Australian Art Festivals To Enjoy In January

We’ve previously suggested a round-up of art exhibitions to catch in Australia’s cities and regions these summer holidays, but there are also great festivals with interesting public programs not to miss! Across January you’ll find;

Sydney Festival, New South Wales from 5 to 29 Jan
With over 100 events to choose from, including 18 world premieres and 14 Australian exclusives the Sydney Festival has something for every art lover. Use this helpful Plan your visit page to navigate the range of experiences on offer, manage your bookings and plan travel. You can browse what’s on by category such as Family events and International Acts.  

Lithuanian opera ‘Sun & Sea’ will be on view at Sydney Town Hall (including the sand!). ‘Sand & Sea’ won the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, 2019. Photograph: Neon Realism

NGV Kids Summer Festival, Victoria from 14 to 22 Jan
Art-making, music, play, dance, teen workshops and much more is on offer at the NGV inspired by their exhibitions and collection. Quite a few of the fun activities repeat, and the range goes beyond our selection below, so make sure to check out the full program here.

Saturday 14th 11.30am–2.30pm Face painting with Nisal Atapattu
Sunday 15th 10am–3pm Art-making activity with Nabilah Nordin
Tuesday 17th 2–2.30pm Dance workshop with Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture
Wednesday 18th 8.30–10am Relaxed Morning Julian Opie: Studio for Kids
Friday 20th 11.30am–12pm Tai Chi workshop with Tai Chi Australia

Julian Opie Studio for Kids

Wander Out West Festival (WOW Festival), Western Australia from 16 to 27 Jan
WOW Festival promises a carefully curated programme of concerts, workshops and events at the Festival’s Hub, Djinda Boodja. On the 18th they encourage you to enjoy the Sounds from Our Grounds concert and a range of stalls & activities by local businesses, artists, trades and artisans.

Cygnet Folk Festival, Tasmania 13 to 15 Jan
Kids events, workshops, music, dance and masterclasses abound in Tasmania’s Huon Valley. Musical acts include Looking for Alaska, Australian folk talents Bush Gothic, the dark ballads of She Walks Through Dusk.

Bundanon Trust, Siteworks: From a Deep Valley, New South Wales from 14-15 and 28-29 Jan and until 12 March
Workshops, talks, and experimental performances with a focus on art and climate enacted by 25 artists and 10 scientific researchers will be open to the public across the weekends of 14-15 and 28-29 January. Complementary and in addition to these programs the exhibition Inside, Underground will be on view in the art museum until 12 March, there are also free morning-talks being held to introduce you to the show. Check out Bundanon’s enriching stay and experience packages here.