USU: Festival of Creativity

🌟Festival of Creativity at The University of Sydney!🌟

Get ready for a burst of artistic energy as we present the ultimate "Festival of Creativity" – a dynamic celebration that ignites your imagination! 🎉✨ From mesmerizing performances to hands-on workshops, this event is a canvas of endless possibilities where art comes to life in all its vibrant forms. Join us for a week that's all about embracing your inner creator and experiencing the magic of the arts like never before – right here on campus! 🎭🎶🖼️

So mark your calendars, rally your fellow creatives, and let's paint the town! 🎨🌟 Grab your tickets and join us in celebrating the magic of imagination and self-expression at the Festival of Creativity. See you there! 🎉🎭🖌️ 

🎨 Tuesday 19th of September

📖Build your Writing Career (1pm-3pm @ Cullen Room)   

Hosted by Writing NSW 

When you’re in the throes of essays and exams and part-time work, a little voice in your head might be wondering what happens next. How to get your name ‘out there’ as a writer? Where and how to pitch your work for publication? How to make connections in the literary community? If you’re interested in building your writing career beyond study, this practical Writing NSW workshop is for you. 

Host: Amy Lovat is a writer, program curator, and the founder of Secret Book Stuff. She teaches creative writing at university and has worked as a research assistant, copywriter, and editor. Amy’s debut novel, Mistakes and Other Lovers, was published by Pan Macmillan in July 2023.

💯 Bingo @ Manning (1pm-2pm @ Manning Bar)

📅 Every Tuesday – Thursday during Semester, we've got a lineup of FREE activities on at Manning Bar. 🎉 Enjoy the live entertainment from student performers 🎤🎶 and affordable Mexican food from Manning Cantina 🌮🍹.
📍 Located on Level 2 of Manning House, head down for the ultimate lunch spot with your friends. 🥳🌮🎉
No need to sign up for this event - just rock on up!! 

🎪Circus Class with Aerialize (1pm-2:30pm @ Manning Sunken Lawns)

Have you ever wanted to run away and join the circus?! Now is your chance!
Join us for this wildly fun, hands on 90min workshop, designed to ignite your inner creative fire in a whole new way!
Please make sure to wear tight stretchy clothing (no zippers, large jewellery or belts permitted) and bring your water to stay hydrated! 

🥁 Percussion Workshop with SUWO (1pm-3pm @ The Dome)

Do you feel your inner drummer CALLING YOU! It's your time to unleash it!! 🪘
📍 Come down to the Dome on Eastern Avenue and join in the fun. 🎵🎵
No need to sign up for this event - just rock on up!! 

🎶Tuesday Tunes @ Hermann's Bar (5pm-7pm @ Hermann's Bar)

📅 Every Tuesday – Thursday from 5pm until late during semester, we've got cheap eats, affordable drinks 🍔🍻, and a line up of FREE activities on at Hermann’s Bar. 🎉
📍 Located on City Road, head there for the ultimate after-class hangout with your friends. 🥳🌆🎉
No need to sign up for this event - just rock on up!!

🎨 Wednesday 20th of September

🎨Campus Gallery/Museum/Art Tour (11am-12pm @ Verge Gallery)

Join the our guides at Verge Gallery as we explore the galleries and museums on campus which make up the USyd arts scene! On this guided tour we will walk to a variety of art spaces, including Verge Gallery, Backspace, Laneway Café (Verge Projects), Chau Chak Wing Museum and SCA Gallery.

Across these locations, we will point to specific works/spaces which might interest students and communicate ways in which students might become involved in the arts community. This tour is ideal for students studying Art History and Visual Arts or anyone who has an interest in art! All are welcome.

Temps are forecasted to reach 32 on Wed and we will be walking at least 1km in distance - we would love for everyone to stay sun-safe so please bring along sunscreen, a hat and water bottle!

🎶Music @ Manning (1pm-2pm @ Manning Bar)

📅 Every Tuesday – Thursday during Semester, we've got a lineup of FREE activities on at Manning Bar. 🎉 Enjoy the live entertainment from student performers 🎤🎶 and affordable Mexican food from Manning Cantina 🌮🍹.
📍 Located on Level 2 of Manning House, head down for the ultimate lunch spot with your friends. 🥳🌮🎉
No need to sign up for this event - just rock on up!! 

📚World's Most Fantastic Business Card (1pm-2pm @ The Dome)

Learn to think like a poet! Design your own Kennings Business Card that involves vikings and poetry. This 10-15 minute workshop involves making a memorable calling card, with the students’ name and a description of an object special to them. Students will have the opportunity to complete a short writing activity that reflects the thinking and creative activities that we do at Story Factory. This workshop is accessible for all abilities.

Hosted by Story Factories' Senior Story Teller!

📖 Path to Publication  (1pm-2pm @ The Cullen Room)

Are you working on a writing project and not sure of the next steps? Do you have questions about pursuing a career in writing, establishing a creative practice, and paths to publication?
Join best-selling crime-fiction writer, Dinuka McKenzie as she talks through her own experience finding a place within the Australian literary landscape, and establishing a career as a writer.

Host:
Dinuka McKenzie is an Australian writer and the author of two crime fiction novels, The Torrent and Taken. She is the winner of the 2020 HarperCollins Australia Banjo Prize, and her writing has been shortlisted for the Sisters in Crime Davitt Awards, longlisted for the Richell Prize, and highly commended in the Australian Crime Writers Association Louie Award. Her short fiction has appeared in the 2022 Dark Deeds Down Under Crime and Thriller Anthology. Dinuka lives in Southern Sydney on Dharawal country with her husband, two kids, and their pet chicken.
 

🖼️Life Drawing with Total Bore (5pm-6:30pm @ The Bevery)

Hosted by Total Bore 🎨
With a special guest model on the night, this event caters to all levels of experience. 🎨🌟 Definitely bring a diary and your favourite materials 📔🖊️, however, we provide paper, pencils, charcoal, and Masonite boards.

🎨Please remember; all USU events are a safe place for our female, queer, and non-binary artists, and their well-being is our number one priority. Be assured that a safe and inclusive environment will be promoted and protected by Total Bore and The USU at all times. If you experience anything at all that makes you feel uncomfortable, whether here or in the broader life drawing community, please let us know, and we will do everything we can to help.

🖋️Trivia @ Hermann's Bar (5pm-8pm @ Hermann's Bar)

📅 Every Tuesday – Thursday from 5pm until late during semester, we've got cheap eats, affordable drinks 🍔🍻, and a lineup of FREE activities on at Hermann’s Bar. 🎉
📍 Located on City Road, head there for the ultimate after-class hangout with your friends. 🥳🌆
No need to sign up for this event - just rock on up!!

🎸Battle of the Bands: Finals! @ Manning Bar (6pm-LATE @ Manning Bar)

Join us at the finals of Battle of the Bands! 🎸🎤
We're on the hunt for the best bands, groups, or musical duos on campus to battle it out head-to-head at Manning Bar to decide who's the top band at USYD. 🏆🎶
The winners can enjoy prizes, cash 💰, and some incredible opportunities to have their music heard. 🎉🎵
Tickets: $13.80 for members, $24 for general public
Get your tickets here

🎨 Thursday 21st of September

🎶Music @ Manning (1pm-2pm @ Manning Bar)

📅 Every Tuesday – Thursday during Semester, we've got a lineup of FREE activities on at Manning Bar. 🎉 Enjoy the live entertainment from student performers 🎤🎶 and affordable Mexican food from Manning Cantina 🌮🍹.
📍 Located on Level 2 of Manning House, head down for the ultimate lunch spot with your friends. 🥳🌮🎉 
No need to sign up for this event - just rock on up!!

🖼️Life Drawing with Total Bore (1pm-2:30pm @ Isabel Fiddler)

Hosted by Total Bore 🎨
With a special guest model on the night, this event caters to all levels of experience. 🎨🌟 Definitely bring a diary and your favourite materials 📔🖊️, however, we provide paper, pencils, charcoal, and Masonite boards.

🎨Please remember; all USU events are a safe place for our female, queer, and non-binary artists, and their well-being is our number one priority. Be assured that a safe and inclusive environment will be promoted and protected by Total Bore and The USU at all times. If you experience anything at all that makes you feel uncomfortable, whether here or in the broader life drawing community, please let us know, and we will do everything we can to help.

🧑‍🎤Sing with Style (1pm-2pm @ The Bevery) 

Singing with Shopfront Arts Co-op
Jessica Melchert, an actor, theatre maker, singer and performance artist, will lead a fun 1 hour introduction to singing workshop, where beginners are warmly welcomed!
Starting with vocal warm ups, basic scales work and breath work, Jessica will then introduce you to melodies and visual prompts as you learn a song together. Jessica teaches weekly singing classes at Shopfront Arts Co-op, the Home of Youth Arts for Young People which offers a suite of creative programs and opportunities for Emerging Artists aged 18-26.

🌹Day Trips - Disney's Beauty & the Beast at the Capitol Theatre (5:30pm @ International Student Lounge)

Join USU Day Trips as we head to the iconic Capitol Theatre! 🚌🎭
This enchanting and timeless tale features songs including Belle, Gaston, and Be Our Guest. 🌹🎶 Beauty and the Beast is a much-loved classic that will fill the hearts of a new generation. 💖🌟 You can sign up for this day trip here!

🎨 National Association for the Visual Arts - Tips and Tricks (2pm-3pm @ Verge Gallery)

Hosted by NAVA
Endorsed by the Australian Government as part of National Cultural Policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place, the Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft, and Design sets out equitable, ethical, and self-reflective standards for the professional Australian contemporary arts sector.

This introductory workshop is designed to help students in the transition from art school to professional practice.  Participants will learn about the Code, what it covers, how to access it, navigate it, and when to use it. This will include valuable insight on good practice standards for exhibiting, prizes, and competitions, and payment standards. There will be a Q&A at the end of the session, where you can ask questions about working in the arts sector. 

🐻Make Your Own Teddy Bear Dessert (3pm-4:30pm @ The Bevery)

Join our host Elin to make some adorably cute Tteok Desserts! 🐻🍰🍡
Tteok is a traditional dessert that people often enjoy as a snack or breakfast in Korea. It's best when eaten fresh, straight from the steamer. Don't worry, we've got you covered with a tasty variety of dips and sauces 🍯🍫, like ketchup, honey, and Nutella, for dipping. Plus, you'll have plenty left in a gift box for sharing with your friends. 🎁🤗

🎪USU Creative Fair (4pm - 8pm @ The Refectory)

Introducing the heart of Festival of Creativity, the Creative Fair 🎪✨

Come along to the Refectory to meet fellow creatives and a vibrant lineup of artists, designers, writers and more. Get inspired by local creative businesses and an opportunity to network with industry leaders.

Vibes will be high with performances, live music and free food. If you’re an aspiring creative, don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your passion to the next level. 

The first 260 people to register will receive a free tote bag, get in quick!

To register click here

🎧DJ Residency (5pm-7pm @ Hermanns)

🎨 Friday 22nd September

🤖The Future of Work: ChatGPT and AI in the modern workforce  (1pm-2pm @ Online)

AI and ChatGPT aren't just tech buzzwords. They're already shaping the future of almost every profession. 

Join the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) for a free online webinar on The Future of Work: ChatGPT and AI in the modern workforce. 

In this informative one-hour session, experienced facilitator, Simon Hillier, will guide you through a firsthand look at practical ways ChatGPT is being used in business today, and what you can do now to become indispensable in an AI-future. 

This workshop is exclusively open to University of Sydney students as part of the Festival of Creativity.

Click here to register

📷Smartphone Photography Workshop  (1pm-2:30pm @ Courtyard Cafe)

During this fun and practical Smartphone photography workshop 📸📱, you will learn how to take high-quality images using your iPhone or Android smartphone camera.

Capturing great photos (as opposed to just snaps) on your smartphone camera requires an understanding of focus and exposure control, composition of an image, best lighting, and how to control depth of field (blurring backgrounds). We will begin with a brief overview of the camera settings and tips for all of these key elements for improving your smartphone picture-taking, as well as tips on quickly enhancing and editing your images on your phone using a recommended (free) photo app. And then some practical shooting walking around Sydney University grounds, where you will have the opportunity to get creative, capturing a variety of photo subjects. 🌆📷

Photography Level: This is a fun and interactive workshop for iPhone and Android photographers of any level.

Course instructor: Sarah Jenkins - photographer, graphic designer & photography course training instructor.

What to bring: Your fully charged smartphone (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel - suggest phone is not older than 4 years).
Ensure the recommended free photo app is already downloaded onto your phone. (You will be emailed prior to the workshop as to which photo app - compatible with both iPhone and Android). 📱

🎸 Courtyard Music (4pm-6pm @ Courtyard Cafe)

Join your favourite musicians on Friday at Courtyard. 🎶☀️ Enjoy a drink and some pizza in the sun! 🍕🍹
No need to sign up for this event - just rock on up!!

🎟️ USU Club Performance Showcase (6pm-8pm @ The Dome)

🎩Come one, come all to our spectacular Club Performance Showcase that will close of this amazing week of talent, creativity, and fun! ✨
Showcasing an array of musical moments, daring dances, thrilling theatrics, and delicious drama from some of your favourite clubs - all which you can join at any time! 🎇 
Sign up now & snag your free ticket - you won't want to miss this!! 🪩💃

Frequently asked questions:

What are the Covid-19 safety requirements? 

Attendees are required to follow all of the University's Covid Safety Precautions and any Covid Safety requirements issued by the NSW Health.

What if I don’t receive my confirmation email? 

Please email us if you don't receive confirmation of your registration. 

Tickets are sold out. What do I do now?

Please email us if you'd like to join the waitlist, and we'll contact you as soon as a spot opens. But don't worry if you miss out on this Australian Discussion Group, the next one is just around the corner!

Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Assumption of Risk:

By participating in this event, I agree to the terms and conditions:
1. Participants are responsible for their own behaviour and any resulting consequences. The University of Sydney Union shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings or any injury to the individual or others resulting from the event. Furthermore you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this event.
2. By registering or participating in this event, you hereby confirm that you are over 18 years of age, or in possession of consent by a legal parent or guardian and have the authority to enter into the terms herein.
3. All attendees must adhere to all COVID-19 safety requirements, including but not limited, to wearing a mask on ALL public transport.
4. I consent to being contacted by the USU via email about upcoming events and activities. I can opt out of these communications at any time.

Your well-being is our top priority! If you're feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who is, we kindly ask that you stay home and take care of yourself. Let's create a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. Your understanding is greatly appreciated!