At the NGV: National Gallery of Victoria

Spinning slowly, inviting every visitor to climb onto one of the shimmering shiny seats, the Golden Mirror Carousel stands in the forecourt of the NGV ( International ) at St Kilda Road. It reminds one of childhood days in the theme park, riding on the merry go round, but this one is the poshiest and most glamorous one can ever imagine. Sitting on it, slowing making its round, one can almost feel royal and elegant, like a centrepiece where the spectators are watching, like some special guest on a special ride, taking your time and enjoying the moment.

This is the installation of Carsten Holler, Belgian artist now working in Stockholm. His carousels are some of his well known projects. It’s inviting you to take a magical ride and best of all, most of the collections and exhibitions in the NGV are totally free, and world class.

Finders Keepers Market @ Royal Exhibition Building

 

The 2014 Spring/Summer Finders Keepers Market was held on 17/18 Oct in the heritage REB ( Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton ). It is also being held in Brisbane ( Nov 8th, 9th) and Sydney ( Dec 12th,13th). And the Autumn/ Winter market will make its way back to Melbourne in July next year.

There are all sorts of markets: stock market, real estate market, fish market, flea market, farmers market, but this is THE Art & Design Market, and its got to be the prettiest market. See a collection of the very best crafts and unique products. For a $2 token entry, enjoy hours of live music, great food, workshops and browsing around for that perfect gift, or more likely, your wishlist, depending on your financial situation. It is a treat for the eyes to see so many interesting designs under one roof by so many talented local artists.

Garage Sale Trail – Nation Wide

Saturday 25th Oct 2014- this is the one day Australia wakes up to a massive garage sale nation-wide. Why not turn your no-longer-required stash into some extra bucks and do your part to promote the 3Rs- reduce, reuse, recycle !

Everyone can chip in to be a part of this campaign. Families and friends, church, community groups, town councils… Start sorting your preloved goods over the next 12 months and get together at the next sale, as the saying goes, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ !

Southbank Farmer’s Market @ BOYD

This farmer’s market is held on the 1st Saturday of the month, 8am to 1pm, at the heritage listed JH Boyd Community Hub, home of a former girls’ high school. Breakfast and coffee, pies and cakes, veggies and plants, honey and dips, mussels and free range eggs, and dogs are welcome. This is home of the Southbank Library too, and it is nice to sit by the sunny glass window to read a book after all the marketing… perhaps search for some delicious recipes to put those fresh produce onto the dinner table. And don’t forget to pick some fresh herbs which is free, to go into the cooking !

Melbourne Now until 23/3/14

Get the free Melbourne Now app: NOW

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/melbournenow

Melbourne Now celebrates the latest art, architecture, design, performance and cultural practice to reflect the complex cultural landscape of creative Melbourne.

This ambitious and far-reaching exhibition across The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and NGV International presents the various ways in which visual artists and creative practitioners profoundly contribute to the society in which we live, and to Melbourne as a city with a unique and dynamic cultural identity.

Melbourne Now is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary project that has involved staff from all areas of the NGV, as well as a team of guest curators and artistic collaborators whose expertise and networks represent the excellence and diversity of Melbourne’s cultural community.

The exhibition involves more than 175 individual and group presentations, as well as a suite of special projects which extend from the visual arts to architecture and design, dance and choreography, performance art and sound. We acknowledge the significant involvement of participating artists, designers and practitioners, and the equally important support provided by philanthropic, government and corporate partners.

Melbourne Now includes a series of ‘exhibitions within the exhibition’, commissions for children and families, installations by artists engaging with the NGV collection, off-site and special projects and a Community Hall and garden inviting a wide range of community expression.

The Melbourne Now project is supported by a suite of dedicated publications, including a limited-edition volume, exhibition guide, a children’s book, and an ebook which will be updated over the course of the exhibition. You can download the e-book for free via the Apple app store or view it online. In addition, a Melbourne Now App has been developed that allows visitors to explore the exhibition and public programs – to plan itineraries, discover multimedia content and find out where and when special events and new activities are happening.

Download your free app now.

Washi Paper @ Melbourne Central

Until 1 Dec 2013 @ Melbourbe Central Atrium, you can join in many others in creating your own coaster and entering a competition. It is another free event in the city of Melbourne !

You will have at your disposal all sorts of sizes, colours and prints of Japanese washi paper tape. Just by using these colourful masking tapes, you can enjoy individualising cards, stationery, decorations for parties, customising indoor furniture and explore your potentials without limit !

MT exibitions have been held all over Japan, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Paris and Germany.

Join in the fun and how you use MT is up to you !

Simple paper tape creating large happiness !

English Conversation @ St Paul’s Cathedral

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES:
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 2.30PM
AND REFRESHMENT AND MEAL ON MONDAYS 5.10PM.

Venue:
209 Flinders Lane, the Anglican Centre

Melbourne Central

What i discovered today at the Melbourne Central: the Coop’s Shot Tower Museum (free entry via R.M. Williams store) and the Community Garden on level 2. Great place to hang out, especially if it is cold, wet or windy outside !

http://www.melbournecentral.com.au/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coop’s_Shot_Tower
http://www.melbournecentral.com.au/Centre-Info/Community-Kitchen-Garden

Free Public Event – Knitting in Fed Square

Come every 2nd and 4th Monday at the Atrium,  Federation Square…  All are welcome to bring their own needles and work on their own pieces. Ladies from the Handknitters Guild Inc are there to help you if you are a beginner.

Free @ Fed Square

More free and fun things to do at Fed Square. Every visitor to beautiful Melbourne must check out events here!

Join some free programs if you have an hour or less to spare. All are welcome!

Every Tuesday 7.30am Tai Chi at Main square
Every Tuesday 12.30pm, Lunch time meditation at the Atrium
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday 11am, Feel Young at the Atrium
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, Belly Dancing in the Atrium (until 2Dec)
Every Friday 8am, Health Qigong at Main square
Every 1st and 3rd Sunday 11am, Laughter Club at forecourt

AND FREE Outdoor WIFI to connect and surf the web. No time limit. 24/7.

This is Melbourne !

Visit fedsquare.com for event details!