In her latest Artsweek column, arts editor HELEN MUSA presents yet another eclectic list of exhibitions, music concerts and theatre, among other things, for Canberrans.

Now in its 20th year, Step Into the Limelight: Break Through marks the 20th year of the ACT public schools exhibition, presenting bold and imaginative responses to challenge, change and innovation from students in Kindergarten to Year 12. All galleries in M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, June 12-28.

The National Film and Sound Archive’s Winter Film Series is drawing interest with its themed movie marathons. Highlights include Tim Burton’s cult sci-fi satire Mars Attacks! and a screening of The Book Thief as part of the popular Book Club program. NFSA, June 12 and June 14.

The winter edition of The Handmade Market will bring together makers, designers and artisans from across the region, with visitors also encouraged to support the annual blanket drive in partnership with the Salvation Army. EPIC, June 13-14.

Historian and former journalist David Solomon will discuss his memoir Footnotes in conversation with Michelle Grattan as part of the ANU Meet the Author series. Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, June 16.

Stage

• Chaika Theatre presents Terence Rattigan’s drama The Deep Blue Sea, directed by former NIDA head of acting Tony Knight. ACT Hub, Causeway Hall, Kingston, June 12-17.
• David Williamson’s play Travelling North, directed by Cate Clelland, follows Frank and Frances as they chase a late-life sea change, only to encounter family tensions, ageing and mortality. Canberra Rep Theatre, June 11 (preview)-27.
• Steel Magnolias is an enduring American classic where the warmth, humour and heartbreak of life are unveiled in Truvy’s fictional hairdressing salon. Canberra Theatre, June 17-21.
• Alana Valentine’s verbatim play, Letters to Lindy, draws on letters sent to Lindy Chamberlain. Directed by Blake Selmes. Lieder Theatre, 52 Goldsmith Street, Goulburn, June 12-20.

Concerts

• Salut! Baroque’s Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the splendour of 18th-century Bohemian music inspired by the lavish coronation festivities for Charles VI in Prague. Wesley Church, June 12.
• The Australian Chamber Orchestra welcomes British viola virtuoso Lawrence Power for his long-awaited debut directing Isles of Light. Llewellyn Hall, June 13.
• Joe Chindamo and Zoe Black join forces for a concert, with music by Piazzolla, Gershwin and Ellington alongside reimagined classical masterpieces and Chindamo’s own compositions. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, June 13.
• The Austrian Harmonie Choir will present a winter concert designed to warm the heart, joined by the Canberra Harmony Chorus and featuring a special piano recital by accompanist Linus Lee. Harmonie German Club, June 14.
• The Merry Muse returns with performances by Turnip Sundae and Daisy Chain in an afternoon celebrating traditional songs, music and humour. Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson Street, Weston, June 14.
• Toby Cole returns with another Classical Capers evening, inviting performers and audiences to enjoy an eclectic program where the definition of classical music is broad. Smiths Alternative, June 17.
• Country music star James Blundell returns with The Patience Wins, an intimate evening of storytelling and songs reflecting on the experiences and influences that have shaped his career. Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, June 17.

Galleries

• Three new exhibitions open jointly at Rusten House Art Centre. Leigh Penton’s Nostalgia; Leah-Kate Hannaford’s Mark’s in Time; and Synergy by sculptor Myron Mykytiuch, painter Leslie Goddard and photographer Janet Heisner. 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan, until June 27.
• Sculptor Thomas Bucich’s exhibition Relics and Ruins reflects on a lifetime of collecting and interpreting objects, talismans and visual memories. Grainger Gallery, 1/34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick, June 11-28.
• Craft + Design Canberra opens four new exhibitions under the collective title Threads of Memory, Matter and Air. Craft + Design Canberra, Civic Square, June 11-July 18.
• Beata Tworek’s The Pensive Beauty of Absence uses photography and photogravure to explore memory, identity and the contemplative atmosphere of cemeteries. Q Gallery, Ainslie Shops, June 12-25.
• Painting Itself, curated by Jonathan Nichols, examines the evolving vitality of painting across East and Southeast Asia. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, corner of Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, June 14 floor talk; exhibition until June 28.
• Colin Parker’s Today and Yesterday celebrates an artistic journey spanning more than seven decades through a collection of paintings reflecting a lifetime of creativity. Aarwun Gallery, Gold Creek, until June 28.
• The 2026 QPRC & Bendigo Bank Art Awards conclude with artist talks, afternoon tea and the announcement of the Viewers’ Choice and Curator’s Choice awards following a record-breaking exhibition. The Q Exhibition Space and The LinQ Gallery, June 13.
• Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom explores how flowers struck into coins become enduring symbols of identity, history and shared human values. Royal Australian Mint, until March 31, 2027.