloves off and tackles it, which is as much of an issue today as it was a few decades ago.” A modern American classic also fits in with the way Ryan sees Sport for Jove evolving as a theatre company. “Every few years we like to take a challenging American work which still has resonance,” he says. “We did Of Mice and Men a few years ago and The Crucible, so it fits with our aim for plays which are ensemble productions and challenging classics.” Simultaneous with Cuckoo’s Nest, the company has reprised its production of French classic Cyrano de Bergerac, originally produced in 2013. In December, Sport for Jove ventures to the Sydney Hills Shakespeare in the Park festival at Bella Vista Farm. Damien Ryan was instrumental in creating this festival, giving back to his roots in Western Sydney just as he is making a contribution to the company’s new home in Surry Hills.
Urban Village | 19
SURRY HILLS MON AMOUR The actor and cabaret artist Paul Capsis is Maltese and Greek, but he’s also as Surry Hills as you can get. Words by Lachlan Colquhoun
20 | Urban Village Image: James Brickwood/Fairfax
aul Capsis has been in Malta performing his play Angela’s Kitchen at the Malta Arts Festival. He was even interviewed on a Maltese television chat show, speaking fluently in Maltese. Originally performed at the Griffin Theatre in 2010, the play is about Capsis’ grandmother Angela and her migration from Malta to Sydney in 1948. It is an individual migration story which embraces universal themes, and has struck a chord with audiences everywhere. While many people who saw the performance identified strongly with the story, many would have failed to realise that the work has another theme: Surry Hills.
“
I can tell you when the trees were planted, when the homosexuals moved in and when the wogs moved out.” As Capsis puts it, Surry Hills is in his “DNA.” “I’ve worked this suburb all over. Every nook and cranny,” he says. Surry Hills was where Capsis was born around half a century ago, at the old Crown Street Women’s Hospital. Once the largest maternity hospital in NSW, it is now part of the Adina development.
Urban Village | 21
Image: Peter Collie
T
he Capsis family built a life in Surry
“There were double decker buses. No cafes. A lot
Hills in the 1960s and 1970s, and the young
of the shops, like the delicatessen and Malaxos
Paul attended most of its schools, which
tailors, were run by people whose kids I went to
are still here today. Crown Street, Bourke
school with.”Essentially, he stayed because he
Street, St Peters in Riley Street, and then onto
wanted to be close to his grandmother, Angela.
Cleveland Street Boys High.
He didn’t leave home until his 20s because
“ I have a charmed memory of how I grew up.”
“you didn’t do that unless you got married and had kids.” But when he did move out, he stayed in the area to be close to her. He came out as Surry Hills was changing, and remembers “all these men living together.”
“I just remember it being very multi-cultural.
“They had flannel shirts and handlebar
There was a lot of everything here, but it was
moustaches, and they were painting their
rough and working class. A lot of factories and
houses salmon pink which was a change from
light industry.
the bright green and yellow the migrants liked,” says Capsis. “And all the migrants started to move out in a big mass migration. The prices they were getting for their terraces – they could get a four bedroom house in the suburbs with a yard and a garage.”
22 | Urban Village
COVER STORY She just wanted to stay here.
“
She just wanted her bingo, her church and her Maltese friends. She wasn’t going to Maroubra.” - Paul Capsis, about his grandmother.
Capsis’ grandmother Angela, however, wasn’t
talk about one migration story, but people there
going anywhere. The family were suggesting she
were very moved because so many of them have
sell up and move to Maroubra where she could
family and connections here, so they could also
have a view of the ocean, but she wasn’t having
relate to it.”
any of it. That is why Capsis stayed too.
The fact that the play was produced in Malta is a
There was a time when he lived on the other side
testament to the strength of Capsis’ international
of Cleveland Street in Redfern, but that hardly
connections. A long time collaborator of
counts. Even the old Redfern Mall is the Surry
Australian director Barrie Kosky and his
Hills shopping centre these days.
productions in Vienna, it was there that Capsis
On the day Urban Village interviewed Capsis,
met Airan Berg, the Malta Festival’s international
he had been at Botany at his grandmother’s
artistic director, who invited him to perform
grave, marking the anniversary of her passing.
in Valletta.
After just coming back from Malta, where he
“He called me up and said, ‘I believe you have
had performed the play which bears her name,
a play about your Maltese grandmother, well I
it is a reminder of how important family and
want it for the Festival,’” explains Capsis.
historical roots are to an artist who has forged an
“The theme for 2017 was migration, so it was
international career, all from a Surry Hills terrace.
a perfect fit. And so many Maltese people
“The response the play had in Malta was
emigrated here to Australia.”
incredible,” says Capsis, “a lot of Maltese have had family emigrate to Australia. I originally made the work for an Australian audience to
Urban Village | 23
A
For the future, Capsis is continuing to invest his
have existed, however. As Capsis explains it, the
time in work created by others, until such time as
prompting and urging by friend Julian Meyrick,
he feels ready to return to the personal.
from Flinders University, was the catalyst for
His next gig is in Melbourne in the opera Black
creating the work.
Riders, a co-production between the Malthouse
“After my grandmother died he sent me a
Theatre and the Victorian Opera.
handwritten card suggesting the idea for the
Originally performed in 1990, it is the result of a
play,” says Capsis, “he had met my grandmother,
unique collaboration between singer Tom Waits
but he was saying it just wasn’t a personal
and celebrated novelist William S. Burroughs.
ngela’s Kitchen was a play which might not
exposition, it was a story about all Australians.
Much of the work Capsis does these days is
“I was doing Rocky Horror down in Melbourne at
outside of Sydney, and also outside of Surry Hills.
the time and I just said ‘no.’ I wasn’t ready, it was
But in terms of a place to live, Capsis, like his
too painful, but he just left it with me and said if
grandmother Angela, isn’t going anywhere. And
I wanted to just talk about it, I should give him a
besides, his mother is still here.
call.”
“It has changed so very much,” says Capsis of his
Ultimately, Angela’s Kitchen – with Meyrick
home. “It always had this wonderful community
directing – won Best New Australian Work at the
feeling. Naughty, but exciting. But I worry when I
12th Annual Helpmann Awards, vindicating the
see all the shops closed up, some of those shops
decision to tackle the subject but also serving as
and businesses were local icons.
a – positive – catalyst for Capsis.
“I think it is greener and prettier than it used to
“What happened with that play was that I
be. I love the trees and I love developments like
came out as a wog,” he says. “People knew me
the library, and the fact we have been protected
as an actor, a singer and as this exotic cabaret
and don’t have skyscrapers.“
performer. But with that play it was intensely personal and was the most satisfying work I think I’ve done.”
24 | Urban Village
“ I’m grateful for the fact that the historical element is still here, in what is a sophisticated Urban Village.”
Urban Village | 25 Image: James Brickwood/Fairfax
LOCAL
CREATIVE BUSINESS
A Darling Project: Surry Hills’ The Pottery Shed The Pottery Shed is exactly how you’d imagine a seventies California pottery workshop. It’s an oasis of calm in a busy existence (albeit a modernised one).
w
Words by Kate Bettes
hile visiting artists and teachers from overseas work in the back, Kate Bettes from Culture Scouts sat down to talk with Joe Darling, the founder of The Pottery Shed, and shared the conversation with Urban Village. Darling is as welcoming as the establishment itself. He tells me about all the beautiful things he sees created in his class. According to him it happens, “all the time.”
26 | Urban Village
He spreads his hands, in excitement. “Especially when the individual has that first spark of ‘Aha!’ … a balanced adult has many inputs but some people aren’t quite balanced so those who do experience that for the first time, often it’s a shocking deep revelation and that’s what stirs me the most.”
“ My story is born out of tragedy.”
“I guess I get more of those wonderful moments than you would imagine.” Although he is now running a successful pottery business, it has not always been smooth sailing for Darling. “My story is born out of tragedy,” he acknowledges as we sit in the sun dappled entrance room. “My parents passed away when I was a teenager. My life was completely ripped apart and in high school, the people that looked after me in that emotional sense were my teachers.”
Images (clockwise): various pottery materials; Joe working his clay magic; Joe running a pottery workshop. Courtesy of Culture Scouts.
Darling has also achieved significant goals when it comes to The Pottery Shed’s influence on people. “I am affecting a great deal of people with this seed and also letting them experience a little bit of this in their life,” he says cheerfully.
But the best was craft. “[They] had a focus on [it] and the teachers that took care of me and the parts of craft and art that I most associated with or most loved was silver smithing, wood smithing, pottery, metal shop and automobile work”. So, what came after school for Joe? “I started doing professional pottery immediately after high school [1976] and I started a range of wares that were popular amongst a sub set of the culture but then decided against continuing a professional career in pottery and wanted to study at university, which I couldn’t afford and I took advantage of [an education] program in the military.”
Afterwards, he started teaching. Was it about being for another student, what his craft teachers were for him? “I wanted to set that seed and yes that’s what happened,” says Darling. “I believe through my police and military training I gathered that strict clarity in teaching that I found was the real answer to bringing Pottery Shed to people.” Pottery is an extremely tactile craft, with palpable emotions emerging from the kneading of clay.
“A lot of people don’t have a focus or they are misguided through so many distractions in life and it’s never clear until you find or you see what the opposite really is. That clarity comes to people often with this experience.” If you’d like to take part in one of the classes, or buy some pottery visit The Pottery Shed on Nickson Street, just off Devonshire Street. Visit online at www.thepotteryshed.com.au Pottery is for sale there or at Glebe Point Road Markets on Saturdays.
“[Pottery] absolutely draws you in, restricting other thoughts; pulling together your centred-ness and focus,” says Darling, “It would have been the thing that would have kept me out of my possibly troubled youth.” Urban Village | 27
Partner Content
Q&A
The Office Space Naomi & Boris Tosic, photo by Nic Walker (Fairfax).
A place of innovation and insight. The Office Space is a boutique serviced office concept in Sydney’s Surry Hills by husband and wife duo Boris and Naomi Tosic. An award-winning builder, Boris creates shared spaces of exceptional quality and undeniable beauty. Under Naomi’s strategic direction, properties evolve beyond beautiful working environments to become important places of innovation and insight.
28 | Urban Village
Naomi continues to service and engage workplaces and workforces through the brand and new commercial partnerships. Officially acknowledged as the best designed workplace in the world at the prestigious INSIDE Awards at the World Architecture Festival 2016, we sat down with co-founder Naomi Tosic at their latest offices at Paramount House to understand more about this home-grown Surry Hills success story.
Q. What do you see in terms of dynamic small businesses in Surry Hills? Does the neighbourhood have its own business culture? A. Surry Hills has an incredibly diverse and dynamic business culture. And it’s not just the creative agencies and innovative tech start-ups; this neighbourhood boasts some of Australia’s most directional restaurants, retailers, and galleries. All these small and medium enterprises create a rich business ecosystem and contribute to the coveted Surry Hills ‘village’ vibe. We’ve been living and working in Surry Hills for almost 2 decades. I think my husband considers himself the mayor of Reservoir Street! We are so proudly local and believe that Surry Hills more than holds its own against the world’s top creative meccas like Brera, Wynwood or SoHo
through to a community engagement program which includes our popular Insight business talk series at the Golden Age Cinema each month.
.Q. You have two facilities, in Reservoir Street and the Paramount Building. Can you describe what you offer businesses? A. Basically, we service the lifecycle of a business between the kitchen table and your own commercial premises. We offer physical office solutions for teams of 1 to 8 people, virtual office packages for people running their business from home (or the local café!), and access for anyone to hire our beautiful meeting facilities. When we started in 2004, our creative and design-led working environments were a point of difference to the more homogenised and suit-andtie serviced office options in the CBD. Now, amongst the profusion of co-working spaces, we represent a point of difference by delivering a completely curated working environment – from reception and PA services for our clients,
Q. What kind of businesses are using your facilities? Give us a snapshot. A. We have 150 people who work within our 2 Surry Hills locations, another 150 virtual office businesses who work remotely but use our call answering and mailing address services. We host an amazing array of businesses from lawyers, through to beauty start-ups and tech innovators. What unites all our clients is their personal and professional values of creativity, innovation, and design. Anyone who walks into our spaces recognises that
Q. What edge or comparative advantage does it give to businesses who work in your spaces? A. Whether choosing a virtual or a physical office solution, we enable new market entrants to launch their ideas quickly, to focus on their core business, and project a professional, stable and successful image to the marketplace. We also provide an entire business ecosystem that supports start-ups and SME’s and builds interconnected communities. By establishing, servicing, and activating beautiful bespoke office environments we offer our clients their own place in a competitive and rapidly changing business world.
we don’t cut corners in providing the most beautiful working environments. Every piece of furniture and artwork is genuine and carefully chosen. The result is a less transient, more stable and deeply authentic working place Q. What about interaction between the businesses. Do you see them networking, making contacts and developing new idea and opportunities? A. That’s our favourite thing. We host events like our communal table luncheons, and business talks to facilitate connections between compatible businesses. But we also recognise that singular, focused work is good work so our offices are architecturally designed to elevate the sanctity of personal space and the integrity of undistracted work. Q. How do you see the future of work places changing in the future? A. The workplace is certainly transforming as technology allows us to transcend the time and geographical boundaries of what defines ‘work’. Because we can almost work anywhere, I believe the workplace is evolving and emerging as a critical cornerstone of society - a cultural nexus where ideas, transactions, connections and inspiration flow. These hybrid workspaces are our future and we want to be leading the charge in creating workplaces of meaning.
THE OFFICE SPACE | WWW.THEOFFICESPACE.COM.AU Reservoir
Paramount
69 Reservoir Street,
55 Brisbane Street,
Surry Hills, Sydney
Surry Hills, Sydney
(02) 8218 2100
(02) 8218 2180
reservoir@theofficespace.com.au
paramount@theofficespace.com.au Urban Village | 29
30 | Urban Village
MAKING TRACKS:
Light Rail in Surry Hills
Devonshire Street’s Light Rail transformation is gaining real momentum with a number of key milestones reached over the past six months. We take a look behind the scenes of the CBD and South East Light Rail construction in Surry Hills, including a closer look at the new world-class light rail vehicles which will be running from early 2019.
Devonshire Street Light Rail in numbers 300+ /the metres of track completed to date in Devonshire Street (including the entire section between Chalmers and Elizabeth Streets)
30 /number of coupled sets running along the route with services every four minutes
19 /the number of stops, including two stops in Surry Hills; one on Chalmers Street and another near Ward Park
4 /new pocket parks to be created at the intersections with Buckingham, Holt, Waterloo and High Holburn Streets. Pocket parks are small landscaped spaces that improve the amenity of an area and also allow pedestrians to move through.
Urban Village | 31
Devonshire Street Track Work
All images courtesy of Transport for NSW.
What’s behind the hoarding? Behind the hoardings, crews work hard to investigate and relocate utilities services such as water, gas, telecommunications and electricity, and prepare the road for new drainage and conduits which will help power the light rail. This has led to a number of services in the area being upgraded as part of the project. Once this preparatory work is complete, tracks can be laid. Sometimes, during construction work, unexpected items can be uncovered. This happened as part of work at Ward Park. Excavation work led to the discovery of two sets of historical archaeological remains, signs of Sydney’s colonial past previously buried under modern day Devonshire Street. Excavating the area, crews found a set of 19th century cellar footings believed to have belonged to a former pub, the Royal Arms Hotel. During the 1830s, like today, Surry Hills underwent a transformation, with a number of developments springing up in the area in the ensuing years. The Royal Arms or Steel’s Hotel, in reference to the owner and local Alderman, Alexander Steel, was one of the buildings to go up. Records show the hotel was a two-storey brick building with nine rooms and a slate roof, again like the current pubs in Surry Hills today, the Royal Arms Hotel was a 32 | Urban Village
popular meeting place for locals. Around the corner, another set of large sandstone footings were found, this time thought to be part of a 19th century terrace which previously stood on the corner of Crown and Devonshire Streets. It is believed these are the remains of a terrace which previously occupied 548 Crown Street and an adjacent building yard. There is evidence the building yard was used by butchers in the 1850s, and potentially used by grocers, candle makers and shoemakers. Both showcase the historical and local significance of Devonshire Street to the local community. It has always been a vein in the Surry Hills area, a place to meet and an attraction to those outside of the area, a legacy that continues today.
So what’s happening today? Impressive progress has been made with a large section of track laid on the southern side of Devonshire Street between Chalmers and Elizabeth Street in early August. The laying of track is an exciting milestone as it signifies the completion of extensive preparatory work. This is a thrilling time on the project and as construction continues up the hill, more and more track will begin to appear.
While a lot of work is going into building the light rail, crews are also working hard to help improve the area overall. To accommodate the new overhead wires used to power the light rail, the old electricity wires will be relocated underground. This improvement work will support the streetscape and amenity of Devonshire Street. The urban design of Devonshire Street has been a key priority of the project which will also include a series of pocket parks and urban landscaping.
An animation of light rail travelling through Devonshire Street is available on the Sydney Light Rail website: sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au
Aerial Shot
August 2017
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Light rail vehicles, did you know? • On-board LCD screens will provide realtime travel information including next stop, destination and interchange information.
• Each vehicle will be 98% recyclable at the end of its 30 year life span.
• V ehicles will be powered by overhead wiring in Surry Hills and 99 percent of energy recovered using the brake recovery system can be used back on the system.
•A new maintenance depot is also being built in Lilyfield to allow for more extensive maintenance and repair of light rail vehicles from both the new and existing light rail networks.
World first Light Rail vehicles Sydney will be the first city in the world to feature the new Citadis X05 light rail vehicles. The first of the new safe, modern, accessible and sustainable fleet of vehicles was unveiled at Randwick in early August. Testing of the vehicles will begin later this year. The CBD and South East Light Rail fleet will consist of 60 vehicles. They will operate as coupled sets measuring 67m and will be able to transport up to 450 passengers (equivalent to up to nine standard buses). This means the new network will have the initial capacity to move up to 13,500 commuters per hour (6,750 in each direction) during peak times. Additional services can be added to support special events.
To find out more about the Sydney Light Rail Project, visit sydneylightrail.com.au Follow on Twitter @mysydney Follow Sydney Light Rail on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SydneyLightRailProject
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Meet The Locals Peter English
Peter English. Photo by Dean Bentick/Inlighten Phtotography
Surry Partners Lawyers Words by Tess Scholfield-Peters Leading Sydney commercial law firm Surry Partners Lawyers has been operating from its top floor Riley and Devonshire Street office for almost twenty years. Peter English, director and founding partner, has been practising law in Surry Hills since 1987. Peter has a busy commercial practice and leads Surry Partners litigation and dispute resolution practice. ‘I’ve got clients with successful businesses in digital media, advertising, education services, generic pharmaceuticals, a range of interesting start-up industries, including fintech,’ explains Peter, ‘the common thread is dealing with their commercial agreements and working with the owners to help them achieve their objectives. We provide litigation services as well, because commercial disputes go with the territory of operating a business.’ Surry Partners Lawyers act for clients across Sydney and New South Wales. Many of their clients operate throughout Australia and internationally. But the energy and diversity of its namesake suburb has kept the business in the same office, on the same floor, since 1998 with no plans of moving any time soon. ‘As a professional services practice we don’t have to 36 | Urban Village
be in Surry Hills, we could be anywhere. But we prefer to be in Surry Hills,’ explains Peter. ‘When I first moved here, Surry Hills was a major garment district,’ recalls Peter, who began working in the area in the early nineties, ‘A lot of those factories and showrooms have either shut down or moved out to either bigger premises or cheaper real estate.’ The gentrification of the suburb came with a wave of repurposing warehouse spaces that are the residential buildings and apartments, creative workspaces, galleries and hospitality venues that the suburb is now known for. ‘Working in a blended environment of residential and commercial, retail and hospitality creates a different pace and I like that. It’s the diversity of all those activities and the mix of young and old with different socio-economic and ethnic groups that creates an energy,’ says Peter, who likens the success of Surry Hills as an active suburb to other creative hubs like New York and London. In he office waiting room sits a vintage juke-box, a piece of memorabilia from The Sports Bar, the Bondi institution Peter was a partner in back in the late nineties. Persian rugs run down the office corridor and an old leather rugby shoulder pads, Peter’s uncles from ‘back in the day’, sits on a mannequin on the receptionist’s desk. There’s a story behind each item and each object, painting and poster hanging on the walls, which
invokes a sense of nostalgia and domestic comfort that Peter relates to. ‘I like to mix up old with new, domestic furniture with office furniture, lamps and rugs. When you spend the best hours of every week in a work environment, you want it to be stimulating and inspiring.’ The immense changes that Peter has observed from his office window over the last twenty-five years have earned the suburb its rightful name as a key Sydney creative precinct. But there are repercussions that are intrinsically tied to gentrification. ‘I think the challenge for Surry Hills is to avoid mainstream development and rising prices which will force out the innovators,’ says Peter. ‘We need to advocate for diversity and promote events that provide opportunity for artists of all genres, including designers, architects, and digital creatives to present their work where its possible to live and work without following the latest trend of having your success measured solely in money terms.’ Surry Partners Lawyers is a boutique commercial practice, with its lawyers regularly up against major city firms. ‘We feel like we have a unique connection to Surry Hills,’ Peter explains, ‘it really represents the very best of being able to live and work in a vibrant inner city location.’
OFFICES + WORK STATIONS AVAILABLE 5 OFFICES 483 Riley St, Surry Hills 418A Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 66 Goulburn St, Sydney 20A Danks St, Waterloo 321 Kent St, Sydney Coming Soon
For any enquiries, please call 0401 905 805 or email edwina@idealspace.com.au www.idealspace.com.au
Surry Partners offices. Image supplied. Urban Village | 37
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devonshirestreetprecinct.com.au
Chris Deale, photo by Andrew Mackinnon.
DOVE & OLIVE “ The Dove has something for everyone. Whether you’re grabbing a bite during your lunch break, or getting dinner before heading to Belvoir Theatre.”
Chris Deale spent 20 years of his life in the corporate world, “I couldn’t see myself staying in that world for the rest of my life, so I made a change.” And what a change it was. Chris is now the owner and manager of the popular Dove & Olive pub. “It was a natural evolution for me, to move into the pub world. I liked the idea of seeing what I could bring to the table.” His wife’s family have been involved in pubs for 5 generations. They’ve owned the Dove & Olive for five months, and Chris loves it. “The Dove has something for everyone. Whether you’re grabbing a bite during your lunch break, or getting dinner before heading to Belvoir Theatre.” When asked what’s special about the Dove & Olive, there’s no pause for thought. 38 | Urban Village
“Our atmosphere. People come here for the atmosphere. You can go in different rooms and get different feels. Some people b-line for the courtyard, some want a seat on the terrace and others on the main bar. Upstairs it can be a bit quieter with booth seating.” A mention of the Dove & Olive wouldn’t be complete without the original and bi-monthly Craft Beer Fight Club; where brewers from all over Australia come to duke it out! The prize isn’t just the favour of punters’ taste buds, but a tap on the bar for a month. And with the mouth watering classics like their award-winning pies or coffee rubbed short rib, you’re in for a memorable time!
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Meet The Locals Rob Sloan
DEAD RINGER “The place that does it all.” Insert: Rob Sloan Co-owner. Image by Tess Scholfield-Peters
Words by Tess Scholfield-Peters ‘If you’re nice to people you get nice people coming back,’ co-owner Rob Sloan explains to me as he wipes down the freshly oiled timber bar top, ‘that’s kind of our thing.’ Located in a heritage townhouse just off Taylor Square, at the intersection of Paddington, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills is Dead Ringer. It’s not exclusively a bar, restaurant or café, but borrows aspects from all three to create an original and forward thinking dining experience for its local adherents. Rob and his two business partners are die-hard hospitality lovers. They opened Bulletin Place in Circular Quay five years ago, which has placed in the world’s top fifty bars every year since its inception. They opened Dead Ringer two years ago. ‘There was always an assumption that we would continue to open bars, but we always had an interest in food. We saw great potential here in terms of location and infrastructure. We set out to be a neighbourhood job and provide all the things people would want in a venue.’ Dead Ringer is a bit tucked away, just up from the big thoroughfare of bustling Crown Street on Bourke Street. But the sun drenched front 40 | Urban Village
terrace, a favourite among brunch goers, always has the heads of passers by craning. ‘There’s very few places in Surry Hills where you can go and sit outside and get that late morning or early afternoon sun.’ Dead Ringer is a restaurant and bar Tuesday to Thursday, but Friday to Sunday they offer brunch service that rolls casually and seamlessly into evening service. While brunch only started around three months ago, the reception has been everything Sloan could have hoped for. ‘We didn’t plan on being this brunch venue but it’s happened and we’re really embracing it.’ Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am Dead Ringer offers a boozy brunch menu featuring omelettes, tarts, seafood, housemade pastries and their infamous bottomless mimosas. ‘The mimosas were initially a throw away idea and then it became a hook that everyone gravitated towards. I think it sparks something in people that have brunched in New York or London. It’s a bit hedonistic, it’s something you kind of build your Sunday around. I don’t think Australians have historically had that.’ For $30 for 1.5 hours, attentive staff
will refill the customers’ mimosas without them having to lift a finger. That way guests are free to relax, enjoy their weekend catch-ups and mosey through the morning in a style more character of Manhattan than Sydney. ‘We’re a place with a real eye on quality of produce and being nice to people. We’re not just in it for a quick buck. We show a duty of care to our customers.’ Rob and his co-owners have made sure that both their venues are as environmentally and sustainably conscious as possible. They don’t use plastic straws in either of the venues, they’ve eliminated most of the paper goods, opting for linen napkins instead, and have moved their energy supply to a 100% renewable power company. ‘We serve solely Australian wines and all diners have the opportunity to contribute to Oz Harvest by adding $1 to their bill. I think for venues that don’t have a strong environmental policy, if they’re not using high welfare meat, if they’re not using cage free eggs, their days are numbered. There’s a real need for transparency now.’
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Surry Hills
devonshirestreetprecinct.com.au
Jennifer Shin, photo by Andrew Mackin-
DEVON CAFE “ My biggest learning curve has been about food trends - taking lots of classical dishes and adding interesting Asian fusion twists.” Jennifer Shin manages Devon Cafe, not much more than a hop, skip and a jump from Central Station. The Asian fusion cafe maintains an entirely unassuming frontage, while its ingredients within take you by surprise. The unorthodox food and drink menu complete with unique cuisine and classics with quirky twists, is juxtaposed with the wood panelled interior and funky, graffiti-scrawled courtyard. While being a foodie at heart, Jennifer hasn’t always managed the Devon Cafe. In a previous working life she ran a travel agency for over twelve years, organising events, trips and holidays for more than 3,000 people at a time. She then ventured into cafe ownership, but it didn’t go exactly to plan. “I love food, wine and coffee. That’s why I opened my own business. It was a very steep learning curve. I didn’t know how hard it would be physically and mentally!” After selling her business, Jennifer was keen to 42 | Urban Village
continue learning more about the industry. A quick Gumtree job search took her to Devon Cafe, where she found her new hospo home. Renowned chef Zachary Tan serves up signatures like ‘Breakfast With The Sakumas’ (made with Miso grilled king salmon, smoked eel croquette, 63’ egg, radish petit salad, kewpi mayonnaise and furikake). “I love sampling the dishes - who wouldn’t!” Jennifer also admits, “my biggest learning curve has been about food trends. Taking lots of classical dishes and adding interesting Asian fusion twists.” This is where Devon Cafe’s forte lies, having found fame for its experimental cuisine and amassing a cult following. The cafe has plans to expand across state lines and country borders into the Asian markets in Jakarta and Singapore.
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SURRY HILLS SALON Aug 29
L-R Tony Nguyen, Glen Hare & Michael Christodoulou(Images Jack Colquhoun).
THE AUGUST NETWORKING EVENT On Tuesday August 29, Golden Age Cinema and Bar and The Office Space co-hosted the Surry Hills Creative Precinct’s monthly Salon networking event. The concept behind the Creative Precinct’s Salon events is to provide a place for local businesses and creatives to talk, network and share ideas and experiences of life and business in Surry Hills.
presentations by the Surry Hills Creative Precinct and participating businesses, are kept to a minimum. The key aspect of the event is the networking and socialising to be had by the guests, strengthening the community ties between local businesses and giving everyone a chance to chat over a drink and make valuable connections. If you’re a business interested in hosting a Salon event or would like to come along, you can join our mailing list at shcp.org.au.
Each month the Salon event is hosted by different businesses. Ideally the event is jointly hosted by two or three businesses, giving each the chance to contribute to the night in different ways. It might be a collaboration between food and beverage purveyors, the venue space or entertainment for the evening. Hosts get to showcase their businesses and give insight into their marketing strategies and goals. The Office Space and Golden Age Cinema & Bar collaborated to provide guests with the stunning event setting of the Golden Age Cinema. Naomi, director and co-founder of The Office Space, provided guests with tours of the Office Space at Paramount, upstairs from Golden Age. Each business gave a short presentation to the guests about their ventures, and gave away prizes in a lucky draw, including a year’s membership to Golden Age and a yearlong virtual office from the Office Space. Another prize included a full-page editorial profile or ad in Urban Village. The formalities of the night, being the 44 | Urban Village
Naomi Tosic & Mark Mordue (Images Jack Colquhoun).
WE WORK TO MAKE SURRY HILLS A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS.
The Surry Hills Creative Precinct is an innovative and highly proactive body designed to help your business thrive. A membership with the SHCP will earn you a voice with policy makers and invaluable networking connections with other local business owners in an area with one of the highest concentrations of creative industry in the world. THE SURRY HILLS CREATIVE PRECINCT 2017 INITIATIVES INCLUDE
UrbanVillage JOIN THE CREATIVE PRECINCT $95 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP. WWW.SHCP.ORG.AU * WWW.SURRYHILLS.ORG FACEBOOK @SHCPINC EMAIL: INFO@SHCP.ORG.AU
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On Show Art, Theatre & Live Music review
Image courtesy of Sean Maroney.
Careful, The Patriarchy is Fragile. Sean Maroney, Charles O’Grady and Shaun Colnan bring to the Giant Dwarf Theatre stage their show ‘Fragility: The Final Refuge,’ a misplaced love story between two men struggling under their own preconceptions of what they are. Words by Tess Scholfield-Peters The show invites us to question the patriarchal world we find ourselves in and offers an examination of the toxicity of white conventional masculinity through humour, absurdity and the breakdown of traditional theatrical form. ‘The show is creating a space to play around with white masculinity and take it to its furthest absurd levels in order to really look at it and problematize it,’ explains Charles, who helped to conceive the idea for the performance as well as playing a meta-theatrical role on stage. ‘Essentially it’s set in a very hypothetical utopian future where everyone is progressive and there is no hegemony for white men to fall back on. It’s an MRA’s (men’s rights activist) worst nightmare.’ 46 | Urban Village
Sean Maroney and Shaun Colnan, the two lead characters, are the embodiment of everything wrong with the patriarchy. ‘My character is hard lined, loud and assertive,’ says Sean Maroney, ‘while Shaun (Colnan) is the ‘nice guy,’ the kind of guy who if someone makes a derogatory joke about a woman, may not necessarily agree with it, but doesn’t call it out.’ The two characters create their own masculine ‘safe space’ in this world of pluralistic inclusion. The audience follows them down an increasingly ridiculous rabbit hole as they desperately try to cling to their manhood. Maroney and Colnan are long time mates and have shared the stage previously in their 2015 show ‘White
Boy Masturbation Cathedral,’ performed at Sydney Uni. It was an examination of the white maleness of the Catholic Church, pushing its rituals and beliefs to utter absurdity. The show ended with Maroney and Colnan eating raw onion and writhing around on the stage floor shouting Hamlet’s ‘To Be or Not To Be’, a metonymic representation of ‘white man theatre’ and a not so subtle homage to Tony Abbott’s onion eating debacle that occurred that same year. Charles O’Grady and Sean Maroney were acquaintances through the Sydney Uni Dramatic Society. The 2015 show sparked Charles’s interest in working with Sean.
‘Sean approached me and told me he was thinking about putting on the show again and wanted my dramaturgical input. I was like, yes, this is the most amazing and also the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen.’
“ The world is still an overwhelmingly misogynist, racist, transphobic, queerphobic place.” The stage is a mechanism through which the creators tackle contentious political and social issues with the aid of comedy. ‘When it comes to identity politics, people are often quick to take offence and rightly so,’ explains Sean, ‘what we’re trying to do is shake that a bit.’ ‘Something we talked about quite early on is those guys online calling people snowflakes, calling people fragile. It’s that weird cognitive dissonance of, ‘oh we’re so manly, we’re so strong and not fragile, but anything we don’t like a little bit is the end of the world,’ articulates Charles. Unlike other platforms such as the Internet, where identity politics is often treated in a very pointed, overtly aggressive manner, the stage is a non-threatening space, a realm of reflection and experimentation for both performer and audience. It allows for a much freer dialogue of ideas, and perhaps a more meaningful reception from the viewer. ‘For me, as a queer trans theatre maker, the most important audience for the show is the people who are victims of this kind of toxic masculinity – people of colour, queer people, trans people etc,’ says Charles, ‘we’re hoping that it’s a space for people to come in and just really comfortably laugh at it.’ ‘All of the great playwrights that anyone can list off the top of their heads are white males. It seems that anything written by, say, a woman, a trans person or a person of colour is kind of deemed as niche as opposed to something that is universally relevant,’ says Charles, ‘so in doing this show and dubbing it a piece of theatre, it’s a way of taking apart the white masculine hegemony in theatre.’ ‘The world is still an overwhelmingly misogynist, racist, transphobic, queerphobic place,’ says Charles, ‘I think it’s worth all the work we put into the show if just one person walks out and thinks, ‘I’ve examined my privilege.’ ‘You have to check in your privilege at the door, actually,’ notes Sean. ‘Fragility: The Final Refuge’ is a comedy, a tragedy, an absurdist piece, a social commentary, a big ridiculous theatrical experiment that doesn’t exclusively belong to any of these labels, yet borrows from all of them. ‘Egotism is fragile – come watch it be shattered into a bunch of delectable man-shards.’ Catch Fragility: The Final Refuge at Giant Dwarf Theatre on September 22, part of the Sydney Fringe Festival. Urban Village | 47
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SURRY HILLS devonshirestreetprecinct.com.au
Geoff Bracken, photo by Andrew Mackinnon.
ACME FRAMING “ It’s an involved process, one that sees us work closely with the artwork and the expectations of those having it done.”
Geoff Bracken, the boss behind Acme Framing, is quick to ask, “do you know what Acme means? It means highest point, point of success, of achievement. What it isn’t, is the ‘beep beep road runner’!” That point of success overflows at Acme, with some of the best designers, framers, conservators and craftspeople in the country working under his roof. For over ten years, Geoff worked as a rehabilitation nurse, until one day an injury saw him have to leave the health industry. 48 | Urban Village
Serendipity quickly stepped in when Geoff tagged along with his friends who were picking up some framed pictures completed by the then owner of Acme. At the time the owner needed someone to help in the business, and Geoff, with his enthusiasm and skillset for woodwork, was the chosen one to do so. Shortly after Geoff purchased the business the rest was history, two decades and still counting. “Being bespoke framers means every job is unique. There are so
many ways you can frame a picture so collaboration is important.” One way is using the Acme Profile, a frame that has become so popular that leading molding companies have copied it, which Geoff laughingly points out is “rather flattering.”
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SURRY HILLS ICONS
HOPETOUN HOTEL It’s been closed for almost a decade, but the derelict appearance has only served to heighten the Hopetoun’s status as a Surry Hills icon.
W
ho hasn’t played at the Hoey? Who hasn’t seen a band at the Hoey? Who hasn’t said they have, even if they haven’t? But instead of rolling up Foveaux Street after work to be drawn inside by the irresistible sounds of “Rock Against Work,” these days the Hopetoun is boarded shut and has been since 2009. No doubt it’s been a huge loss. Almost anyone could get a gig there so it filled a real need for emerging musicians, and its allure was such that almost no-one – on the Australian pub scene anyway – felt they were above playing there. If you didn’t like the music there was the toughest pool comp in inner Sydney, or the downstairs bar where could you could drink and wonder how quickly you could escape in the event of a fire. Since its sad demise, few venues in Sydney have been surrounded by so much rumour and innuendo.
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The official line was that a combination of fines and building code violations, too expensive to fix, were the reasons behind the closure. Apart from that, it depends on who you talk to and who they spoke to last. Was it a relationship breakup, a family feud, or something even more sinister?The Hopetoun’s revival has also prompted speculation and denial. Hopes were lifted in late 2016 by a Facebook post, seized upon by the Daily Telegraph, that “independent record label owner” Adrian Bull had bought the pub and was set to plough $90,000 into a re-launch. It would be back and serving beer by October 2017, the story claimed. The Telegraph even went out and got quotes from the likes of Hoodoo Gurus frontman Dave Faulkner and Mental As Anything’s Peter O’Doherty, welcoming the news. Only trouble is, it wasn’t true. The story was quickly followed by a denial, issued by lawyers of the owner the Lion Group, in which they said they had never been contacted by Adrian Bull and had no idea why he would have claimed to have bought it.
She Says “ It was one of the only places you could get a gig when you first started playing,’’ Sarah Blasko, SMH 30 Sept. 2009
Images courtesy of Tess Scholfield-Peters
This followed a 2012 report that celebrity chef Kyle Kwong had bought the pub. So, as of today the Hopetoun still lies abandoned, a ghostly reminder of good times past when Sydney had a great live music scene and all roads led, sooner or later, to the Hoey. Rumours still abound. Urban Village heard several new ones as we went to press but were not able to confirm them so decided not to publish. One thing for sure is that for an abandoned building, the Hopetoun’s value has skyrocketed since 2009. Can you imagine what its worth now? Whether anyone has the funds, and the drive, to revive it or buy it is still a mystery. Like everyone, we want to see the Hopetoun back. It doesn’t feel right to have an abandoned icon like that in a thriving neighbourhood. Progress is progress, but it would be a shame if – when it ultimately does re-open – the Hopetoun is not a live music venue. Please, whoever you are, don’t make it an Irish pub, a huge betting shop or a pretentious gastro pub. It would be better to leave it empty, as a reminder of Surry Hills’ past.
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Meet The Locals Victoria Johnstone
Images courtesy of The Neighbourhood Centre.
Words by Tess Scholfield-Peters
S
ince its inception in 1978 the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre (SHNC) has brought the Surry Hills Festival to life. For nearly forty years its team members have been dedicated to the social justice, inclusion and diversity of the area. Victoria Johnstone has been the director of the Neighbourhood Centre for four years. Her vision for the Surry Hills Festival has been instrumental in transforming what was a one-day fundraising driven concert, to the all-encompassing three week long celebration of arts and culture that it is today. ‘The festival is about more than fundraising. It’s a really powerful mechanism for community engagement and creativity,’ explains Victoria. On Saturday September 23 the celebrations will be spread across Ward Park, Devonshire Street, Shannon Reserve and Crown Street. Art installations from local artists and world-renowned names will fill the streets, along with pop up creative spaces, live music, food stalls, interactive and immersive art and projections. This year the Neighbourhood Centre has been working across the community to develop and create a massive immersive 52 | Urban Village
art installation called The Most Amazing Devonshire Tea Party, Ever! Inspired by legendary local pop artist Martin Sharp, festival goers will follow a trail of enormous colourful fluffy sculptures, created by a great and diverse number of community members, and will be led to a tea party where they will be served fresh scones and peach iced tea by notorious characters of Surry Hills. ‘This immersive public art project is soft, colourful and a little quirky,’ says arts co-ordinator Kasane Low, ‘the community members involved have commented that it’s great to just sit down and exchange stories, to learn something and work towards something together.’ For Victoria Johnstone, art is the connection point of the community. With the celebration of art comes social cohesion and a community dialogue that bridges the myriad of groups and demographics. ‘Through this festival, through the installations and the art, the performances and the characters, the artists and the people are able to claim the space,’ says Victoria, ‘it’s a big statement, and it empowers the community to
have a voice about the past and the future. That’s something I feel very strongly about.’ What makes the festival so unique is its intrinsic relationship with the community space. Everything in the program is site specific and relevant to the local community, especially the local artists. ‘It’s our job to keep the old community of artists here,’ says Victoria, ‘we need to support them and give them the biggest voice. The festival is a chance for the artists tell their stories.’ Another impressive addition to this year’s festival is Double Take, a collaboration with the Surry Hills Precinct and local creatives Esem Projects. Double Take runs from September 23 until October 15. Devonshire Street and surrounds will be transformed as the sun goes down with over 60 projections, installations and performances from both local artists and international names. ‘Most of the artists are local, but a lot of them exhibit internationally which is exciting. It’s really cool that a community event can attract this calibre of artists.’ The Surry Hills Festival and Double Take is a truly unique showcase of the culture and art of Surry Hills, and the people and stories behind
the suburb. It is a chance for the public to interact with and be immersed in all that makes Surry Hills the creative hub of Sydney. ‘There’s so much change happening in the area. There’s gentrification, there’s light rail, there’s politics. I guess that makes people question and sometimes feel a bit displaced and nervous,’ says Victoria, ‘this is a chance for the community, through art and celebration, to claim this space and overlay it with our own stories, put them into the streets and give them meaning and a positive outlook.’ SHNC encourages festival goers to give generously on the day, as all the funds raised will go towards important community programs, like those for children or elderly, the homeless, people experiencing mental illness and those from economic or cultural diverse backgrounds. ‘The festival shows the importance of art, of colour and creativity. Through putting projections on buildings, through the installations, characters and people wandering through the streets, that’s story telling and sharing. Celebrating that is just as powerful and important to the community as any physical infrastructure.’ Surry Hills Festival takes place on September 23. Double Take Festival runs from September 23 until October 15. For more information about where your festival funds will go, or if you would like to get involved, visit surryhillsfestival.org.
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Astra Howard (right) showing her Village Voices wall. Image credit: Katherine Griffiths, City of Sydney.
Giving a Voice to the Village Got something to say about living in Surry Hills or life in general? There’s a place where everyone can read it. Words by Lachlan Colquhoun On the wall of a laneway off South Crown Street is an innovative public art project which tells the stories of Surry Hills, as authored by its residents. Village Voices is the creation of Astra Howard, who combines a unique career in social services in Surry Hills with a career as an artist, which has taken her from the UK to France, the USA, China and Vietnam. Over that time she developed the idea of “action research” to drive her work, a combination of observation, activation, collaboration and recording which has found new form with Village Voices. The work is a changeable sign board, a little like those used by churches or cinemas to post their messages or advertise features. In this more secular context it is used as a vehicle for the stories of individual Surry Hills writers and authors, and also for stories created through collaborative 54 | Urban Village
workshops Howard takes with various groups around the area. They range from homeless youth seeking refuge in shelters, to long term residents of public housing. The stories can be about anything, as long as they fit the format of 30 characters per line over six lines.. It’s a different type of urban haiku. Some of them have been dark and poetic. Others have a strong narrative while others are obscure. While most have been serious in tone so far, there might be some comedy coming up soon “I’m looking to have a mix of stories and narratives from every walk of life,” says Howard. “I want different ages, backgrounds, and also for this to be a way for people who might not have an opportunity to have their voices heard. It’s all about getting a diversity of stories.” Located on a wall on the Wilshire Through Link off South Crown Street, the first Village Voice story went up in September 2016, written by local writer and dancer Coralie Hinkley. Now, Howard aims to change the story every two months, a task which takes her about five hours and inevitably draws a crowd. Already there are ideas about how the idea can be developed further. The changing of the stories could become a regular event, almost like a ceremony, with spoken word performances (there are plans for one during the Surry Hills Festival in September).
There are also plans for an author gathering, where people who have written the stories or collaborated in creating them can meet and exchange ideas. Beyond that, there are suggestions for a spin off publication, with the stories both photographed and in the handwriting of the authors. Then there is the fact that Village Voices doesn’t have a social media presence, as yet. The City of Sydney, which funds the project, is committed to Village Voices as a four year pilot, after which it could become a permanent feature in the area. For that to happen, locals need to continue to engage with the project, both as authors and readers. “On the day I do the change people hang around and watch me and comment,” she says. “It makes me understand that people really are responding to it, and that people have really taken this on as part of the community. “I get emails about it and people stop me in the street to talk about it. Whenever I stop past and even look at it I’m often joined by someone wanting a conversation about it.”
Submissions for Village Voices can be made to a dropbox at the Surry Hills Library on Crown Street. There is a proposal to put a dropbox at the Wilshire Through Link site, so watch that space.
Recycled terracotta tile facade In light of the disruption to our business from the construction of the (overengineered, dendrophobic) light rail project, Luigi Rosselli Architects are decamping 500 metres away from vehicle ravaged Randle Street to leafy Buckingham Street. From 8 January 2018 come and visit us in our brand new, purpose built studio at 122 Buckingham Street, Surry Hills, NSW or call or e-mail us to discuss your project
Devonshire Street
t: 02 9281 1498 | e: info@luigirosselli.com | w: luigirosselli.com Urban Village | 55
Image by David Mandelberg
Do a Double Take in Surry Hills
O
ut of disruption comes change and opportunity, and from the construction work for the Sydney Lightrail has come a minifestival of bold projects which will light up Surry Hills in September. Local creatives ESEM Projects – a husband and wife team of Sarah Barns and Michael Killalea – are collaborating with a diverse collection of local artists to create Double Take, a street based projection festival which will run for three weeks from September 23.
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At up to 20 locations around Devonshire Street, Crown Street and as far down the hill as Holt Street, audiences will be treated to an innovative series of installations and projects which will transform the Surry Hills night. “This is a very rapidly changing environment with the introduction of the Lightrail, and we are taking the opportunity of the disruption to use the space in different ways,” says Sarah Barns. “We often have a sense that change has happened to us, rather than being involved in it, and what we are seeking to do with Double Take is find different ways to be part of this change, and respond creatively to the transition. “Increasingly those who are involved in large scale urban developments recognise that it’s an
opportunity for people to use spaces in different ways they may not be able to otherwise. ESEM will themselves produce around four of the installations, including one with local actors which will “re-imagine” a disused terrace house, while other installations for Double Take will be produced by other local artists. The project is the latest in a portfolio of innovative art projects for ESEM stretching back around years, and combing the different talents of the husband and wife team.Most recently, ESEM collaborated with artists and school groups to create unique projections to celebrate the Bicentennial of the city of Bathurst. “I come to the collaboration as a historian and digital producer, while Michael’s background is in visual and graphic arts,” says Sarah Barns. “We started around six years ago with collaborations which told stories about the history of Millers Point, Martin Place and different places around Sydney which have experienced rapid chance.” In addition to working with museums, such as leading the design for a new interactive science museum in Christchurch, NZ, much of ESEM’s work has been in public art projects. “We are about history and we are about place and the stories behind them,” says Barns. “It is about the intersection of art and history, and representing those historical narratives in a different way to bring history to live in the present. “We are always in a dialogue with history. Its not something that should be locked away but we need new ways of interpreting and experiencing it.”
Check out Double Take in the streets of Surry Hills from September 23. Take a late night walk down Devonshire Street, into Crown Street and down to Holt Street. Double Take has been supported by Transport of NSW and the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre.
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Screen Test
Queerscreen film fest
Above: Alan Cumming in After Louie; below: cast of The Feels, courtesy of Queerscreen Film Fest.
At a time when divisive politics, ill-informed and discriminatory opinions plague much of the mainstream media, now more than ever there is a need for strong, colourful and diverse voices to drown them out. Words by Tess Scholfield-Peters Cue the myriad of creative, thought provoking and talented voices that make up this year’s Queer Screen Film Festival, taking place from September 19 until September 24 at Event Cinemas, George Street.
an Australian premiere that features an all-star queer cast including Alan Cumming, Zachary Booth, Justin Vivian Bond and Wilson Cruz. The film addresses the volatile compatibility of different political
between the lesbian focussed films and films about gay men.
mindsets of generations of gay men.
Queer Screen Fest is a celebration of the diversity of sexualities and gender identities. Through on screen storytelling, the films will entertain and engage individuals and communities, with an aim to create a more inclusive and colourful Sydney.
The festival features twenty films from four continents, including sixteen Australian premieres and three free film events for the whole community. ‘Being able to give back and reach out to the community is something Queer Screen views as vitally important, and through our strong relationship with the City of Sydney we are again able to provide free entertainment that focuses on three pillars of the LGBTIQ community: families, seniors and youth,’ says festival director, Lisa Rose. The wide array of films covers a range of LGBTIQ issues and experiences. There will be something for every person in the community to relate to, learn from and enjoy. The opening night film, After Louie, is
Another Australian premiere, The Feels, has been called the lesbian Bridesmaids. We join Constance Wu (Fresh Off The Boat) on a hilarious and sexy bachelorette weekend away. A key part of this year’s Queer Screen Film Fest is that while seeing an increase in screenings, the festival has managed to maintain a balance
He Said
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‘The fact that we have increased our screenings to twenty films across fifteen sessions and have parity between the lesbian focussed films with that of gay men, is something I really wanted to achieve,’ explains Lisa Rose, ‘not many, if any, LGBTIQ film festivals can claim that, and I’m incredibly proud that Queer Screen champions the visibility of women in film and society.’
For the full program guide and list of events, visit http://queerscreen.org.au
“ I love a film where I get squished by two dumpsters or I fly through the air.” Alan Cumming
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Public Notice
Traffic Changes Notice Saturday, 23 September 2017 Surry Hills Festival & Launch of Double Take
The annual fundraiser for Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre and community programs, Surry Hills Festival returns on Saturday 23 September 2017 for a celebration around Devonshire Street, Crown Street, laneways, venues, businesses and creative spaces across Surry Hills. With great food, guided tours, public art installations, live music, physical theatre and loads for the kids – there’s something for all ages and interests to enjoy! Barricading Parking Spaces Marlborough St- between Lansdowne St and Devonshire St- eastern side Marlborough St -Dead end north of Devonshire St - Both sides Holt St between -Gladstone and Devonshire St- both sides Temporary Event Road Closures – Saturday 23 September 2017, 6AM – 11.59PM To ensure pedestrian flow and community safety, the following streets will be closed on Saturday 23 September, 2017: · Devonshire Street Elizabeth Street to Bourke St (light rail closure) Westbound · Devonshire Street Elizabeth Street to Waterloo Street · Devonshire Street Waterloo St to Riley St (residents excepted) Eastbound · Clisdell Street at Devonshire Street (light rail closure) · Holt Street between Gladstone St and Devonshire St · Waterloo St between Gladstone St and Devonshire St (residents excepted) · Riley Street between Arthur St and Devonshire St (residents excepted) Southbound · Marlborough St between Lansdowne St and Devonshire St · Devonshire St Riley to Crown · High Holburn St Devonshire to Miles St · Collins St. between Crown and Richards Lane During event operations, managed access will be maintained for residents To gain managed vehicle access, residents must present proof of residency within the road closure area. We appreciate your cooperation and support of this fundraising event for SHNC community programs and apologise for any inconvenience caused. For more information about the 2017 Surry Hills Festival and free family program, visit surryhillsfestival.org We look forward to seeing you on festival day. Yours faithfully, Gillian Elliott Manager, Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre Level 1, 405 Crown Street Surry Hills Contact: manager@shnc.org or 9357 4966
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2017
Seen & Heard Around Crown...
Upcycle & refresh ... your favourite clothes
“I’ve lived here for seven years and know literally every person on this street. It’s like living with family.” Alene, Miss Brown’s Vintage.
“I think in a weird way Surry Hills is growing. There’s always a change and it’s not like we really love it or hate it. It just keeps growing and growing. I’m not sure what it is but it’s definitely a transformation.” Nic, Miss Brown’s Vintage.
Jeans before dyeing “It’s an amazing place to work. Everyone’s always out to help everybody else, like you can run down the road and ask the pub if they’ve got something if you need it. People are good like that.” Michael, cafe owner.
Dye .... don’t buy!
“The dogs are allowed in shops as long as they’re in the pram.” May, local resident and dog owner.
Jeans after dyeing
02 9310 7766 216 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills 2010 www.cullachange.com.au Urban Village | 61
Calendar September 2017 Monday
Our pick 23 Surry Hills Festival The Surry Hills Festival, taking place on Saturday September 23, is our top pick of local events this month. A culmination of everything this suburb has to offer, including art, music, food, design and immersive experiences, the Surry Hills Festival is representative of everything that makes Surry Hills the creative hub of Sydney. Come along, bring friends and family and discover your suburb all over again! Follow @surryhillsfestival on Instagram Like www.facebook.com/ surryhillsfestival Use the Festival/Double Take filter on Snapchat on festival day!
Tuesday · ‘Emerge: to become apparent.’ Imron’s first solo show at Tap Gallery
Wednesday
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· Maker and Creator Worshop 8 years + at Surry Hills Library
· Botanical Illustration workshop at Work-Shop HQ Redfern
·Monday Conversations: Alcohol and Us and Belvoir Street Theatre ·September QUOmmunity Pitch Meeting at Tipple Bar and Bistro
· Dragon Friends comedy show at Giant Dwarf · Film Trivia at Golden Age Cinema and Bar
· ‘After Louie’ Queer Film Fest screening at Event Cinemas George Street
· Dirty Thunder Music Trivia at the Royal Albert · Jacki Fewtrell Gobert at Tap Gallery
· Treehouse Comedy (secret headliner) at The Forresters
· ‘Tender’ exhibition opening at Pine Street Creative Arts Centre
· Tina Del Twist: Gold Class at Giant Dwarf
· Wyatt Nixon Lloyed: Parallel Universe at Giant Dwarf
· Bluegrass Jam at Yulli’s · Whisky Roadshow 2017 at the Clock Hotel
· Time Out Food Awards 2017 at Porteño Coastal
· Insight by The Office Space at Golden Age Cinema & Bar
· Malts Whisky Tasting at The Wild Rover
· The Bookbinder at Belvoir Street Theatre
· Craft Beer Fight Club Round 4 at Dove and Olive
·Travel DAZE at Belvoir Street Theatre
· ‘Without Water’ by Isamu Sawa at Black Eye Gallery
· Abundance Breakfast at Cuckoo Callay
25 26 27 03 04 09 11 Kid’s Mosaic Art Workshop at The Bower Reuse and Repair Shop ·Dirty Thunder Music Trivia at The Royal Albert
· ‘Ghost Jam!’ at Giant Dwarf
· Longrain Riesling Lover’s Dinner at Longrain Sydney
·Copywriting: An introduction to Content Creation at Work-Shop HQ Redfern
· Cassie Workman: The Love Stories at Giant Dwarf Theatre
· Neon Life Drawing at Work-Shop HQ Redfern
· Craft Up Late 5pm-8pm across participating Sydney art venues for Sydney Craft Week
· Art by Michael Harrs, Scarfman at ACME Showroom (until October 15)
· Liv Cartledge at Café Lounge
Image Credit: Giant Dwarf Theatre
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Thursday
Friday
Saturday · Ghosts at Belvoir Theatre
14 15 16
· Mood Active Comedy Fundraiser at Giant Dwarf
· ITS Graduation show at Giant Dwarf
· Justine Varga, ‘Photogenic Drawing’ opening at the Australian Centre for Photography
· Feel Good Jazz Session at Venue 505
· 10 Comedians for $20 at The Bat and Ball
· Naughty Hands: Signs of Love, Lust and Insults at The Hilarium (Sydney Fringe)
Sunday
· Bus Vipers Live at Golden Age Cinema & Bar · Art From the World workshops at Work-Shop HQ · It’s Sketchy at Best sketch comedy at Giant Dwarf
Pamela Rabe, image credit: Daniel Boud · Porteño Malbec Festival at Porteño
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· Eco-Anxiety – Holding a Deep Breath at Japan Foundation Gallery
· Matthew de Moiser exhibition opening at Flinders Street Gallery · Sydney Fabulous Wine Soiree at Song Kitchen
· Surry Hills Festival
· Fragility, The Final Refuge at Giant Dwarf Theatre
· Jetpack presents Quick Bright Things at Giant Dwarf
· The Strides at Venue 505
· Festival for Marriage Equality at Prince Alfred Park
· Watercolour and Wine at Work-Shop HQ Redfern
· Dave Favours & The Roadside Ashes at the White Horse Hotel
· Music For Brunch at Cake Wines Cellar Door
· Mental Notes #3 wine tasting at The Lansdowne
· Etsy Masterclass: Resin Jewellery at Work-Shop
· Epic Brewing (NZ) at The Noble Hops
· Meditation Station at Surry Hills Library
· Art Gilding Demonstrations at ACME Showroom
· Fundamentals of Drawing for Beginners at the Makery
29 30 01 05 06 07 08 12 13 14 15 · Queer Stories: Fringe Edition at Giant Dwarf · WAFIA at Oxford Art Factory · Danielle Lamb at Trinity Bar
· The Catholics at Venue 505
· Tin Smith at Trinity Bar
· Landmarks at The Pottery Shed
· ‘Fragmatism’ by Kristine Ballard at ArtSHINE Gallery (until October 26) · The Binary Operators by Barbara Doran for Double Take Festival
· Mum’s In – Vashti Hughes for Double Take Festival · NL Curated: Dutch Contemporary Design at 391 Crown Street · Workshop #5: Women in Leadership at Project Everest
· Winefulness wine tasting at Bustle Studios
· ‘The Beginning’ Burlesque at Giant Dwarf
· Tudor Comedy at Tudor Hotel
· Blake Keep at Trinity Bar
· Shania Choir at Giant Dwarf
· Sydney Craft Week Opening Night at Australian Design Centre
· Artist Reception with Kristine Ballard at ArtSHINE Gallery
· DIY Colourful Clay Dishes at Work-Shop Redfern
· Biotextilogy at Australian Design Centre
· Live Mapuku Japanese Band at Izakaya Hibiki
· Comedian Josh Earl at Café Lounge
· Funk Engine Album Launch at Venue 505
· ALTER exhibition at Tap Gallery
· Dax Golden at Trinity Bar · Mental Health First Aid Course at ACON · Giant Dwarf Monthly Stand Up Night
· Mural Painting with Cinzah at Work-Shop HQ · ‘Turn Eloura Pink!’ at Eloura Lifestyle Salon · Chat 10 Looks 3 Live at Giant Dwarf · Mum’s In – Vashti Hughes for Double Take Festival
· St Peter’s Church Choir Recital at 1880 Hall, Devonshire Street · ‘Fragmatism’ Kristine Ballard artist’s long lunch at ArtSHINE Gallery
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