Nicole Kidman is back on the big screen, John Bell talks Shakespeare and Simon Tedeschi lets his audience call the tunes in arts editor HELEN MUSA’s latest “Artsweek” column.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre in association with Musica Viva Australia present Coexistence, billed as “a percussive feast for the eyes, ears and the curious mind”. Sound artists Alexander Meagher and Jesse Vivante will present Coexistence, exploring the relationship between action and reaction in an expansive sensory experience. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, September 18.

The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia presents The Great Student Debate, followed by six leading academics arguing for and against the state of Australian politics in an evening of lively discussion and debate. National Library of Australia, September 17.

Tours through the gardens of Lanyon Homestead will reveal how the landscape has evolved over time, revealing layers of history embedded in one of the region’s most significant heritage properties. Lanyon Homestead, September 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

The NFSA screens Phillip Noyce’s Australian thriller Dead Calm on 35mm. Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill starred. National Film and Sound Archive, September 17.

The Handmade Market returns with more than 250 Australian small businesses showcasing homewares, fashion, jewellery, art and gourmet food in one of Canberra’s most popular shopping events. Exhibition Park in Canberra, September 19 and 20.

ANU Meet the Author welcomes historian Tom Griffiths in conversation with Mark McKenna about his new book Alice’s Dreaming, September 21, then continues with theatre legend John Bell discussing his new book Living Shakespeare with Kate Flaherty, September 23. Both at Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre Cinema, ANU.

Stage

• Disney’s hit musical Frozen brings the story of sisters Anna and Elsa to the stage with spectacular songs, magical effects and family-friendly entertainment involving Olaf the Snowman. The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, September 15 to October 11.
• Budding Entertainment presents The Hunger Games Parody, a fast-paced spoof filled with absurd twists, exaggerated characters, awkward interviews and survival mishaps. Overture Hall, Weston, September 20.

Concerts

• Pianist Simon Tedeschi returns to Canberra for an unscripted concert in which the audience chooses the repertoire, creating a unique evening of musical requests and surprises. Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Barton, September 18.
• The Ellery String Quartet will perform four concerts across historic Gundaroo venues, including three village churches,. Various Gundaroo venues, September 18.
• The Limestone Consort early music ensemble is performing Floral Chorals in the Spring Salon. Partnering with Floriade About Town, this intimate performance features floral and nature-inspired Baroque works. Grainger Gallery, 34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick, September 19.
• Rhiz & The Sugarplums bring songs from their new album All Over Again to Canberra, blending country, folk, bluegrass and rockabilly influences with a contemporary Australian flavour. Smiths Alternative, September 19.
• Art Song Canberra presents bass baritone Jeremy Kleeman and pianist Jack Symonds in Michelangelo Visions, featuring music by Hugo Wolf, Jack Symonds and Dmitri Shostakovich inspired by the great Renaissance artist. Wesley Music Centre, September 20.
• David Pereira Presents: Beautiful Chamber Music for cello, violin, harp & piano, featuring guest musicians Alice Giles (harp), Arnan Wiesel (piano) and Chris Latham (violin). The Chapel, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, September 20.
• Canberra singer Tobias Cole leads his Serenade singing workshop, offering participants the chance to develop vocal skills in a supportive and creative environment. Smiths Alternative, September 23 and 27.

Galleries

• The Spring Salon, inspired by the beauty and abundance of gardens, flowers and nature, opens alongside solo exhibitions by Andrew Antoniou, Cate Maddy and Kirsty McIntyre. Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick, September 17 to October 4.
• As part of the 2026 Immersia Festival, the ANU Art Collection curatorial team and students from the Centre for Art History and Theory will discuss Dragon (1967), a striking calligraphic work by Japanese ikebana master Teshigahara Sōfū, currently on display in the Menzies Library reading room. Menzies Library Reading Room, September 17.
• Canberra Contemporary presents For You Page by Sydney artist Johanna Ng, developed through the collaborative exhibition exchange project Three Days Walk and accompanied by a commissioned text by Canberra writer Chin-Jie Melodie Liu. Platform, Furneaux St, Manuka, September 18 to October 11.
• The Capital and Beyond: The Landscapes of Andrew Sayers opens as part of Canberra Art Biennial, celebrating the late art historian’s engagement with landscape and place. Barton ArtBox, Barton, September 19.
• National Gallery of Australia director Dr Nick Mitzevich and curator Beatrice Thompson will host a preview screening of RIDE, a new film montage by Tracey Moffatt and Gary Hillberg commissioned for the forthcoming car-themed exhibition Full Throttle. Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Surry Hills, September 17. 

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