72 Hours in Sydney

The recent Sydney Biennale has left us in awe of what Sydney’s art scene has to offer. So if you find yourself out of ideas for a long weekend, here’s Art Republik’s guide to 72 hours down under.

- Tyen Ying Fong

The Sydney Biennale is Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival. In celebration of its 20th year, the festival recently curated a record number of exhibitions and installations across multiple venues in Sydney from 18 March to 5 June 2016. Indeed, Sydney’s art scene is thriving – from major institutions like the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art, to privately owned boutique galleries in up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, make sure you look beyond its more touristy spots like the Opera House or Bondi Beach to see what else the city can offer. Art Republik’s 72-hour guide to Sydney explores the city’s art side such as major art locations, upcoming events, as well as the understated inner-city art finds.

CHIPPENDALE, REDFERN & WATERLOO 

Chippendale, Redfern and Waterloo are some of Sydney’s oldest industrial areas. After major revamping and reinforcements over the years, the area has blossomed into a vibrant creative hub. What were once old warehouses and factories have transformed into an array of gallery spaces, studies, stores, restaurants, bars, artisan workshops and antique outlets.

The Chippendale Creative Precinct is a must-see for adventurous art-lovers. Major galleries such as NG Art Gallery, Fraser Studios and Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, showcase a range of contemporary and unique works from privately-owned collections. A main highlight of the Chippendale area is the White Rabbit Gallery, which boasts the world’s largest private collections of Chinese contemporary art while serving up dumplings and tea in its art-deco teahouse.