A photography exhibition re-enacting the Dutch Masters, a festival for budding young filmmakers, and seminars for entrepreneurs, are just some of the events taking place at Customs House this autumn.
Over the coming weeks, the Circular Quay venue will host a range of activities - from events by local and international photographers and up and coming young artists to seminars by local historians and business experts.
“We’re proud to host these events in Customs House, our beautiful heritage building that is fast becoming one of the city’s great art and cultural spaces,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“It’s worth taking the time to visit Customs House this autumn for some of these fantastic free events - from arts and film events to fun kids’ activities and business seminars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Events at Customs House during autumn include:
Dutch Masters of Light Now until 29 May
The famous light and skies of Holland, that have inspired many of the world’s most famous artists, feature in this exhibition of contemporary portraits and landscapes.
The Dutch Masters of Light reinterprets the style of celebrated Dutch artists, including Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer, in a striking series of portraits by contemporary photographers, Hendrik Kerstens and Erwin Olaf.
The exhibition, presented by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Sydney, is part of a series of events that mark the 400th anniversary of the first Dutch contact with Western Australia. On 25 October 1616, Dirk Hartog made landfall with his ship The Eendracht at Dirk Hartog Island, in the Shark Bay area.
India’s Disappearing Railways: A Photographic Journey Now until 3 April
Intimate and humorous portraits of the people, landscapes and vibrant colours of India’s unique narrow gauge railways feature in this only exhibition of its kind in the world.
The late photojournalist, Angus McDonald, spent several years photographing the railways of the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Nilgiri mountains and the central plains of the sub-continent to create the vivid photo essay, India’s Disappearing Railways.
Youth short film festival 8 April
Film It & Show It is a short film festival featuring screenings by local and international student filmmakers showcasing their interpretation of living in a global city.
Consuming passions: starting a creative business 12 April
Budding entrepreneurs can gain some insights into transforming their creative passion into a successful business. This two-hour seminar will offer advice on setting up a creative business, marketing your brand, the importance of networks and blogging.
Two of Sydney’s newest start-ups will share their experiences and information to help kick-start your business idea.
House Histories 14 May
City Historian, Dr Lisa Murray, will offer visitors the tools to research the history of their homes in Sydney. Using records such as Sands Directories, rates assessments and lands titles, Sydneysiders can find out when their house was built, who has lived there and how the property may have been changed over time.
The session will be followed by morning tea and Q&As with an expert panel of City historians and archivists.
For full details on the all events and programs search Customs House at whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For media inquiries: City of Sydney Senior Publicist Elaine Kelly 0477 362 550 or ekelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au