WHAT: Theatre in the ACT Strategic Directions Statement 2010-2013
WHEN: Released now
WHERE: check it out at www.arts.act.gov.au 

Two weeks ago ACT Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts and Heritage Jon Stanhope released an official statement outlining the proposed direction for theatre in the ACT.  The Theatre in the ACT Strategic Directions Statement 2010-2013 states a primary objective of creating “a dynamic and highly visible ACT theatre culture,” aiming to promote cultural and artistic diversity and foster the reputation of ACT theatre on a national scale.  "For 2010 the ACT Government has provided over $1 million in funding to ACT theatre artists and organisations through the ACT Arts Fund,” Jon Stanhope said.  “The Statement incorporates a vision and objectives, broad goals, long-term strategies, and practical actions that can be undertaken by both the ACT Government and the ACT theatre sector.”

WHAT: Flare
WHEN: Until March 12th
WHERE: Belconnen Gallery, Belconnen Community Centre

Between 2004 and 2009 the beloved Multicultural Fringe Festival captivated audiences of Canberrans in what came to be known as one of the most eclectic, vibrant and deliciously debaucherous weeks in the whole of Canberra’s cultural calendar. Now, Cole Bennetts, Silas Brown and ‘Pling, the photographers who tirelessly documented this annual phenomenon, have pooled together to look back with love on the Fringe That Was. The exhibition Flare, at Belconnen Community Centre, will take you on a walk through memorable Fringe moments and make you all warm and fuzzy, with a side order of tears and nostalgia.

WHAT: Starry Nights
WHEN: Friday 5 – Saturday 13 March, 5.30-11pm
WHERE: National Gallery of Australia

To chime in with its Masterpieces from Paris exhibition, the NGA has created a sparkling series of 18+ musical events in the middling weeks of March, called Starry Nights. From Friday 5 to Saturday 13 March, the NGA will host a galaxy of stars, from Renee Geyer to Tim Rogers, performing exclusively in the Sculpture Garden. There’s also the uber-hip Pol Roger Sculpture Bar if you fancy some bubbles with your blues, plus late night viewing, and free guided tours, of the MFP exhibition. Tickets to each event cost $70 through Ticketek, and your ticket gets you 10% off at the Gallery shop. Check out the NGA site for more info: www.nga.gov.au

WHAT: Crack Theatre Festival
WHEN: September 30–October 4
WHERE: This Is Not Art, Newcastle

Crack is a national theatre festival held as part of This Is Not Art, Australia’s largest media arts festival. Every rad theatre person I know went to Crack last year. If you’d like to hit the Crack this year, applications are now being accepted. The good folk at Crack (namely, Gillian Schwab and David Finnigan) are now taking applications from theatre and performing artists who want to perform, hold workshops, presentations, panels, forums and all sorts of other fun. Applications close March 31. Details at http://cracktheatrefestival.com.

WHAT: ACO Soloists Series: Diana Doherty
WHEN: Saturday March 13 @ 8pm
WHERE: Llewellyn Hall, School of Music

Shameless how often this is just blatant quoting. Ho hum: “The Australian Chamber Orchestra is hailed as an orchestra of soloists. In this concert audiences have the rare opportunity to hear a number of these talented musicians perform as soloists in some of their favourite music, really showing you what they are made of. Also featuring guest oboist Diana Doherty in a reprisal of her ARIA Award-winning performance of the Bach Violin and Oboe Concerto.” For info on tix and the show, call the venue on 6125 5700.