Upcoming Events & Experiences
Image: 'Listening to the Mountain Body' (2025) by Gülsen Özer and Aarti Jadu. Photo by Fergus Floyd.
Burrinja Presents
ngurrak-al marram-u / body of the mountain
Sat 24 May - Sun 13 Jul | Burrinja Gallery
We started to feel our bodies in a continuum with the body of the mountain.
Walking together across Corhanwarrabul (Dandenong Ranges), a group of artists shared place-responsive practices and considered what it means to 'listen to Country' through their diverse perspectives.
ngurrak-al marram-u / body of the mountain is an exhibition outcome from this mobile residency.
Curated by Gretel Taylor with Gülsen Özer and Mandy Nicholson, the exhibition includes painting, screendance, sound installation, textiles, sculpture, digital and cyanotype photography.
Artists: Aarti Jadu, Rebecca Murray, Mandy Nicholson, Jill Orr, Gülsen Özer, Laki Sideris, Gretel Taylor and Tammy Wong Hulbert.
Public Programs and Workshops
'Biik Ngarrga' - Wurundjeri Dance Workshop led by Djirri Djirri | Wed 9 Jul | SOLD OUT
Learn about the layers of Country through dance.
Djirri Djirri are the only Wurundjeri female dance group and are Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne) and surrounds. Djirri Djirri means Willy Wagtail in Woiwurrung, our Mother Tongue. The Willy Wagtail is the Spirit’s Messenger and gave us dance! Our dances honour our Liwik (Ancestors), Kerr-up-non (Family), Biik (Country) and animals.
Place-responsive Art and Performance Now: a panel discussion | Thu 12 Jun| Post Event Recording Now Available
Hosted by Centre for Art and Social Transformation (CAST), RMIT.
Panellists: Professor Vicky Hunter (UK), Arahmaiani (Indonesia), Dr Jill Orr, Dr Mandy Nicholson.
Chaired by Dr Gretel Taylor and introduced by Dr Tammy Wong Hulbert
Online and in-person: RMIT Interactive Theatre, Building 80, 435-457 Swanston Street, Melbourne/Naarm and online.
Burrinja Presents
Timeless Frames: a study of place, structure and form | Ted Hughes
Sat 5 Jul - Sun 17 Aug | Lyre Gallery | Burrinja
Shot entirely on a medium format film camera, this quietly powerful series explores the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit—urban and natural, constructed and organic. Each image invites viewers to pause and reflect, revealing subtle textures, shapes, and tones that often go unnoticed in our fast-moving world.
Ted’s work doesn’t shout—it listens. His portraits of place offer a contemplative moment in time, asking us to consider how we shape our environments, and how they shape us in return.
Though this is Ted’s first solo show, he’s no stranger to the lens. His work has been shown numerous times in group exhibitions including Burrinja’s Creative Showcase exhibition earlier this year.
As the son of respected local photographer James Hughes, creativity runs deep in his roots. But Ted is forging his own path, with a slow and introspective gaze that’s entirely his own.
Exhibition Opening | Sat 5 July 2pm
Join Ted for drinks and nibbles as we celebrate a fresh new voice in photography.
All are welcome—don’t miss this inspiring afternoon!
Burrinja presentsLife Drawing in the Lyre | Julia BroadSun 13 Jul 10.30am - 12.30pm | BurrinjaLife Drawing ClassesAfter a short break and the success of our March Sunset Sessions, Burrinja is thrilled to announce the return of life drawing in 2025 with Life Drawing in the Lyre (LDL). Starting Sunday, July 13, these fortnightly workshops are open to artists of all levels and across all mediums. Whether you're a seasoned illustrator or just beginning your creative journey, LDL offers a welcoming space to explore the human form through expressive and imaginative sessions. Conceived by Julia Broad of LIGHTBRINGER, LDL reimagines traditional life drawing by fusing it with fashion, performance, and set design. Each session features curated themes that blur the lines between visual art, theatre, and style—inviting participants to draw inspiration from a dynamic and evolving visual landscape. Cost | $50 Concession | $60 Full Workshop one is on sale now.
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Burrinja Presents
Markings on Country | The Art of Aboriginal Men
Sat 19 Jul - Sun 31 Aug | Burrinja Gallery
Markings on Country: The Art of Aboriginal Men is a powerful exhibition that celebrates the deep cultural, spiritual, and ancestral connections Aboriginal men have with Country. Through painting, sculpture, carving, and other traditional and contemporary forms, this exhibition showcases the diverse ways in which stories, identity, and cultural knowledge are expressed through art.
Featuring works that explore connection to land, lore, and lineage, Markings on Country invites audiences to experience the strength and continuity of Aboriginal men’s voices and visions. This is a unique opportunity to witness contemporary expressions of ancient traditions and the enduring relationship between people and place.
Exhibition Opening | Sun 20 July 2pm
Join the artists for drinks and nibbles at the launch of this new exhibition.
All are welcome—don’t miss this inspiring afternoon!
Burrinja Presents
Bushwalk | Rain White
Sat 19 Jul - Sun 31 Aug | Burrinja Gallery
Rain White’s Bushwalk is a reflective body of work inspired by the therapeutic act of walking through the landscape and the healing power of artmaking.
Through layers of paint, symbols, patterns, and repetition, Rain explores the emotional and physical experience of place. The rhythmic flow of footsteps is echoed in the intuitive compositions, capturing moments of movement, memory, and emotion. This process-based approach embraces spontaneity and risk, allowing the work to evolve naturally.
A lifetime spent in the hills informs her deep connection to the forest—a place of growth, renewal, and belonging—where the landscape itself becomes a guide.
Exhibition Opening | Sun 20 July 2pm
Join Rain for drinks and nibbles as she launches this new exhibition.
All are welcome—don’t miss this inspiring afternoon!
Burrinja Presents
Without Bounds | Emily Lowe
Sat 19 Jul - Sun 31 Aug | Burrinja Gallery
Without Bounds is a striking body of work that explores the profound significance of nature through a process-driven, organic creative practice—free from limitations or the pressure of outcomes.
Inspired by the beauty and complexity of the natural world, Emily challenges the notion of 'creative consumption' by repurposing discarded materials within the traditional medium of acrylic on canvas. Her work transforms waste into vivid depictions of natural phenomena, creating harmony between nature and human impact.
A resident of the Dandenong Ranges and Burrinja Studio artist, Emily is a regular participant in the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program.
Exhibition Opening | Sun 20 July 2pm
Join Emily for drinks and nibbles as she launches this new exhibition.
All are welcome—don’t miss this inspiring afternoon!
Burrinja Presents
Ganga Giri & Charlie Needs Braces - Live in the Lyre
Dance Party
Sat 26 Jul 7.00pm | Lyre Room
For one night only, Burrinja’s Lyre Room transforms into a full-blown dance party, with two powerhouse First Nations acts taking the stage: Charlie Needs Braces and Ganga Giri.
This isn’t a sit-down gig — it’s a celebration of rhythm, culture and movement. From Charlie’s upbeat looped vocals and storytelling grooves to Ganga’s pulsing didgeridoo-driven soundscapes, expect a night of deep beats, electric energy and powerful connection to Country.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just ready to feel the music in your bones — come join us for a night that moves body and spirit alike.
Check out Ganga Giri and Charlie Needs Braces on YouTube.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
General Admission (standing)
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets $30 - $35
Burrinja Presents
Winter Sunset Sessions | Celebrating Local Artists
Fri 22 Aug | 6pm - 9pm
Join us for a special Friday night celebration of 'Without Bounds' by Emily Lowe and 'Bushwalk' by Rain White - an evening of local art, music, wine, and storytelling. Experience the creativity of our vibrant artistic community in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
Event Highlights:
6.30pm - 7pm Creative Freedom & Innovative Upcycling with Emily Lowe
Join Emily as she shares the inspiration and creative process behind her exhibition Without Bounds, exploring how freedom and upcycled materials shape her distinctive practice.
7pm - 8pm Collaborative Painting with Rain White
Join Rain as she shares her inspiration behind her exhibition Bushwalk in creating a painting using the concept of pathways through life. Add marks, symbols and patterns to create an artwork of joined stories and journeys. Once completed, this vibrant piece will be proudly displayed in the Burrinja foyer and shared on our social media platforms.
8pm - 9pm Live Music Performance by Lulu and Tess Hickey (Apolline)
Sisters Lulu (fiddle) and Tess (cello) Hickey are Melbourne-based musicians with deep roots in the Australian folk scene. Drawing from backgrounds in classical and jazz, they bring a unique energy to their trio Apolline, blending diverse influences into an innovative folk sound. Inspired by artists such as Natalie Haas, Hanneke Cassel, and The Fretless, their music is shaped by a love of storytelling and a passion for connecting with audiences. Their creative approach reflects a freedom found in folk, pushing boundaries while staying true to the genre’s emotive core.
6pm - 9pm Wine Tastings by Patch Wines
Patch Wines is the creative partnership of Kirilly Gordon and Matt Talbot, built on a philosophy of minimal intervention and a balance of intuition and winemaking science. Their wines are honest, thoughtfully crafted, and made for pure enjoyment. Sourced from hand-picked grapes grown in acclaimed regions including the Yarra Valley, Nagambie Lakes, and the Pyrenees, each bottle reflects a deep respect for both the land and the craft.
Sunset Sessions provide a unique opportunity to experience exhibitions in a relaxed, social setting with others who share a passion for culture and creativity.
Tickets $12 - $17
A-List Entertainment Presents
Akmal
Sat 23 Aug 8.00pm | Burrinja Theatre
Akmal returns with a smash-hit tour after a spiritual journey to India to find himself. Unfortunately, when he got there, he couldn’t find himself anywhere. After all, India is a big place…
On his return to Australia, he was pleased to discover he had been here the entire time. This has absolutely nothing to do with his upcoming show, and he’s sorry he mentioned it.
Stand-up, movies, sketch, TV appearances, radio DJ, talk show host and a published author, Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected, successful and accomplished comics. Lightning quick and a master of unscripted comedy gold, Akmal has an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in an hilarious and slightly offensive way.
As seen on Thank God You’re Here, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Just For Laughs and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala.
'Akmal's strength is his stream-of-consciousness ramblings and his interaction with the audience.' - The Age
'Akmal is an explosion of laughter and entertainment.' - Telegraph Mirror
Doors: 7:40pm
Age suitability: Restricted 15+. Occasional coarse language. This event is not suitable for babies due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets $49.90 - $54.90
A-List Entertainment Presents
Ross Noble - Cranium of Curiosities
Fri 29 Aug 8.00pm | Burrinja Theatre
Roll up, roll up! Or use a more conventional form of transport to get to the show. It’s entirely your choice. Unless you accidentally become trapped in a barrel*.
Should that happen, then just find an incline and start rolling to see the one and only Ross Noble.
He is the Wizard of Waffle, The Rambler Royale, The Noodlers’ Noodler, and he’s back live on stage to tour a tornado of tangents.
What the show will be about is anybody’s guess, but that’s all part of the fun when you look inside his Cranium of Curiosities.
*We strongly advise trying not to get trapped in a barrel before or during the performance. Despite the expression “barrel of laughs,” it may impede your enjoyment of the show and potentially anger a cooper**.
**barrel maker. We are fairly certain the mascara mishap music maker Alice Cooper would be fine with it.
“Thrilling to watch… weepingly funny” Daily Mail
"No one does off-the-wall noodling better" - Evening Standard (4 Stars)
Doors: 7:30pm
Age suitability: Restricted 15+. Occasional coarse language. This event is not suitable for babies due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets $51.90 - $56.90
Burrinja Presents
The Maes - Live in the Lyre
Thu 25 Sep 7.30pm | Lyre Room
The Maes are a modern folk duo known for their rich harmonies, acoustic artistry, and captivating live performances. Sisters Maggie and Elsie Rigby have toured internationally, playing festivals such as Telluride (USA), Edmonton (Canada), Orkney (UK), and Woodford (Australia). Their sound blends heartfelt storytelling with echoes of Gillian Welch and The Waifs.
Their upcoming album Abreast launches in July 2025, followed by a UK tour and performances at the Shetland and Orkney Folk Festivals. To celebrate, they’re curating a special one-day event, Abreastival, in Castlemaine. Previous albums have earned multiple accolades, including Music Victoria’s Folk/Roots Album of the Year.
"The Maes folk/pop sensibility is alluring. I'm a sucker for harmonies and these girls cover this ground with such bluegrass perfection, it makes me realise so many styles of our music grow from the same old tree - we are merely branches away from each other." – Troy Cassar-Daley
"I’ve always had such love for The Maes! Their timeless sound is always sung with such sincerity and emotion straight from the heart." – Josh Teskey
Duration: approx. 3 hours
General Admission (standing)
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
