Antique Collecting Sydney

On the Degradation of Art and the Public Conscience

**On the Degradation of Art and the Public Conscience** **A philosophical talk by YouTuber, artist and budding science fiction writer Nikola Pavkovic** **What does a civilisation reveal about itself through the art it creates?** Art is not merely decoration. It is an expression of values: of what we consider beautiful or ugly, heroic or contemptible, worthy of admiration or deserving of ridicule. Every culture produces art in its own image and, in doing so, reveals something about its conception of man. This talk will examine the proposition that the degradation of modern art is not an isolated aesthetic phenomenon but the reflection of a deeper degradation in the public conscience. What happens when beauty becomes embarrassing, greatness becomes suspect and sincerity gives way to irony? When the artist ceases to present a vision of what man might become and instead celebrates fragmentation, ugliness, nihilism or despair? We will explore the relationship between **philosophy, art, morality and politics**, tracing the historical forces that have transformed our artistic culture and asking whether the decline of artistic standards has accompanied a corresponding decline in our moral ones. We’ll consider the capture of artistry not merely within universities and cultural institutions but across the wider machinery through which art is produced, funded, judged and celebrated. Yet decline is never total. There are artists who refuse it. By examining these exceptions, we can ask what their survival tells us about the possibility of another artistic culture: one concerned again with beauty, achievement, seriousness and the elevation rather than diminution of the human spirit. Finally, we will confront the most important question: **If you reject the culture being offered to you, what are you prepared to create in its place?** Presentation followed by open discussion, disagreement and debate. **On the second Monday of the month, Philo Agora has a speaker on a philosophical topic and a Q&A and discussion after. On the fourth Monday we meet again for open philosophical discussion.** Philo Agora's format is a talk for 20 minutes starting at 7:15 for 7:30. The presenter then answers any questions of clarification from the floor. We then take a break of 5 minutes for more coffee and to mull over the talk and discuss it within small groups. The microphone is then passed around the audience for comment, opinion, and often counter argument to a maximum of 3 minutes. The presenter is then given a 5 minute right of reply. We usually finish up at 9pm. The cover charge is $5 for the talk. There are tea and coffee facilities available in-house. Sam Alexander - Convener (0457 749 310)

FREE Argentine Tango class for beginners

Thinking if you should try Argentine Tango?  Now is the time! At Sydney Tango Collective we provide a friendly and fun learning space For new students, First class is FREE!! Learning Tango is a great way to connect with yourself and other people in ways you may have not experienced before. We can easily say it has changed our lives and those of our friends we have met in our tango journey. 📍Where: 395 Oxford Street ⏳️When: TUESDAY 15th of September at 6.30pm ✅️No partner or dance experience required ✅️Meet new people and make friends ✅️Get your dose of physical exercise and improve your mental health. We are open to all age groups however, most of our students are between 20-40 age bracket. Come join our tango family and discover what this dance can bring you. For us, it has been a life changing experience ✨️ ❤️ Spaces are limited- Reserve your spot now! Check our website www.sydneytangocollective.com.au or socials @sydneytangocollective

JABCA 10th Birthday Celebration

Southside Music Collective 27th of SEPTEMBER Session.

Hi there! Welcome to the Southside Music Collective - hosted at Cricle Music, Botany. This is a jam that is open to beginner and intermediate players and we welcome all instruments, musical genre's and skill levels. All you need is a keenness to learn and an open mind for all things musical. Our goal is to help get you out of the bedroom and onto the stage. We can help you achieve this goal by working as a team. You will be being guided by professional musicians with years of live music experience, touring and teaching. This is also this is a great environment to meet fellow musicians and talk all things music. Moving on from what the more casual format of Sydney Jammers, we want to focus a smaller song list but with an end goal of having a tighter sounding unit. From there we would be booking a showcase style gigs at least twice a year. Here is a link to our current playlist of songs: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4V8j6vHUQugXlvZvnoFxCV?si=0105ebfb356f4889 This will be a smaller style jam where spots and numbers will be limited. So pre-booking and pre payment is essential. The song lists will also be curated with charts provided. This will be done in advance of each jam so that you have time to learn the songs. With regards to equipment, we provide a drum kit, P.A system, mics and a bass amp. We do have a few small guitar amps available, however we recommend you bring your own practice amp. We look forward to having you in our studio. Please note, number a limited to 12. We have limited numbers with the goal of offering quality over quaintly. If you are interested in booking, please click 'attending' on the event. If you would to know more, please email us at: andres.circlemusic@gmail.com or call/ text 0432 998 592 Regards Andres.

Western Classics Book Club social

A social for those who come along to the Western Classics Book Club. There is no set book to discuss. People are encouraged to bring their literary heads along for uplifting discussion and witty repartee. Also, do bring along a book to swap! Although meeting at the usual place (The Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills) we will be meeting in one of the smaller rooms on the same floor. Look for the sign! Contact dalemills@cantab.net for more info.

Volleyball. Sydney Park. ALL Levels. MUST RSVP. Beginners Welcome

**Updated 01-SEP-25:** **PLEASE READ & UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING HERE OR ELSE YOU MAY MISS OUT ON PLAYING. ASK IF ANY QUESTIONS** Join us for an fun afternoon of outdoor fitness with volleyball, inclusive of ALL LEVELS, including First timers, Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced players. This event is perfect for volleyball enthusiasts who want to improve their volleyball skills while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Whether you are an experienced player or just starting out, this training session is designed to help you improve your technique, stamina, and overall fitness. During the session, we will warm up with training drills and exercises. You'll have the opportunity to enhance your volleyball skills and work on your agility and speed before playing games, in both a fun social, mixed-level setting and a more competitive setting with fellow volleyball lovers. **What to expect:** **1st hour:** Setup courts, warm up and play. **2nd hour:** Mixed play, where each team has a mixture of playing levels (beginners to advanced). **3rd hour:** We will split players onto different courts, where one court will be for advanced play, and another for intermediate and beginners. Don't miss this chance to challenge yourself, meet new friends, and enjoy the thrill of playing volleyball in a stunning outdoor setting. Please make sure to bring your own water bottle and anything else you think you may need. **IMPORTANT DETAILS** 1. **Please RSVP and respect the "Going" and "Waitlist"** If you are not on the "Going" list, you may not be allowed to play. 2. **All skill levels are welcome.** 3. During mixed play (when we have advanced and beginners on the same court) **hard serving and spiking is not allowed!** 4. If you meetup name is not in English, this interferes with the organisation. I urge you to either a. write your name in English; b. add an English version to it; or c. when you RSVP, type your name in English. If you don't do this, you will be moved to the "Not Going" list. 5. Please know that there is no permanent net/court set up at the park. We set it up at the start of each event, so don't expect to see the court when you arrive. Just be at the meeting spot ready to help set-up. 6. If you are not **willing to help** set up and/or pack up the net, this group is not for you. **Suggested Donation to helps us with expenses:** * **Casual\* visitor** **(1st timer or return player):** $2 (CASH ONLY) * **Membership\* (optional):** $20 for 6 months (Cash or Bank) \*Student rate at 50% of above. You must bring your student card for proof and we will take a photo for our records and future bookings. * **No Spot** (e.g. No RSVP or on Waitlist): $5, if even allowed to play. * **Arriving late:** Let me know otherwise your spot may be given away. **Volleyball is a team sport** and as such, we need a team effort to carry the equipment from the carpark to the "spot" and then set-up. After the game, we need a team effort to pack up the equipment and to carry it back to the car. If you are not prepared to help, please do not join us. We only want team players, not selfish people. **Waitlists:** If your name is on the Waitlist, you do **NOT** have a spot. **A spot** **may become available to you up until midday** (even later) on the day of the event. Waitlists/allocated spots are now **discretionary** and not in order of response. This is to assist running the event as smoothly as possible for the organiser and the players & also to reward loyalty (members and regular players and those who turn up on time). **No-shows:** No shows are disrespectful towards the organiser and the other players (especially those on the waitlist) and will now be given 2 chances/warnings and banned on their 3rd "no-show". This includes yourself and any +1 guests you have reserved a spot for. To avoid a no-show, make sure you **update your RSVP before 9am** of the morning of the meetup (i.e. Sunday morning 9am). **This also applies to those on the Waitlist**. If you are on the waitlist, there is a chance you will be moved to the "Going" list, so if you will no longer attend, ensure you change your RSVP to "Not going" by 9am (day of event). **Questions:** If you have any questions, please ask. Note that the organiser(s) may be busy in the hours leading up to the event, so if you have any questions, please ask them early enough. Note that if your question has been addressed in this description and you simply have not bothered to read it, you may not get a response. And of course you won't know that if you haven't read this, but then who's fault is that? If this all makes sense and you agree, come join us for some good wholesome fun. See you at the park! **Location:** We play in the large flat open area opposite the Kiosk/Cafe (with toilets) and children's playground. These maps should help: * [Photo/map](https://www.meetup.com/volleyball-at-sydney-park/photos/33390251/512713637/) * [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8KHnSEGbQXHrHKnBA) By attending any of our events, you and your guests agree to our [Terms & Conditions](https://www.meetup.com/volleyball-at-sydney-park/photos/34863764/523484638/).

ST THOMAS REST PARK CROWS NEST/CAMMERAY

Midweek Meetup: White Rabbit Gallery

Contemporary Chinese art gallery White Rabbit has a lovely little teahouse on its ground floor. Come meet for dumplings and a cuppa before/after a visit to the (free) exhibition. **EXHIBITION:** **BLACK MYTH** As ancient as human civilisation itself, the power of myth is embedded within our cultural DNA. Passed down through millennia in traditions and tales, myths have inspired artists, writers, and thinkers from all walks of life. Yet in today’s technology-driven age of uncertainty, what role can myth still play? Drawing from the viral Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong (2024)—a contemporary retelling of the classic novel Journey to the West—the exhibition Black Myth explores the dark side of myth in our modern world. [More info](https://whiterabbitcollection.org/exhibition/black-myth/) **Cost**: Buy your own tea/food ([see menu and prices](https://whiterabbitcollection.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Folded-Menu-2025.pdf))

Threaded Histories: Embroidered Portraits with Natalie Wilson

Waverley library welcomes you to attend this fascinating talk on the history of telling stories with thread and needle. This talk traces the evolution of stitched identities from antiquity to contemporary fine art. Discover how Nazca and Egyptian stitchers encoded status, and how the narrative scale of the Bayeux Tapestry reshaped historical commemoration. We examine the revolutionary “needle-paintings” of Georgian artists Mary Knowles and Mary Linwood, alongside the avant-garde designs of Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Finally, see how modern pioneers paved the way for contemporary artists to redefine portraiture today, proving the needle’s enduring power.

September Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **September meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club**. This is a chance to connect, spend some time in nature and journal together. I will offer some guidance to start. After we can share journal pages and ideas. **What to bring:** Bring along sketchbooks/paper and your favourite drawing materials (pens, pencils, watercolour, acrylic, anything you have). I will have extra materials on the day if you want to explore other mediums. \*\*Where:\*\* Coal loader cafe **Cost:** Suggested donation is $10 annual fee, $5 casual fee. (This helps cover Meetup fees). DISCLAIMER.
Please note that Katy as volunteer organiser of activities for Sydney Nature Journal Club is NOT responsible for the health or safety of members (or their guests) and therefore will not accept any liability for accidents or injuries or losses that may occur during Meetup events at any location. By attending a Sydney Nature Journal Club event members acknowledge that you accept ALL of the above. I look forward to seeing you there.

Prima

Marrickville Library Cafe lawn, second week of Spring. Get to know each other, talk about what you're currently working on, and bring a draft if you have one.

SSP.. MOSS VALE TRAIN TO BOWRAL

We will make Saturday the 19th as our travel day, departing initially at 8:30am from Central, and other stations on the way at later times (see photos or visit website). There are different types of cars/seating available, and also ticket costs. Please see photos. Disembark to enjoy free time in either Bowral or Moss Vale, with plenty of cafés, gardens, shops, and sights to discover. Whether you're sipping hot chocolate in a cosy café or browsing boutique stores, there’s something for everyone. ​ On the 19th and 20th of September the Tulip Time Festival will be in full swing at Bowral. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ​​TICKETS * Booked tickets are to be paid for in advance * Each ticket holder will be allocated to a reserved seat * Tickets are only issued on receipt of payment in full * Bookings issued by TryBooking are inclusive of Credit Card Processing fees, however, American Express cards incur a 1.1% surcharge * Each ticket issued by TryBooking incurs a $0.50 service fee * Seating requests are welcome and where possible requests will be accommodated * Unless specified your ticket does not include food, beverages, entry or transportation to other attractions REFUNDS Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the tour will receive a full refund less an administration fee of $20. Cancellation made less than 14 days before the trip will not receive any refund. ​