Jane Albert

The world might be increasingly volatile, but that uncertainty hasn’t affected the strength of art programming.

After suffering devastating injuries from years as a professional skier and cyclist, Cape channelled her energies and talent into visual art – and is reaping the rewards.

Fragar is the 13th woman to win the country’s most popular portrait competition, winning for her portrait of a fellow Brisbane artist. “You work your whole career imagining this might happen [but] after many years of practice, one learns not to be too hopeful.”

“You’re investing in the next generation but they’re doing it their own way, using their own style, their own language, their own creativity,” says artistic director Frances Rings, who also debuted through the dance program.

The spark was immediate for “larrikin Aussie” Scott. Brazillian de Matos now can’t imagine life, or work, without him.

The 49th iteration of the vibrant festival features 17 nights of free live music and $49 tickets across all 130 of its events. Wander Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden as live music plays, check out Rufus Wainwright and hear Tina Turner’s greatest hits from First Nations drag performer Miss Ellaneous.

Two lovers, two deeply opposing beliefs. The new Hayes and Griffin Theatre co-production promises club bangers and a touch of Eurovision.

They fell in love over Bourke Street Bakery’s lemon curd tarts. Now the couple live together in Sydney’s inner west, and even though their schedules are busy, Tuesday takeaway night is “sacrosanct”.

After pivoting from neonatal nurse to the lead actress in Stan’s new police drama Critical Incident, the Iranian-born, New Zealand-raised Mohebbi is one to watch.

The acclaimed Japanese photographer is fascinated by how the medium can influence and intrigue. In Sydney, catch works spanning his career, from photographs of dioramas brought “back to life” at the American Museum of Natural History to images of painting-like seascapes, and “portraits” of Napoleon and Princess Diana.

The multi-award-winning Lebanese Australian playwright isn’t afraid to confront the migrant experience in his searingly honest, gently humorous productions. “People are hungry to be represented, to see themselves on stage.”

She won an Olivier earlier this year. Now Melbourne artist Marg Horwell is facing her biggest challenge yet: transforming actor Zahra Newman into multiple characters in a two-hour one-woman play.