Arts editor HELEN MUSA previews upcoming arts and entertainment events in this week’s “Arts in the City” column. 

FORMER Canberra dancer and QL2 member, Penny Chivas, now based in Glasgow, is bringing “Burnt Out,” her angry work about the Australian bushfires and climate change, to QL2 Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, on January 20 and 21. I reviewed the show at the Edinburgh Fringe and was fascinated by composer Paul Michael Henry’s score, in which he recreates the anguished sounds of magpies and a drone reminiscent of helicopter or fire-truck sounds. 

RICHARD Johnson’s SoundOut International Festival of pre-improvisation free jazz and experimental music is coming up again, with guest artists from as far afield as Iraq at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery, January 27-29. 

“WHO Are You: Australian Portraiture” is the first exhibition to bring together the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Portrait Gallery, featuring 130 works by Australian artists including Patricia Piccinini, Atong Atem, Howard Arkley, Vincent Namatjira, Brook Andrew and Tracey Moffatt. NPG until January 29.

ARTISTS have until February 28 to apply for Arts Activities funding (it used to be called project funding) of $5000 to $50,000 for arts-focused projects, mentorships, residencies, professional or skills development, now expanded to include screen projects. Details at arts.act.gov.au

“ANDY’S Amazing Adventures” sees actor-traveller Andy Day introduce some of the creatures that fascinate him – big and small, existing or extinct – in a family show full of laughter, music, interactive games and lots of surprises that’s been scripted by Phil Gallagher of “Mister Maker” fame. Canberra Theatre, January 17.

INTRICATE carvings depicting Australia’s early history feature on a unique Australian colonial billiard table acquired by the National Museum for $1.1 million as part of its mission to tell stories from Australian history.