Start your weekend at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) with the Museum’s extended hours MCA Late every Friday night during summer.
Curate your own evening after hours at the MCA, see performances by musicians, artists, poets hidden in the galleries, immerse yourself in a range of exhibitions or enjoy a drink with friends on the MCA’s rooftop terrace.
On Friday January 29, performance artist Shahmen Suku also known as Radha, will lead a roaming trivia game throughout the MCA galleries. Visitors will be invited to answer questions themed around cultural identity and living between two worlds. Join a special reading of contemporary poetry from the masterminds behind Western Sydney’s Sweatshop. Listen to writers from Indigenous, migrant and refugee backgrounds read excerpts from their award-winning anthology, Sweatshop Women: Volume Two.
Returning to the MCA is the popular monthly live music event, Sounds on the Terrace. Programmed in collaboration with independent broadcaster FBi Radio, uncover emerging local music talent at this free monthly event. Performers include Ms Thandi, KYVA, DJ Bri Kennedy (January); Reices Latinas, Bare Necessities DJs (February); Maina Doe and DJ Carolina Gasolina (March).
Throughout February, the MCA and Dualplover present three durational music performances programmed by guest curator, Sydney-based sound artist Lucas Abela. In the intimate surroundings of the MCA Creative Studios, see talented musicians perform three hours of live endurance improvisations. Performers include Chris Abrahams, a world-renowned pianist and member of avant-garde jazz band The Necks; electronic musician, artist and educator, Del Lumanta; and Lucas Abela. This series is part of the Play the City initiative which is supported by NSW Government through Create NSW.
The MCA cafe has collaborated with neighbouring bars in The Rocks to bring together a specially designed drinks menu to be served at the Museum’s rooftop terrace bar. In February, one of Australia’s best cocktail bars Maybe Sammy, will be pouring their signature cocktails such as Chamomile Martini and Eucalyptus Gimlet. In March, Sydney’s premium whiskey bar The Doss House will serve a range of Australian whiskeys, with plans for complimentary whiskey tastings.
Other highlights include the MCA’s major exhibition Moon in a Dew Drop by Australian-Chinese artist Lindy Lee and two new Collection exhibitions: Connected and Anywhere but here. Other activities include tours with MCA Young Guides, the popular life drawing class Sundown Sketch Club and late-night shopping at the MCA Store.
MCA Late is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Culture Up Late initiative where Sydney’s cultural institutions will be open for extended hours over the summer. The MCA will be open from 5:30pm to 9pm on Fridays this January, February and March. All exhibitions and most events are free.
The MCA is a COVID-safe venue and is observing the government guidelines, including strict physical distancing and hygiene measures to protect the health of visitors and staff and minimise the spread of COVID-19.
For more information on MCA Late, visit https://www.mca.com.au/