As the home of Sydney Contemporary, Carriageworks is much more than the venue for Australasia’s premier art fair. Housed within one of Sydney’s most distinctive heritage buildings, it has become a cultural destination in its own right, presenting a year-round program of exhibitions, performances, festivals and public events. We spoke with Andrew Demetriou, Director of Commercial and Venue Partnerships at Carriageworks, for his guide to experiencing Sydney’s creative side – from must-visit exhibitions and neighbourhoods to his favourite places to eat, drink and explore during Sydney Contemporary.
What makes Sydney stand out as a cultural destination?
Punching far above its size, Sydney is a melting pot of diversity and creativity. No other city has a comparable calendar of constant creative and cultural activation across the year – often free or affordable and always accessible, bringing people across the city and from afar together to celebrate.
What cultural events or exhibitions coinciding with Sydney Contemporary should visitors make time for?
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the iconic Carriageworks Farmers Markets (every Saturday 8am – 1pm). Visitors should definitely spend a day in the CBD and Sydney Harbour with stops at the MCA to visit Tony Albert’s ‘Not A Souvenir’ and MCA X Tate; and the Art Gallery of NSW to see its vast collection, notably Yiribina Gallery’s First Nations collection within the spectacular new Naala Badu building.
Photo: Carriageworks Farmers Market
Photo: Tony Albert, Mid Century Modern, 2016, Collection, HOTA Gallery, gifted by the citizens of the Gold Coast to future generations, 2016, image courtesy of the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, photograph: Mark Pokorny
Photo: Yiribana at The Art Gallery of NSW: Sylvia Ken, Seven Sisters, 2019, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 200.0 x 240.0 cm.
In your opinion, what is it about Carriageworks that makes it such a special place to experience contemporary art?
Carriageworks is Sydney’s heart of creativity – we present a year-round program of major events and exhibitions, festivals and markets, concerts and performances. Supporting creatives and bringing together diverse communities within our distinctive industrial spaces, there’s no more fitting or spectacular backdrop for Sydney Contemporary as Australasia’s premier art fair.
Photo: Carriageworks
After a day at the Fair, where are you heading to for dinner and drinks in the area?
The Inner West, Sydney’s night playground is walk away – no Fair experience is complete without dinner in Newtown (ANTE for amazing Japanese food and sake, Bella Bruta for Sydney’s best pizza, and cosy neighbourhood favourite bistro Café Paci). Followed by a night out in buzzing Enmore (Margaritas at new bar Super 44, Silvers for whisky and cocktails, Femelia for female-led curated wines and martini bar Bar Planet).
Photo: ANTE, Sourced ante.com.au
Which Sydney neighbourhood best captures the city’s creative spirit?
Sydney’s Inner East – Home of Sydney’s galleries, boutiques, best bars, restaurants and clubs intersecting Darlinghurst, Paddington, Potts Point and Surry Hills.
What’s one hidden gem in Sydney you think more people should know about?
Pleasure Club – Underground speakeasy in Newtown with live music and performance art with a killer cocktail list, open until 4am for a Sydney night of debauchery.
About Andrew Demetriou
Andrew is Director of Commercial and Venue Partnerships at Carriageworks, one of Australia’s most significant creative industry hubs, where he leads venues and commercial strategy, major events, venue partnerships and public event programming. He leads development of Carriageworks’ program calendar to expand its extensive creative program and international reputation as a leading cultural precinct, hosting major global large-scale events, festivals, exhibitions and film productions. Major partnerships managed include Sydney Contemporary, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Writers Festival, Australian Fashion Week, Festival of Dangerous Ideas and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
About Carriageworks
Carriageworks is one of Australia’s most significant creative industry hubs, renowned for its dynamic cultural events, performances, and exhibitions. Housed in a historic railway workshop in Sydney on Gadigal Country, Carriageworks offers a vibrant platform for theatre, music, dance, food events, kids programming and more, collaborating with leading local and international artists to foster innovation and creativity in its distinctive industrial setting.
@carraigeworks
carriageworks.com.au
