As we ease into 2012 with a belly full of ham (or tofu), it can be hard to kickstart our engines – fear not though as Melbourne has provided a plethora of inspiration directed straight at us. There are music events, design exhibitions, art galleries and Hot Rod shows…. unfortunately Sexpo isn’t until May. See below for a selection of current events and get out there and enjoy….

Sugar Mountain Festival


This festival is a slathering of creative events taking place within the city of Melbourne showcasing the inter-connectedness between visual art, music and parties.

There’ll be a huge line-up of local and international bands and a ten-day visual arts satellite program with various workshops.

Check out the website as there’s HEAPS of musicians, visual installations, art shows & endless creative inspirational goodness.

When: 12 Jan til the 21 Jan

Cost: some FREE / some not

Location: The Forum Theatre –  Across the road from Federation Square (154 Flinders St)

www.sugarmountainfestival.com


Board


Board is all about the creativity behind skate culture.

Presenting 1970s & 80s skateboards and ephemera from Tony Hallam’s collection alongside contemporary decks created for the exhibition, it explores the evolution of board graphics and design.

When: NOW until February

Cost: FREE

Location: NGV Studio –  Federation Square

www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/ngv-studio


Best of Independent Games festival

Dubbed the ‘Sundance of the game world’, the annual festival encourages innovation in game development and recognises the best work of indie designers from around the world.

When: NOW until March

Cost: FREE

Location: ACMI –  Federation Square

www.acmi.net.au/igf-2011.aspx


Wild Love Imaginariums

Marley, 17, was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy in early childhood. He seems to dwell in a parallel world, but from a certain age he began to gain some understanding of the conventional one. He remains adamant that the feeling of love is not to be restrained, rather shared with every being. Unable to speak coherently for years, he communicates powerfully with color and mesmerizing forms.

When: NOW until 8 January

Location: No Vacancy Gallery, The Artrium – Federation Square

www.marleyjameswright.com


Pipilotti Rist, I Packed the Postcard in My Suitcase

If you like happiness, the colours pink, blue, yellow, red, orange and green and you have a heartbeat – go and see this installation! It’s a goodly dose of screen-based ‘pleasure principle’ at the first major Pipi-art survey in Australia, featuring a new commission that’s almost certain to technicolour your retinas. Lay back, bask in the big screens, let the pixels wash over and get erogenous..

When: NOW until March

Cost: FREE

Location: Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), 111 Sturt St, Southbank

www.accaonline.org.au


Screen Worlds

This exhibition will change the way you think about the most pervasive and powerful cultural forms of our time. With an ambitious scope unlike any other exhibition in the world, Screen Worlds brings together rarely-seen footage, fascinating objects and interactive displays.

When: ALWAYS

Location: ACMI –  Federation Square

www.acmi.net.au/screen_worlds.aspx


The 47th Victorian Hot Rod Show

The hard working team at the Victorian Hot Rod Association is bringing to you the cream of Australias hot rods, customs, street machines, old and new, vans and classic vehicles in a exhilarating collage of color, chrome and class from all over Australia

When: Jan 20 – 22

Cost: $22

Location: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton +61 3 9270 5000

www.hotrod.com.au

The Art of Stars Wars

The exhibition is titled “The Art of Star Wars” and has taken over two years to put together. It has over 150 pieces in the exhibition such celebrated characters including Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2, Darth Vader, C-3PO and many more will all be on display.

When: NOW

Cost: $10

Location: Silver K Gallery, 1092 High Street,  Armadale Victoria 3143 Australia

www.silverkgallery.com.au