The Ultra Unreal exhibition presents the works of six artists and collectives whose practices are connected to nightlife ecosystems across the globe.

It examines how mythologies can be used to reveal hidden histories and reorientate visions of the future, raising questions about what we believe in and how our beliefs emerge.

WHO: MCA
WHERE: 140 George St, The Rocks
WHEN: Until 2 October
HOW MUCH: Free 

As sharp-tongued as Succession but with a Lynchian descent into madness – Labyrinth is a surreal financial thriller that tries to make sense of one of the most catastrophic economic crises of modern history, which melted down banks, brought the world economy to the brink and unleashed devastation to an entire continent that lasted decades.

WHO: Flight Path Theatres, Margaret Thanos & Beth Steel
WHERE: 9b/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville
WHEN: 17 August – 3 September
HOW MUCH: $25-35

For many of us, COVID has brought info sharp focus the importance of connection. But is “chosen family” a good way to think about queer relationships? This month’s readings look at queer loneliness, and the promises and pitfalls of the chosen family.

WHO: The Bearded Tit
WHERE: 183 Regent St, Redfern
WHEN: 18 August, from 7pm
HOW MUCH: Free

Delay 45 collaborate with improvising artists across mediums and disciplines to present an evening of performances which transcend stylistic or disciplinary boundaries. 

Through mediums of jazz and improvised music, contemporary dance, film and performance art, this cross-cultural, cross-genre multidisciplinary collaboration explores notions of flow and movement that emerge from various landscapes.

WHO: 107 Projects
WHERE: 107 Redfern St, Redfern
WHEN: 19 August, 7-10pm
HOW MUCH: $15-20

Mark your calendar! For the first time ever, Travelling Film Festival is coming to Campbelltown, bringing some of the hottest films from this year’s Sydney Film Festival, including Documentary Australia Award Winner KEEP STEPPING (2022) by the Sydney-based filmmaker Luke Cornish, and the heart-warming Korean drama BROKER (2022) by the award-winning director Kore-eda Hirokazu.

WHO: Event Cinemas Campbelltown
WHERE: Macarthur Square Shopping Centre, 200 Gilchrist Dr, Campbelltown
WHEN: 19-21 August
HOW MUCH: $10-14.50

Movers and Makers is a free day of talks and performances that are artist-led and focused. 

The 2022 program is co-curated by Parramatta Artists’ Studios (PAS) and Wajarri Yamaji, Dutch and English artist Nicole Monks. It features a keynote by Dharug solicitor Ji Robinson Stone on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property as well as panel discussions on culture and collaboration; arts writing; caring for archives and collections; and sustaining artistic practice.

WHO: The Granville Centre & Parramatta Artists’ Studios
WHERE: 2a Memorial Dr, Granville
WHEN: 20 August, 10am-7pm
HOW MUCH: Free, please register interest here

Home West’s Festival is a day of free immersive experiences, live music, workshops and performances. 

Anchored on celebrating communities that make up a vibrant city, Saturday’s program features a suite of artists, along with a FBi curated set of live acts and DJs and a special live broadcast of The Snacc Pacc, delivering the latest music out of western Sydney and beyond.

WHO: 107 Projects, Blacktown Arts & Blacktown City Council
WHERE: 78 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown
WHEN: 20 August, 1-7pm
HOW MUCH: Free