In a city where surf culture meets high culture, Michelle Grey and Susan Armstrong of Arts-Matter are helping shape Sydney’s creative identity from the inside out. With a passion for connecting people to art in meaningful ways, they offer a grounded perspective on what makes the city’s cultural life so dynamic. We caught up with them ahead of Sydney Contemporary to talk about their must-see exhibitions, favourite local spots, and why Sydney’s mix of natural beauty and artistic energy is unlike anywhere else.
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What makes Sydney stand out as a cultural destination?
Sydney’s distinction lies in its ability to seamlessly intertwine lifestyle and culture—a combination not many cities in the world can claim. Few places in the world allow you to spend the morning riding the perfect wave, the afternoon exploring a world-class museum, and the evening indulging in some of the city’s most exciting culinary experiences. On the surface, Sydney offers the cultural institutions you’d expect—art, dance, music, and theatre—but the real richness lies just beneath. For those willing to venture beyond the obvious, the city and its surrounding regions are alive with creative discoveries: independent galleries, experimental performances, and local makers redefining what contemporary culture can be. It’s this combination of natural wonder, iconic experiences and hidden gems that makes Sydney unique.
After a day of exploring Sydney Contemporary, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
After a day of art consumption at Sydney Contemporary, we’d start the evening with drinks and a performance at The Vanguard. Housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, it offers an intimate atmosphere where live music and cabaret create a sense of timeless glamour. For dinner, we’d head to Maiz in Newtown, a contemporary Mexican restaurant that elevates the humble taco into something extraordinary—bold flavours and thoughtful presentations that perfectly capture the neighbourhood’s creative energy. To end the night, The Abercrombie is hard to resist. With its layered spaces, from rooftop terraces to buzzing dance floors, it has redefined Sydney’s late-night scene, and we’re here for it.
Image left: The Vanguard, image source The Vanguard. Image right: Maiz Newtown, image source Broadsheet.
What cultural events or exhibitions coincide with the Sydney Contemporary that you recommend?
We recommend checking out Renee Estee’s exhibition at COMA and Alex Seton’s new body of work at Sullivan & Strumpf—both highlight the strength and diversity of Australian contemporary practice. Over at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Kaldor Public Art Project 38, curated by Thomas Demand, is an ambitious and thought-provoking commission that really anchors the city within an international conversation. If you’re lucky enough to secure a ticket, a performance at Phoenix Central Park is truly unforgettable—the pairing of world-class musicians with such an extraordinary architectural space makes it unlike anywhere else. And for something a little more unexpected, taking a dance class at Groove Therapy in Marrickville is a joyful way to tap into the city’s creative energy from the inside out.
Image: Phoenix Central Park, image source The Local Project.
If you have friends visiting from outside of town, what are you adding to their itinerary?
We have so many creative friends who come to Sydney and skip the ocean. A swim at one of our incredible coastal beaches is a non-negotiable.
Do you have a favourite public art installation or mural in the city? What makes it special?
One of our favourite public art installations in Sydney has to be Louise Bourgeois’ Maman at Sydney Modern. Towering over the gallery forecourt at nine metres high, this monumental spider sculpture is both arresting and enigmatic, immediately commanding attention while inviting reflection. What makes it truly special is how it balances scale with intimacy—the imposing bronze structure evokes themes of motherhood, protection, and memory, yet its intricate details reward close inspection. Experiencing Maman in the context of the Sydney Modern, alongside Bourgeois’ deeply evocative Day and Night galleries, transforms it from a standalone sculpture into a profound encounter with emotion, architecture, and the power of contemporary art to engage both the body and the imagination.
