The Weekender: April 22 – 24

CATCH Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei before they leave for good, experience a Broadway spectacular, take part in a traditional Australian ceremony or rediscover the history of the arts in Southbank. Trinh Le has your long weekend covered.

Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei Exhibition
Friday, April 22 – 25 (Various hours) | NGV International (180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne)

Installation view of the Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria

Installation view of the Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibition. Andy Warhol artwork © 2015 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./ARS, New York. Administered by Viscopy, Sydney; Ai Weiwei artwork © Ai Weiwei. Photo: Tobias Titz.

To celebrate the final week of major exhibition Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei, the NGV has announced extended hours with a 24-hour period from 10.00pm Saturday, April 23 to 10.00pm Sunday, April 24.

Featuring more than 300 artworks, including major new commissions, this exhibition explores modern and contemporary art, life and cultural politics through the art of two prominent figures – one of whom represents 20th century modernity and the ‘American century’; and the other contemporary life in the 21st century and what has been heralded as the ‘Chinese century’ to come.

Marvel at the Forever Bicycles series – composed from almost 1500 bicycles; or the Blossom 2015 installation – a large bed of thousands of delicate, intricately designed white porcelain flowers; and a room-scale installation featuring portraits of Australian advocates for human rights and freedom of speech and information (see picture).

A concession ticket will set you back $22.50, which can be purchased on the spot or at the NGV’s official website.

YABC’s Musical Theatre Spectacular
Sunday, April 24 (Various hours) | Deakin Edge, Federation Square

Ever wanted to attend a Broadway musical show, but was put off by the ticket price? Now you can enjoy a variety of songs from popular musical theatre productions, complete with stunning costume and energetic choreography – for FREE!

The concert is presented by talented young performers from Stage School Australia’s Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC), many of whom have been on international tours of major productions, such as Alice in Wonderland Jr., The Secret Garden, The Little Mermaid Jr and more.

Just pick a time on the YABC’s website and come along to Deakin Edge, Federation Square this Sunday to experience the wonder of Broaday.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Monday, April 25 (6.00am – 1.30pm) | Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Rd

ANZAC Day Dawn Service underway at a memorial shrine in Melbourne Australia.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service underway at a memorial shrine in Melbourne Australia. Photo by Befekir Kebede via 500px, licensed under CC.

ANZAC Day takes its root in the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, and has grown to become a major tradition in Australian culture; one that honours those who have served in war or on peacekeeping operations.

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service usually features an introduction, hymn, prayer, laying of wreaths, playing of “The Last Post”, a minute of silence, “Reveille” and concludes with the New Zealand and Australian anthems.

The ceremony is followed by the ANZAC Day March at 9.00am, led by veterans, serving personnel and descendants of veterans, and concludes at the Shrine of Remembrance at 1.30pm.

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service begins at 6.00am on Monday April 25, at the Shrine of Remembrance. Arrive at 5.30am to avoid traffic jam and road block. For more information on the ceremony, visit the Shrine of Remembrance’s official website.

Southbank Arts Walk
Saturday, April 23 (10.00am – 12.00pm) | Southbank Library at Boyd

The Guardians of Southbank

“The Guardians” on Southbank, Melbourne created by Simon Rigg in 1997. Photo by David Gray via 500px, licensed under CC.

Did you know that Southbank has even more artworks to offer, beside the indoor collections at the NGV, Arts Centre or MTC?

This Saturday, let author Dale Campisi take you on a walk through Southbank to rediscover its hidden history of the arts, including what once was a circus, an ice-skating rink, and a fountain designed by renowned architect Robin Boyd.

This is a free event, so just charge your camera, put on your sneakers, and be present at the Southbank Library at Boyd at 10.00am. Visit the event’s page for more information.

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