The Weekender: November 7 – 9
CELEBRATE the Abbotsford Convent’s 10-year-anniversary, check out the Iranian Film Festival, play some arcade indie games or simply enjoy some free hip-hop and gospel performances at Fed Square. Anthea Batsakis has the scoop with what’s on this weekend!
10th Birthday Open Day at the Abbotsford Convent
Sunday, November 9 (11.00am – 4.00pm); Abbotsford Convent (1 – 16 St Hellier St, Abbotsford)
Image: John Arnup
Abbotsford Convent will be celebrating a decade of arts and culture this Sunday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
This Open Day will hold an array of activities ranging from live music, markets, pop-up eateries and free workshops. Notably, the Koorie Night Market will be transported from its usual residency on Brunswick Street to the Convent, and Might Duke and the Lords will be performing a free set in the Shadow Electric Bandroom. Circus Oz, neighbours of the convent, will be running circus workshops for children amongst other participatory events like African Drumming and Ukulele Lessons.
The Convent has a long and fascinating history that stems from the site being a meeting place for the Wurundjeri People (with their current office located in the Provincial Building) to the development of the convent, which sheltered hundreds of women and children in 1863. However, this open day is a celebration of the community’s effort to save the Convent from development in 2004.
So don’t miss this exciting event brimming with activities and programs on this historic site!
Find out more by visiting Abbotsford Convent’s official website.
Iranian Film Festival Australia
Thursday, November 6 – Sunday, November 9 (Various times); Australian Centre for the Moving Image (Federation Square, Flinders Street)
The fourth Iranian Film Festival is held nationwide, but will be running in Melbourne from November 6 – November 9.
This festival will showcase a diverse range of contemporary films to give Australians a better understanding of Iranian culture. The IFFA is independent – it is a non-political, non-religious and non-aligned private organisation that supports Iran’s exhilarating film industry.
Opening with I’m Not Angry, the IFFA will screen films such as Fish and Cat, Kami’s Party, The Paternal House, and the pre-Revolutionary short P for Pelican.This festival is considered to be a key cultural event in Australia for many Iranians, so don’t miss an opportunity to watch thought-provoking films in the context of Iran’s fascinating culture.
For more information about the event, visit the IFFA official website.
Interstate Arcade Tour – Melbourne
Monday, November 3 – Sunday, November 9 (11.00am – late); Brolly Studios Workshop (24 Bennetts Lane, Melbourne)
Brolly Studios. Image: SK Games Official Facebook Page
Interstate Arcade is touring around Australia for two months and will hold a free pop-up arcade in Melbourne from November 3 to November 9.
Curated by Perth-based game developers, SK Games, this free event will run throughout the day until late in the evening, where arcade games are plentiful and drinks are cheap. With a focus on social interaction, the pop-up arcade specialises in team player games where your experience extends both inside and outside the virtual world. With around 10 cabinets and 20 games, this event promises both gamers and non-gamers a memorable night out.
The arcade will be held in the alleyway venue, Brolly Studios – a design, architecture, and media hub.
To get more details about this event, head to Interstate Arcade’s tour page.
Project Genesis: Hip-Hop and Gospel
Saturday, November 8 (6.30pm – 9.00pm); Federation Square
MASSIVE! Image: Rachel Main via Project Genesis event page.
Top emerging hip-hop and gospel artists will be holding a free show at Federation Square this Saturday. This project is the brainchild of Fostin Nshimirimana from The Movement, who has collaborated with other young artists to build this event and help them tell their stories that stem from their diverse histories and refugee backgrounds.
Notably, the evening will showcase gospel from the Citinorth Community ChurchChoir from Melbourne’s Western Suburb Keilor East, the Shepparton hip-hop duo Young Ugees, and MASSIVE, a 14-part hip-hop fusion choir with members from rich cultural backgrounds. The closing performance will be from The Movement, a 10-part group who aspires to make changes in the community through a love for entertainment.
So, head down to Fed Square for an evening of music that celebrates the connection between Victoria and the world.
If you want to know more about this event, visit the Multicultural Arts Victoria’s event page.