No Images? Click here
LANDMARK ART EXHIBITIONS SECURED FOR SYDNEY
Next year is set be another triumph for art and culture lovers with the NSW Government securing two world-first exhibitions for the 10th iteration of the Sydney International Art Series (SIAS).
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall announced that the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) would feature two standout exhibitions from November 2019; Japan supernatural and a major survey by British artist Cornelia Parker.
“I’m delighted our prized cultural institutions will have the opportunity to showcase what will be two standout exhibitions exclusively for Sydney that are expected to attract over 220,000 attendees,” Mr Marshall said.
“Japan supernatural at AGNSW celebrates the wildly imaginative spirit world of Japanese art through over 200 works by some of Japan’s greatest artists, from historical master Katsushika Hokusai to international superstar Takashi Murakami.
“Drawn from collections worldwide, the paintings, prints, animation, film and sculpture in Japan supernatural radiate beauty, humour and awe.
“Cornelia Parker’s exhibition at the MCA will be the first major survey of the acclaimed artist’s work and features large-scale installations, video works, embroideries and sculpture showing her talent for transforming everyday objects into haunting scenarios.”
Since its inception in 2010, the Sydney International Art Series has generated more than $149 million in overnight visitor expenditure, and attracted over 2.1 million attendees. The event is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Image: Takashi Murakami, Photo © Claire Dorn, courtesy of Murakami Studio
GIVE THE GIFT OF A SYDNEY EXPERIENCE THIS CHRISTMAS
With Christmas less than a week away, now is the perfect time to buy your loved ones an unforgettable experience with tickets to one of the many blockbuster events taking place across the Harbour City.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said with almost 40 events on the Summer calendar, there is certainly no shortage of experiences in NSW.
“Our fantastic State is unquestionably Australia’s home of major events and festivals, whether it's a world-class opera performance, an Australian premiere musical or an action-packed sporting event, NSW has something for all tastes and interests,” Ms Chipchase said.
“With a stellar events line-up for 2019, I encourage everyone to get in now to purchase their tickets to a NSW event, making the ultimate Christmas present for family and friends.”
Some of Sydney’s top upcoming events include:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – From 5 January, 2019
Sydney International Tennis – From 6 January, 2019
FAST4 Showdown – Monday 7 January, 2019
Sydney Festival – From 9 January, 2019
HSBC Sydney 7s – From 1 February, 2019
Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones Exhibit – Showing until 3 February, 2019
Hockey Pro League – 2, 16 and 17 March, 2019
Sydney International Art Series – Showing until 3 March, 2019
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – West Side Story – From 22 March, 2019
STAR WARS™ Identities: The Exhibition – Showing until 10 June, 2019
Image credit: Joan-Marcus
COUNTDOWN ON FOR THE
PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL
Dust off those blue suede shoes as the Parkes Elvis™ Festival is just around the corner, with the event kicking off from Wednesday 9 January, 2019.
This year’s Festival theme is All Shook Up, celebrating Elvis' iconic song and all things ‘50s. The 2019 program won’t disappoint with more than 150 uniquely Elvis-themed events, filled with everything you’ve come to expect from the much-loved Festival along with a host of exciting new events.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the Parkes Elvis™ Festival has grown significantly, grabbing the attention of visitors from across the globe.
“Proudly supported by the NSW Government, the Parkes Elvis™ Festival is a major highlight on the NSW Events Calendar and over the past three years, has injected more than $28 million into local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions,” Mr Marshall said.
Some of the 2019 highlights include the Opening Night All Shook Up Special, the Feature Concert Series, the Miss Priscilla Dinner, a Kids Talent Workshop, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, plus much more.
For programming and ticketing visit, www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.
SYDNEY TO HOST WOMEN'S STATE OF ORIGIN
Sydney will once again host a stand-alone Women’s Rugby League State of Origin game next winter.
The NSW Government invested in the successful inaugural Women’s State of Origin in 2018 and will do so again in 2019 with the game to be played and broadcast live at North Sydney Oval on 21 June.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the 2018 inaugural game was a tremendous success for NSW both on and off the field.
“The NSW Government is committed to growing the NSW economy by building a world-class sporting event calendar of events to drive visitation to our State,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Friday night game will provide fans with a wonderful opportunity to cheer on our women in blue as they take on the Queenslanders, and enjoy a weekend in the Harbour City.”
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government is committed to attracting, investing and hosting major women’s sporting events for the State.
“The 2019 game will no doubt be a showcase of skill and pride as 40 of our country’s top representative players from NSW and Queensland battle it out for the historic title,” Mr Ayres said.
VOLLEYFEST RETURNS TO MANLY BEACH
Some of the world’s best beach volleyball players will return to the iconic sands of Manly Beach next year, with Volleyfest set to take place from 1–10 March, 2019.
The event has been secured exclusively for Manly by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Member for Manly James Griffin said the 2019 event will mark the fifth Volleyfest at Manly Beach.
“March is the perfect time for visitors to plan an extended break in Manly, with the action taking place in the ocean and on the sand as Volleyfest and the Vissla Sydney Surf Pro provide world-class sporting entertainment,” Mr Griffin said.
“Manly’s stunning beach and coastline along with the many world-class restaurants and cafes and designer shops make it the perfect holiday location, with plenty to see and do.”
The FIVB component will be the highest standard of event in Australia for this Summer.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “The 2019 festival will provide a significant boost to local accommodation providers, businesses and tourism operators with players and fans travelling from around Australia and the world to enjoy our outstanding hospitality.”
For more information, click here.
GONDWANA WORLD CHOIR FESTIVAL SET FOR SYDNEY
To celebrate 30 years of the Sydney Children’s Choir and the Gondwana Choirs from across Australia, the Gondwana World Choir Festival will see hundreds of young choristers from across the country and the world, gather for a remarkable week of uplifting singing.
The Gondwana Choirs are made up of the most accomplished choral groups of young people across Australia. From a single choir in 1989, the organisation now includes more than 500 children in the Sydney Children’s Choir program; 350 choristers, composers and conductors in Gondwana National Choral School; and the choral hubs for the Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir in Cairns and Sydney.
The seven days of the festival will begin and end with gala performances at the iconic Sydney Opera House, with the epicentre of the Gondwana World Choral Festival being the magnificent venues of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
The festival will welcome choirs from across Australia as well as Canada, France, Estonia, Latvia, USA, Japan and China. Audiences are set to travel from far and wide to experience the stories, words and music carried by the well-trained, beautiful voices, right here in Sydney.
For more information, visit www.gondwana-wcf.org.au.
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE DESTINATION NSW CEO
On behalf of the team at Destination NSW, I would like to thank everyone in our NSW tourism industry for your continued support and outstanding work over the past year. Your passion and dedication to offering the very best tourism and events experiences to our visitors have been key factors in keeping our incredible State number one in Australia.
As another year of achieving record tourism visitors, visitor nights and expenditure, major events and business events acquisition for NSW comes to an end, it has been the great partnerships, campaigns and input from our stakeholders and industry colleagues that have all had a significant impact on growing the NSW visitor economy. Thank you!
On behalf of our team, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and a safe, joyous and prosperous 2019!
Best Regards,
Sandra Chipchase
Chief Executive Officer
HAWKESBURY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE SHINES
With the new Hawkesbury tourism campaign underway and proudly promoting this stunning region, the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is leading the way in incorporating the fresh branding – ‘The River’s Just The Beginning’.
Mary Harris, Coordinator at the Hawkesbury VIC has forged ahead with transforming the Centre in time for the Summer holiday season with new signage, a refreshed website and new printed collateral for visitors.
Click here for more information on the Hawkesbury.
REFRESHED IBIS HOTEL FOR WORLD SQUARE
Australia’s largest hotel operator, Accor Hotels has unveiled a new look for Ibis Sydney World Square, following a $4 million refurbishment just in time for Summer in Sydney.
The premium economy hotel is surrounded by Sydney CBD's vibrant entertainment precincts and has 166 refurbished guestrooms as well as a refreshed lobby and restaurant. Ibis World Square is ideal for cost-conscious travellers seeking comfortable yet stylish accommodation in a convenient location.
To book, visit accorhotels.com.
FFA TO HOST INAUGURAL CUP OF NATIONS
Australian football fans will have a great opportunity to witness the Westfield Matildas in action ahead of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in France when the team features in the inaugural ‘Cup of Nations’ on NSW soil.
The six-match tournament will kick-off at Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah on Thursday, 28 February with Argentina playing Korea Republic followed by the Westfield Matildas against New Zealand.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
