Artbar Spring at MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia's series of Artbar evenings is back. Debuting in 2012, the MCA Artbar series has seen the Museum open its doors of an evening and put on a party to celebrate contemporary art and artists with music, talks, performances and of course, exhibitions.

The next installment arrives just in time for spring. On Friday September 1 2023, Artbar Spring will see a celebration of First Nations artists, Country, and a connection to nature. Curated by Primavera 2021 artist and Quandamooka woman Elisa Jane Carmichael, the evening will feature DJs, live music, roaming performances, multi-sensory experiences and hands-on activities across all levels of the Museum.

Participating artists include Christopher Bassi of Meriam, Yupungathi and British descent, who’s paintings consider questions of history and place, and the tangle of personal and collective identities; Waanyi man Otis Carmichael, who’s work is interested in how food sovereignty relates to self-determination through ownership of native foodways; Quandamooka woman Sonja Carmichael, who’s works of fibre basketry and woven sculptures are informed by her family’s cultural connections to the land and seas of Quandamooka; Kylie Caldwell, a Bundjalung weaver and fibre artist interested in reviving and pursuing traditional cultural practices; and many more.

Music will be handled by Crescendoll, a Gadigal-based DJ who’s work spans an enormous range of electronic bangers; DJ Naian, a proud Bundjalung Aboriginal South Sea Islander man with an diverse and long-standing background in community radio and arts; emerging artist Maanyung (Micheal Laurie), a proud Aboriginal man with strong connections to the Gumbaynggir and Yaegl nations; folk/jazz outfit Microwave Jenny, featuring the voice of frontperson Tessa, supported by her guitarist Brendan; and more.

Gather with friends, dance on the building’s iconic sculpture terrace, sample some native botanical beverages, be absorbed in a visual feast and gain free entry to major winter exhibition Zoe Leonard: Al río / To the River.

See the full line-up, event details and book tickets.

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