For the first show of the year, Story Club is presenting stories about big troubles, little last stands and the hidden strength you find deep down when you least expect it.

WHAT: Performance
WHEN: Monday 4 Feb, 7-10pm
WHERE: Story Club, 199 Cleveland St
HOW MUCH: $25, more details here

Sydney’s Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) is about to get its fourth leader in five and a half years, with Carriageworks CEO Lisa Havilah appointed to lead the organisation from January 2019. Be the first to hear from Lisa as she speaks in discussion with Edwina Throsby.

WHAT: Talk
WHEN: Monday 4 Feb, 6-9pm
WHERE: Australia Council For the Arts
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

This is That by Bradlee Wiseman is an exhibition that investigates a deeper involvement with self and space. Working across mediums of painting and installation, this exhibition is offering up a new pictorial perspective of how we shape and perceive our physical world.

WHAT: Exhibition Opening
WHEN: Tuesday 5 Feb, 5-8pm
WHERE: Kudos Gallery
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

Anamara’ by Thea Perkins explores the complexities of identity, culture, being and politic that are located in skin. Opening on Tuesday, there will also be performances though out the show.

WHAT: Exhibition Opening
WHEN: Tuesday 5 Feb, 6-8pm
WHERE: Our Neon Foe
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

Nevertheless, she persisted’ is a group exhibition addressing issues around female visibility / invisibility in the art world which showcases the work of ten unrepresented artists identifying as female or non-binary.

WHAT: Exhibition opening
WHEN: Wednesday 6 Feb, 6-8pm
WHERE: Artereal Gallery
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

In this public lecture, Professor Rachel Nordlinger will discuss some of her favourite features of Indigenous languages – reflecting on the true genius of these languages and arguing that, as well as being important to the communities who speak and treasure them, they should be valued by all of us who are interested in what it means to be human.

WHAT: Talk
WHEN: Wednesday 6 Feb, 6:30-7:45pm
WHERE: NIDA
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

Greville examines how we think of our environment through a deeply personal enquiry of his urban existence and dwindling ecologies. ‘Siren Song Creek’ focuses mostly on Australian regional terrains and those which have been experienced by the artist through the act of walking.

WHAT: Exhibition opening
WHEN: Thursday 7 Feb, 6-8pm
WHERE: Dominik Mersch Gallery
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

A celebration of women’s writing, reflect on the stories and women that inspire and shape our world as Giant Dwarf announce the longlist of the 2019 Stella Prize. Hosted by journalist, writer, and SBS presenter Jan Fran, the night will feature readings from five incredible speakers including; Alison Whittaker, Emily Maguire, Nayuka Gorrie, Melina Marchetta and Lenore Taylor.

WHAT: Talk
WHEN: Thursday 7 Feb, 6-8pm
WHERE: Giant Dwarf
HOW MUCH: $20-$30, more details here

Queer Life Drawing is an amorphous workshop, popping up here or there, and focusing on queer representation, the empowerment of queer bodies and the telling of the stories behind them. This exhibition held at AIRspace Projects will be a growing installation of sketches and sketchbooks which will develop and evolve.

WHAT: Drawing
WHEN: Friday 8 Feb, 6-8pm
WHERE: AIRspace Projects
HOW MUCH: FREE, donations appreciated, more details here

The Cube’s exchange program is presenting two works by Berlin-based Australian artist Jake Blaschka. Collaging posters he acquired whilst living in Berlin, Blaschka’s work often blurs the boundaries between art, urban environments and the collaborative opportunities they offer.

WHAT: Exhibition
WHEN: Friday 8 Feb, 8pm
WHERE: The Cube, Oxford Art Factory
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

Subbed In is an independent literary organisation and small press, providing a platform to amplify underrepresented voices, facilitating grassroots support for young and emerging writers to achieve publication or performance. For this reading event you can expect words and performances by the likes of Susie Anderson, Jared Richards, Claire Cao and many more.

WHAT: Reading
WHEN: Saturday 9 Feb, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: Freda’s
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

The recent media furore surrounding use of the Sydney Opera House sails for advertising highlights larger tensions around the use of public space. Bringing together architects, anti-gentrification activists, sociologists and cultural commentators, this panel discussion explores the argument for maintaining Sydney’s public housing and spaces.

WHAT: Panel
WHEN: Saturday 9 Feb, 2-3:30pm
WHERE: UNSW Art & Design
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

ASYIK CASULA: Indonesian Cultural Day is an asyik day of activities for all ages (asyik meaning “fun!” and “enjoy!” in Indonesian slang). The day includes art workshops, dance and body percussion workshops and performances by Suara Dance Company and Sydney’s Indonesian community.

WHAT: Cultural day
WHEN: Sunday 10 Feb, 10:30am-3pm
WHERE: Casula Powerhouse
HOW MUCH: FREE, more details here

26 writers were given the challenge of writing one scene of a play each, having only read the previous scene. Get ready for a play that is filled with plot holes, unexplained characters, mysteries that don’t get solved and an amazing celebration of the writers that were involved in creating these completely unique pieces of theatre.

WHAT: Theatre
WHEN: Sunday 10 Feb, 7:30pm
WHERE: The Cellar Theatre
HOW MUCH: $3-$10, more details here