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MCA and Audi celebrate three years of vibrant programming for ARTBAR

Announcement posted by Museum of Contemporary Art Australia 25 May 2015

With a new wing to explore and Sydney’s growing taste for late-night art programming, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) introduced MCA ARTBAR driven by Audi three years ago in 2012. Elevating the gallery experience with events that stimulate collaboration, inspiration and fun, ARTBAR has made contemporary art accessible for new audiences. To date, up to a thousand revellers each month have experienced this award-winning event, with many returning to the MCA for another visit.

On the last Friday of each month the MCA invites an artist to curate a night of art, performances and music, taking over the entire wing of the building; ARTBAR is therefore a unique happening every month. Iconic Sydney Harbour views from the MCA Sculpture Terrace, a monthly themed cocktail, bands and DJs plus a rotating list of creative talent mean that no two nights are ever the same.

ARTBAR’s diverse range of offerings appeals to all tastes. Over 600 program elements have occurred including life drawing classes, artist-led yoga, stand-up comedy acts, film screenings, a Cat Café, a Beyoncé dance masterclass and more recently parkour stunts in the Galleries. 36 artists from across the country have taken up the challenge of curating this monthly collision of happenings, from Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne to Western Sydney. Contributing artists include Shaun Gladwell, Daniel Boyd, Maria Fernanda Cardoso, Brook Andrew and Karen Therese amongst others.

MCA Director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE said, ‘Artists are central to all our activities and from that perspective, ARTBAR really is an event like no other. It’s become one of our most successful public programs, playing a crucial role in our mission to connect a diverse audience with the work of living artists. ARTBAR truly is… art but not as you know it.

‘We’re extremely thankful to Audi who have been with us since the beginning of ARTBAR. Our partnership shares strong values like innovation and collaboration.’ Macgregor continued.

Anna Burgdorf, General Manager of Corporate Communications for Audi Australia said, ‘The Audi brand has long been a passionate supporter of contemporary art, design and innovation in Australia, and overseas. The concept of MCA’s ARTBAR really is the ideal match for our brand and it allows us to engage and interact with a sophisticated, art-loving audience and offer inspiring experiences to the community. As the founding sponsor of the event series, we are incredibly proud to contribute to the vibrancy of Sydney’s cultural life.’

Friday 29 May will mark the third birthday of ARTBAR with MCA Collection artist Rebecca Baumann curating the event. Baumann is a Perth-based artist working predominantly in kinetic sculpture, installation and performance. Her work is characterised by an ongoing fascination with colour, the complex workings of human emotion and the cultural rituals surrounding happiness and celebration.

The night will be decked in confetti, dipped in colour and illuminated in light as the night plays off Baumann’s much loved artworks such as Automated Colour Field (2011) and Confetti International (2007/2011). On the night, guests can have their nails painted by burlesque star Lauren La Rouge and listen to garage rock wave with Sydney band Los Tones.

Coinciding with Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, Baumann’s work will not only be inside the Museum but also transforming the MCA façade for the artist’s Vivid Sydney collaboration with Paris-based art and design company Danny Rose.

MCA ARTBAR driven by Audi
Curated by Rebecca Baumann
Friday 29 May, 7–11pm
For more info:
www.mca.com.au/artbar

$20/$15 MCA Members and Concessions
in advance (booking fees apply)
$25 at the door (subject to availability)
Over 18s only

Upcoming Events
Friday 26 June – Dara Gill
Friday 31 July – Renny Kogers
Friday 28 August – Haines & Hinterding
Friday 25 September – Primavera Edition
Friday 30 October – Hissy Fit
Friday 27 November – 2015 Finale

#MCAARTBAR

Media Contacts

Claire Johnson / Myriam Conrie
02 9245 2417 / 02 9245 2434
claire.johnson@mca.com.au / myriam.conrie@mca.com.au