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AACTA SHORTS AND WEB FEST SET TO SIZZLE!
Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA) has unveiled the jam-packed program for the inaugural AACTA Shorts + Web Fest presented by MINI, taking place from August 30 - 31 in Sydney at The Factory Theatre.
Hosted by THE FEED’s Jan Fran, the free, two-day event will feature screenings of Australia’s top short films, documentaries, animations and web series; masterclasses with world-class web and short form creators; Q&A interviews with industry leaders, stand-up comedy; and opportunities to connect with Australia’s biggest names in digital creation between sessions in the Festival Courtyard, filled with food trucks, pop-up bars and a live DJ.
Honouring Australia’s most innovative creatives, the festival will screen a selection of films shortlisted for the AACTA Awards for Best Short Film, Best Short Animation and Best Short Documentary, and the two-day festival will culminate in special guests Danielle Cormack (PATRICIA MOORE, WENTWORTH, SECRET CITY) and Jake Ryan (THE GREAT GATSBY, WOLF CREEK, UNDERBELLY) announcing the nominees for each category.
The program includes a not-to-be-missed line up of inspiring and pragmatic industry panels and interviews offering unique insights from some of Australia’s biggest online and short filmmakers.
AACTA Shorts + Web Fest will also feature the live final of AACTA Pitch: Elevate, a national pitching competition designed to discover the most original and exciting ideas for globally focused, high-concept scripted series. Attendees will also gain valuable insight from the AACTA Pitch: Elevate judges in a Short & Sharp workshop to master The Perfect Pitch.
Shorts + Web Fest is a free event. Everyone with an interest in short film and web series is encouraged to attend, however RSVPs are essential for each session via the What's On page.
Destination NSW is a strategic sponsor of the AACTA Awards.
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ART SERIES NOW ON SALE!
Tickets to the highly coveted Sydney International Art Series (SIAS) 2019/20 are now on sale, with visitors encouraged to take advantage of exploring both exhibitions by purchasing an Art Pass.
The Sydney International Art Series (SIAS) is an initiative of the NSW Government via Destination NSW, which brings the world’s most outstanding art exclusively to Sydney through two blockbuster exhibitions each Summer.
The 2019-2020 season will feature Japan Supernatural at the Art Gallery of NSW and Cornelia Parker at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the world class nature of these exhibitions reinforced Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital.
“People travel from all over the globe to our beautiful Harbour City to visit the Sydney International Art Series every year because it showcases internationally-recognised art in exhibitions not seen anywhere else,” Mr Ayres said.
“Together the two exhibitions are a major visitor drawcard for our State. It is creative initiatives like this which enable NSW to remain the number one visitor destination in Australia and ultimately, allow us to continue to supercharge the NSW economy.”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the SIAS had firmly rooted itself as a must-see event on the State’s arts calendar.
“Since its inception in 2010, the SIAS has been a standout event – continuing to surprise, inspire and delight audiences who specially visit Sydney for the series from all over the world,” Mr Harwin said.
“Japan Supernatural will celebrate the wildly imaginative spirit world of Japanese art and feature more than 180 magnificent works, while Cornelia Parker will see the British artist transform everyday objects into unexpected and explosive installations, sculptures, drawings and films.”
Japan Supernatural is at the Art Gallery of NSW from 2 November 2019 to 8 March 2020. Cornelia Parker is at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia from 8 November 2019 to 16 February 2020.
Purchase a Sydney International Art Pass to see both exhibitions and save 20%. Available here: www.artpass.com.au
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY - VIVID LIGHT ARTISTS
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for Vivid Sydney 2020 providing creatives around the world with the opportunity to submit their ideas and concepts for Vivid Light next year.
Vivid Light illuminates Sydney in a canvas of light, colour and movement. In 2019, the festival featured artistry and cutting-edge installations of more than 100 artists from 22 countries, reaching an audience of 3.5 billion people around the world.
Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres said, “Vivid Sydney is a truly significant event for the creative industries, Sydney and New South Wales. The festival delivers an immense economic impact with tourism related spending from its millions of attendees.
“For the creative industries, Vivid Sydney also provides a fantastic platform for artists to exhibit their work to a huge global audience and transform the harbour city and some of its most famous icons, in a kaleidoscope of colour and technical innovation,” Mr Ayres said.
To register your interest in Vivid Light 2020 visit www.vividsydney.com/apply Submissions close on Monday 2 September 2019.
BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANICA BUS HITS THE ROAD
Guests are now being welcomed to board the brand new Blue Mountains Shuttle to access seasonal fruit picking, cellar doors, eclectic shopping, exquisite gardens, dining and spectacular views along the Bells Line of Road between Katoomba and Richmond for the first time by public transport.
Launching in September, the twice daily, 57-seat, air-conditioned coach service will stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah and Bilpin along the way.
Featured pick-up and drop-off locations include the world-famous Echo Point Lookout, Hydro Majestic Hotel, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mt Tomah, Hillbilly Cider’s brand new cellar door and seasonal orchards.
Along the route, you can learn about the region from the on-board video, surf the net using free WiFi or watch the untamed landscape while charging technology in the provided USB ports.
The coach service will run from Katoomba at 9.30am and 1.50pm and Richmond at 11.40am and 4.10pm, Thursday to Monday. Special Private Charters are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information see here.
SHARE YOUR BEST OF THE WEST WITH NEW CAMPAIGN
Is there a spot on a creek that your summer is not complete without? Can you get the best baklava from your local café? Is there a hidden piece of heritage that you think everyone should see? Whatever it is - The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue wants to hear about it!
The recently launched Best of the West guide is all about sharing the great things about Western Sydney: its natural assets, the hidden gems, its events, activities and projects! In addition to the recently launched book, visitors and residents alike can also submit their best tips to be featured online throughout the campaign! For more information, see here.
MECURE SYDNEY ROUSE HILL OFFICIALLY OPENS
Accor and Lewis Land Group are delighted to announce the opening of their newest venture, Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill – a new-build hotel located in Sydney’s burgeoning Hills District. To mark the opening, guests are invited to experience the brand new Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill hotel and save 15% off the best available rate!
Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill is located corner of Commercial and Windsor Roads, Rouse Hill NSW 2155. The hotel is approximately 45 minutes by road from Sydney International Airport and Sydney CBD.
STATE OF ORIGIN 40TH ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
Next year, the Holden State of Origin will celebrate the 40th year of Australia's greatest sporting rivalry! Don't miss your chance to see the all the action, in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane in 2020.
The National Rugby League (NRL) has announced exclusive packages available now including tickets to the game, the famous Roof Climb of Adelaide Oval, a winery and oval tour, access to the pre-game party with Origin Legends and much more!
For more information about tickets and travel to Game I in Adelaide, see here.
