CW brings you the latest in arts and entertainment news from around the Canberra region. Highlights this week include A big Pride pic and getting up close to the Australian Constitution.

Big Pride Month Photo brings rainbow to town

Local visual artist and LGBTQIA+ ally, Nathan J Lester, held the second annual Big Pride Month Photo in Canberra on Saturday 24 June. The small but mighty crowd nearly doubled last year’s attendance numbers and featured some prominent Canberrans, including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and MLA Johnathon Davis.

“They were able to spend time chatting to the participants in a low-stress environment,” says Lester.

Creating a Pride flag with human bodies, the photo celebrates the queer community while also highlighting the struggles many of them continue to face.

“I think one of the big things is to help every bit we can as allies to stand with our people, to show these aren’t people who cause problems – these are wonderful people.”

For more, follow Nathan J Lester on Instagram.

Understand the Australian Constitution

The National Archives of Australia is inviting locals to gain a deeper understanding of our history in its Constitution Open Day on Sunday 9 July.

Celebrated each year, Constitution Day marks the event in which Queen Victoria signed the Royal Commission of Assent, bringing in the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

This year, attendees are being offered the opportunity to view the original Australian Constitution, as well as talks, tours, trivia and kids’ activities to help provide an understanding of what the Constitution means to modern Australia. There will also be free cupcakes for all visitors.

With the upcoming debate on constitutional reform, the event provides an opportunity to fully understand the original document and the eight amendments that have already been added.

“Although it is well over 100 years old, the Constitution will be front of mind for many Australians this year,” says NAA Director-General Simon Froude.

Join the National Archives of Australia for Constitution Open Day, Sunday 9 July 10.30am-3pm; naa.gov.au

What sounds like home?

The National Film and Sound Archive is encouraging the public to submit nominations to the Sounds of Australia Registry.

People can nominate a uniquely Australian sound that sparks thoughts or memories of the Australian experience, people or culture. Sounds could be in spoken word, popular music, advertising or radio broadcasts, as long as they are at least ten years old.

A panel of audio experts will select the sounds that will be included in the registry, and the announcement of the successful grabs is expected in November.

The registry was established in 2007 as a way to capture the Australian spirit and culture in an audio history. Iconic sounds that help tell our story include catchy jingles like Happy Little Vegemite and Aeroplane Jelly, music from some of our greatest artists, and moving speeches from our political leaders.

Nominations are open until 16 July; nfsa.gov.au

Orchestra for Kids

Canberra Symphony Orchestra is offering a different kind of entertainment these school holidays with the chance to get hands-on with the orchestra in Meet the Brass.

Created in collaboration with Tuggeranong Arts Centre, the events invite children aged between two and nine years (and their accompanying adults) to immerse themselves in the exciting world of classical music, dance and conducting. 

Ahead of a relaxed performance where audience participation is encouraged, children will be invited to participate in art and music activities, including the opportunity to try out the instruments. Audiences will be introduced to the different brass instruments in the orchestra while learning how sound is made and may even have the chance to conduct musicians.

The experience has been designed to be the perfect first concert for a budding music enthusiast with two sessions each day.

Meet the Brass at Albert Hall, 13 July, and Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 14 July; cso.org.au

Canberra Daily is keen to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.