Arts

Adrian Collette endured another bruising encounter with Sarah Henderson in Senate estimates.

Culture wars

Arts boss Adrian Collette says Creative Australia is ‘not about moral compass’

The country’s top arts bureaucrat has insisted his organisation is not in the business of judging people’s opinions, merely the quality of their work.

1 month ago
Karl Quinn

Latest

Eleven books we are keen to read this month.

Literature

From Aussie crime to a literary giant’s last novel, here are 11 books to read this month

This selection will help you get your new year up and running.

January 6, 2026
Jason Steger

Performing arts

Sacked pianist Jayson Gillham’s case against MSO to run for three weeks

At the heart of the issue is freedom of expression for employees – especially artists.

November 12, 2025
Kerrie O'Brien

Fwends stars Melissa Gan, (left) and Emmanuelle Mattana.

Review

Don’t let the name put you off, Fwends is poignant and real

This tiny budget debut feature film by Melbourne-based Sophie Somerville punches above its weight.

November 6, 2025
Jake Wilson

Director Lynette Wallworth with Tashka Yawanawa.

★★
Review

Treading a perilous line between science and shamanism

Edge of Life is a documentary probably best left to the true believers.

November 5, 2025
Jake Wilson

Watched by Gough Whitlam. David Smith, official secretary to the governor-general, reads the proclamation dissolving parliament following the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975.

Literature

50 years on from the Dismissal, it could all happen again

Have we learnt anything since the dismissal of the Whitlam government five decades ago? This writer fears not.

October 18, 2025
Kerrie O'Brien

This year’s SXSW Sydney, with Teddy Swims and Paul Feig giving keynote addresses, is the festival’s third in Australia. Even though big names, including Nicole Kidman, have been attached to it, whether SXSW Sydney lives up to the hype is debatable.

Pop culture

Taxpayers forked out millions to host this world-class ‘festival of festivals’ in Sydney. Was it worth it?

The state government refuses to confirm its level of investment, and the pay-off, of its gamble. That’s only one element shrouding SXSW Sydney – and its complicated web of stakeholders – in mystery.

October 13, 2025
Bronte Gossling

Artist Nell with some of her artworks. Many of her signature icons have now been transformed into jewellery.

What’s on

A huge wok from a Kylie Kwong restaurant stars in this new show

Nell brings her joyous, simple characters – happy faces in eggs and ghosts and reimagined domestic items – to Heide in a 30-year survey of her work.

October 11, 2025
Kerrie O'Brien

Mrs Bucket, portrayed by Patricia Routledge

Vale

Dame Patricia Routledge dies aged 96

The actress, best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, died surrounded by her loved ones at home on Friday morning.