Burrinja

Velveteen Rabbit 🐰

Tue 1 October @ 11am | Burrinja Theatre
Tickets $12.50 - $21

A must-see for families and anyone who has ever cherished a beloved toy! 🧸

Lights! Camera! Action! Set within a film shoot, layered with live projections, Melbourne theatre company Born in a Taxi thoughtfully and hilariously reimagines this 100 year old children’s story by Margery Williams.

Please bring your own favourite snuggly toy to the show! This is a show where the toys are in charge on stage and your own special guest toy is a VIP.

“This is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful piece of work” - Anne-Marie Peard, Smart Arts with Richard Watts on Triple RRR Radio

Get tix and learn more via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-new-theatre

Image 1: Velveteen Rabbit by Born in a Taxi, photography by Katinka Kernutt
Images 2-4: previous performance of Velveteen Rabbit by Born in a Taxi, photography by Bryony Jackson

Calling all artists 🎨 Apply now to be a part of Open Studios 2025! 🏡

Apply to Participate – Dandenong Ranges Open Studios The open weekends are held in autumn each year, showcasing the talented artists of the Dandenong Ranges in full autumnal bloom.

Sunset Sessions: Spring 🌼⁠
Fri 20 Sep from 6pm – 9pm at Burrinja⁠
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Tickets $10 – $15⁠
Kids under 12 FREE⁠
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Discover the magic of Burrinja at this special Spring themed Sunset Session! Immerse yourself in an evening of vibrant art, lively music and tantalising tastes.⁠
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Celebrate the final week of our extraordinary Botanical exhibition, with a spectacular line-up:⁠
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🖼️ Botanical Dual Exhibition: Drawn From Nature and Banks’ Florilegium in the Burrinja Gallery⁠
🏞️ Calming the Storm Within Exhibition by Megan Archer in the aerie gallery⁠
🎨 Botanical Art Workshop with the talented Martha Iserman Art
🧑‍🎨 Artist Talk from exhibiting Botanical artist John Pastoriza Piñol
💃 Lively Bush Dance led by the dynamic Bushwahzee
🍸 Exquisite Gin Tastings courtesy of Ginfinity∞ (Killik)
🥘 Delicious Paella prepared by Mullum Creations⁠ (of Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place)
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Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity and culture!⁠

Get tickets via https://exhibitions.burrinja.org.au/portfolio/public-programming-botanical/
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Image 2: Miffy Gilbert (HortiColour By Miffy Gilbert), ‘Golden Wattle’, watercolour on Arches 300gsm, 2022
Image 3: Martha Iserman, photo by Cathy Ronalds Photography, 2024⁠
Image 4: © Bushwahzee⁠
Image 5: John Pastoriza Piñol, ‘Pelargonium x grandiflorum - Aztec', watercolour on Arches 300gsm, 2022
Image 6: © GinFinity
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Celebrate National Wattle Day and the beginning of Spring by exploring our stunning Botanical dual exhibition 🌼

On until 22 Sep in the Burrinja Gallery

Galleries 01 & 02 | Drawn from Nature: Botanical Illustration between Art and Science

Discover the vibrant colour and detail of nature in this showcase of contemporary botanical art by renowned Victorian illustrators, with works by Celia Rosser.

Gallery 03 | The Initiation of Australian Botany: Selections from Banks’ Florilegium

Delve into the fascinating history of botanist Sir Joseph Banks’ ‘Florilegium’, which exhibits printed engravings created from 18th century plant specimens.

Learn more about the Botanical exhibition and public programs via https://exhibitions.burrinja.org.au

Image credit: Miffy Gilbert (HortiColour By Miffy Gilbert), ‘Golden Wattle’, watercolour on Arches 300gsm, 2022 (detail)

Burrinja is recruiting a Marketing Manager!

Reporting to the Creative Director & CEO, this role is responsible for the effective marketing and promotions of the organisation and all facets of its operations and events, including strategic development, implementation and communication, branding and marketing administration.

We encourage people from a diverse background to apply. This might include identifying as First Nations peoples, people with a disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Learn more via https://www.burrinja.org.au/about/join-our-team

Applications close on Sunday 22 September.



Image credit: Live on the Lawn 2024 at Burrinja, photo by Tahlia Heitmann Photography

Introducing our vibrant upcoming aerie exhibition 'Calming the Storm Within' by Megan Archer 🎨

Opens Sat 31 Aug | aerie gallery

Megan's work is raw and confident. Working with multimedia in her first solo exhibition, she invites us on her journey and celebration of an ongoing tumultuous relationship with Schizoaffective disorder - one of the most misunderstood, complex mental health issues in society today.

Megan's paintings are vivid tapestries of colours and shapes that evoke both visual experiences and emotional voyages.

Please join us for the Exhibition Launch this Sat 31 August @ 2pm.

RSVP via https://events.humanitix.com/calming-the-storm-within-by-megan-archer-exhibition-opening

Learn more via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/what-s-on-all-events

Image 1: Megan Archer, ' #01. Thinking Woman', 2024 (detail)
Image 2: Megan Archer, 'Dancing Free', pastel, 2024 (detail)

Last chance to see abstract artist Trish Campbell’s exhibition 'Shapes of Nature' 🖼

Until Sun 25 August | aerie gallery

Trish’s conceptual landscape painting features strong structural shapes, with a sense of story and drama. She is inspired by found patterns, lines, shapes and textures in both natural and man-made environments. The marks of intrusion and imposition on ancient lands is a recurring theme in her work.

Learn more via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/what-s-on-all-events



Image 1: Trish Campbell, ‘Scar Lines - Ochre’, acrylic polymer, oil stick on canvas, 2023 (detail)
Image 2: Trish Campbell, ‘Scar Lines - Rhythm’, acrylic paint on canvas, 2023 (detail)

HELIOS ~ Wright & Grainger

Internationally award-winning modern re-telling of an Ancient Greek myth.

Fri 30 Aug 7.30pm | Lyre Room

Tickets $19 - $29

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ FRINGEFEED – ‘Engrossing’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ CLOTHESLINE – ‘Expertly told’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ THE LIST – ‘A much needed reminder of the irresistible power of stories to unite us’

A story about the son of the god of the sun, HELIOS transplants the Ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth wound round the winding roads of rural England and into the everyday living of a towering city. A story about life and the invisible monuments we build into it.

Words: Alexander Wright
Music: Phil Grainger
Storyteller: Jamie MacDowell
Producer: Tom Oliver

Wright & Grainger

🎟 Get tickets via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-new-theatre
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FREE Curator Talk on Banks' Florilegium (Illustrated) ~ Botanical public program

"Reckless Confidence: Joseph Banks and the Florilegium - Undertaking the world’s largest fine art printing project - and pulling it off (literally)"

Sun 18 Aug @ 2pm - 3pm | Burrinja
FREE (RSVP required)

Burrinja Curator JD Mittmann will trace the extraordinary story of Sir Joseph Banks’ Florilegium, which resulted in one of the world's most remarkable printing projects – 160 years after Banks’ death.

The printing of Banks’ Florilegium is a tale of ambition, persistence and sheer luck. Despite Banks’ enormous personal effort and investment, the project attempting to record the massive amount of plants collected on Cook’s first voyage around the world was never completed in his lifetime. Curiously, the florilegium escaped neglect and destruction only by a hair’s breadth.

RSVP and learn more about the Curator Talk and other public programs via https://exhibitions.burrinja.org.au/portfolio/public-programming-botanical/

Image 1: George Stubbs, ‘The Kongouro from New Holland', ID: ZBA5754, Exploration: Cook's First Voyage, 1768-1771, (c) National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.

Image 2: Banksia ericifolia, colour engraving and etching (à la poupée) after water colour by John Frederick Miller 1773 and drawing by Sydney Parkinson 1770, engraving by R Hughes 1986 after Daniel MacKenzie and Thomas Scratchley. (c) Alecto Historical Editions / Trustees of the Natural History Museum. Photography by James Hughes, 2024. Private collection. (detail)

Explore our diverse range of enriching events for the Botanical public program.

Botanical Art Illustration Workshop with Janet Matthews
Sat 10 Aug @ 10:30am – 3:30pm | Arts Workshop, Burrinja

Learn Janet’s colour pencil techniques while drawing a textured Eucalypt macrocarpa flower and leaves. Suitable for beginners or advanced students, with step-by-step instruction and demos.

Curator Talk on Banks’ Florilegium (illustrated)
Sun 18 Aug @ 2pm | Burrinja
FREE

Discover the fascinating tale of ambition, persistence and sheer luck behind the world’s largest fine art printing project. Curator JD Mittmann will trace the Florilegium’s extraordinary story from the 1700s to its completion 160 years after Banks’ death.

Sunset Sessions: Spring
Fri 20 Sep @ 6pm | Burrinja
$10 - $15

At this special Spring session, you can experience all Burrinja has to offer – on a Friday evening! Gallery exhibitions, Botanical art events, Bush Band dancing in the Lyre Room and more.

Garden Tours

Explore the beauty of nature showcased in Botanical first-hand at gardens in and around Melbourne.

Book and learn more about the public programs via https://exhibitions.burrinja.org.au

Image 1: © Janet Matthews
Image 2: George Stubbs, ‘The Kongouro from New Holland', ID: ZBA5754, Exploration: Cook's First Voyage, 1768-1771, (c) National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.
Image 3: John Pastoriza Piñol, ‘Pelargonium x grandiflorum', watercolour on Arches 300gsm, 2022

Discover the intricacies of nature at Burrinja’s new dual exhibition: Botanical

Sat 27 Jul - Sun 22 Sep | Burrinja Gallery

Please join us for the official opening of Botanical this Sunday 28 July, from 2pm, with opening remarks by Gordon Morrison, former director of Art Gallery of Ballarat. Enjoy an afternoon of stunning art and fascinating exhibition talks, plus music and light refreshments - everyone welcome.

Galleries 01 & 02 | Drawn from Nature: Botanical Illustration between Art and Science
Contemporary botanical art by renowned Victorian illustrators, with works by Celia Rosser.

Gallery 03 | The Initiation of Australian Botany: Selections from Banks’ Florilegium
A selection from botanist Sir Joseph Banks’ historic ‘Florilegium’ of printed engravings created from plant specimens collected in the 1700s.

Public Programs - participate in a diverse range of enriching public programs for Botanical, including:
- FREE Botanical Art Illustration Demonstrations with Miffy Gilbert | Sat 27 Jul & Sat 3 Aug
- Botanical Illustration Workshop with Janet Matthews | Sat 10 Aug
- Curator Talk on Banks’ Florilegium | Sun 18 Aug
- Sunset Sessions: Spring | Fri 20 Sep
- Garden Tours

RSVP to the official opening via https://events.humanitix.com/botanical-dual-exhibition-opening

Learn more about Botanical and the public programs via https://exhibitions.burrinja.org.au

Image 1: Banksia ericifolia, colour engraving and etching (à la poupée) after water colour by John Frederick Miller 1773 and drawing by Sydney Parkinson 1770, engraving by R Hughes 1986 after Daniel MacKenzie and Thomas Scratchley. (c) Alecto Historical Editions / Trustees of the Natural History Museum. Photography by James Hughes, 2024. Private collection. (detail)
Image 2: Miffy Gilbert, ‘Golden Wattle’, watercolour on Arches 300gsm, 2022 (detail)
Image 3: © Janet Matthews

Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances ~ Inventi Ensemble

Award-winning Australian chamber music
Sat 27 Jul 2.00pm | Burrinja Theatre

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Rachmaninov’s birth, his Symphonic Dances receive the Inventi treatment!

Three simple notes open the famous 'Symphonic Dances' by Rachmaninov, which then evolves into a unique work like no other. This beautiful and rich symphonic work features the colours and textures that Rachmaninov is famous for.

Join us for an afternoon of exceptional music.

Get tickets via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/what-s-on-all-events

School's back and term 3 Drama and Art classes kick off today at Burrinja!

🎭️ Creative Movement & Drama Classes | Wednesdays
PLAY UP (ages 5-8), ACT UP (ages 8-12) & TROUPE (ages 13+)

Classes run by Dee Whittington, who has many years' experience and success with children of all ages in the areas of creative movement, drama and music.

🎨 Playful Rainbows | Thursdays
Creative workshops for pre-schoolers

A different artist each week will lead a joyful shared experience of creative expression for pre-schoolers with their favourite 'big people'.

🧑‍🎨 creARTivity | Wednesdays
After school art club (ages 8-12)

Have fun creARTing a range of 2D and 3D art activities in a happy, supportive, small group setting.

And while you're here, why not check out our interactive Stay n' Play installation 'Kaleidoscopic Dreamscapes'?

Image 1: Playful Rainbows
Image 2: Elizabeth Gleeson, 'Kaleidoscopic Dreamscapes', 2024

Learn more and enrol via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-on-classes

Burrinja Cultural Centre’s Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Melanie Burge as the Creative Director & CEO.

Melanie Burge is a creative industries producer experienced in developing and delivering diverse programs. She has worked with artists and artistic companies from across Australia and around the world.

We look forward to welcoming Melanie to her new role on Tuesday 6 August!

You can read the full announcement here:
https://mailchi.mp/burrinja/burrinja-announces-new-creative-director-ceo-melanie-burge

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have sadly had to cancel Saturday’s Winter Wellness event.

If you have existing tickets, we will be in touch as soon as we can to organise refunds. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Trish Campbell’s ‘Shapes of Nature’ exhibition opening will still take place at 2pm on Saturday.

Last chance to see the LINO 2024 dual exhibition 🖼️

Don't miss out on the final two weeks of this stunning exhibition showcasing the talents of some of Australia's finest printmakers.

On Wed-Sun until Sun 21 July | Burrinja Gallery

Not Your Kitchen Lino | Galleries 01 & 02
A dazzling showcase of works by printmakers from across Victoria, featuring limited edition prints, artists books, scrolls and sculptures.

The Captain’s Catch ~ Rew Hanks | Gallery 03
An engaging satirical take on colonial characters through a series of deeply researched and highly detailed compositions by renowned printmaker Rew Hanks.

Learn more via https://exhibitions.burrinja.org.au

Image 1: , 'Lucky LeVon', 2022
Image 2: Rew Hanks, 'Fish between the flags', 2023

Join us this Saturday for a cosy and enriching winter day of wellness and art ❄️

🔔 Winter Wellness ~ Sunset Sessions
Sat 13 July 4.00pm-7.00pm | Burrinja Gallery | Tickets $10~15

Indulge your senses at this seasonal art event, featuring Speak Percussion’s 'Bell Curve', a spatial performance by Eugene Ughetti with 12 young Dandenong Ranges bell ringers.

Engage in a unique blend of relaxation and creativity: movement meditation, artist talks, an Ayurvedic Sensory Chai spice experience, the soothing sounds of Vinod Prasanna, plus a nourishing winter bowl and warming mulled wine.

🖼️ Shapes of Nature ~ Trish Campbell
Sat 13 July 2.00pm | aerie gallery

Please join us at 2pm for the launch of Trish Campbell's new aerie exhibition – everyone welcome.

Trish's conceptual landscape painting is inspired by strong structural shapes, patterns, lines and textures found in nature and man-made environments.

Get tickets for Winter Wellness via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/what-s-on-all-events

RSVP to the Shapes of Nature launch via https://events.humanitix.com/shapes-of-nature-by-trish-campbell-exhibition-opening

Image 1: previous presentation of Bell Curve, supplied by
Image 2: 'Scar Lines - Rhythm’ (detail) by

Another sensational year of Burrinja Circus Festival! 🎪

The past week has been jam-packed with excitement and festival fun for both performers and audiences. From circus workshops, student circus productions and the multi-award winning show Children Are Stinky - this year's Circus Fest had it all.

But it's not over yet! Don't miss the dazzling final show, the gem of the festival:

NOSTALGIA 🤸 | Fri 5 July @ 6:00pm | Burrinja Theatre

Featuring special guest acts, coaches and senior students of Ruccis, these performers will juggle, flip and spin their way through childhood memories and invite the audience to join them on a journey into the past.

(Recommended for 13+ years)

Get tickets via https://burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-on-circus-festival-at-burrinja ⁠

Last chance to see A Moroccan Modernist Retrospective - Abdesslam Sakini's captivating exhibition in the aerie gallery.

Until Sun 7 July | aerie gallery

Abdesslam Sakini (born 1943) is a Moroccan artist who was part of the Casablanca Art School during the period it revolutionised modern art in post-colonial Morocco.

His bold use of geometric shapes and abstract patterns create striking compositions on the canvas. Inspired by years living in Australia, more recent paintings show flora and fauna with an abstract colour palette, evoking the extremes of the Australian environment.

Learn more via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/what-s-on-all-events

Don’t forget! Children are stinky are performing Sunday (June 30) at 4pm!
Plus FREE activities for stinky children from 2-4 including colouring, circus obstacle course and face painting (pay per child for face painting).
📅June 30 2-4pm for activities and 4pm for show to start (show will be 50mins)
📍Burrinja
💁‍♂️💁‍♀️ Perfect for families with kids ages 3-12
🎟️ Tickets via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-on-circus-festival-at-burrinja

Ruccis alumni Josie Wardrope is performing in Children Are Stinky, this Sunday at 4pm! If you're feeling inspired after performing at Burrinja, come and see the circus pros in this super fun show that will leave both kids and adults with their jaw on the floor wanting more!

https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-on-circus-festival-at-burrinja

(yes circus peeps, we know this isn't Josie, but know the tricks will be just as awesome!)

🤹 Circus Workshops 🤸 ~ Burrinja Circus Festival 🎪

July 2-4 | Burrinja Theatre

Circus Mix ~ Kids: 5-13 years
Try a bit of everything in Circus Mix! These classes are the perfect place to explore general circus skills like juggling, tumbling, hula hoops, trapeze and more.

Preschool Circus ~ Kids: 2-5 years
A super fun circus class just for 2-5 year olds. Kids will work through an obstacle course, build their balance skills, try aerial equipment and more!

Aerial ~ Kids: 5-13 years
Perfect for students wanting to get up in the air! Build your strength and learn basic shapes and climbs on the tissu and trapeze.

Get tickets via https://burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-on-circus-festival-at-burrinja

😛 Children Are Stinky b⁠y Circus Trick Tease ~ Burrinja Circus Festival 🎪⁠

Sun 30 June @ 4:00pm | Burrinja Theatre
All ages

Packed with lots of fun, lightning fast Hula Hooping, daredevil balances, astounding strength, incredible acrobatics and loads of comedy, Children Are Stinky will have both adults and kids with their jaws on the floor wanting to see more. 🤸

Children Are Stinky is an award-winning show set in the 90s (with all our favourite tracks). This extremely talented duo will astound with their incredible circus skills and laughing till your sides hurt.

Get tickets via https://burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-on-circus-festival-at-burrinja

🎪 Burrinja Circus Festival is back with a jam-packed week of circus fun for the whole family these school holidays! 🤹

Kicking off with exciting shows and a week of circus skills workshops to flip, climb and tumble your way through the holidays, there's something for everyone of all ages at this year's festival.

Burrinja and will be hosting a range of circus workshops for kids, a dazzling professional circus show, plus a colourful cabaret evening featuring Ruccis coaches and students, circus industry performers and the most exciting up-and-coming circus stars. 🌟

Run away with the circus as Burrinja transforms into a bustling big top of circus delights! 🎉

Roll up in style - purchase any 3 performances or workshops and receive a 28% discount on all your tickets. (Excludes Preschool Circus Workshops.)

Get tickets via https://burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whats-on-circus-festival-at-burrinja

Enjoy a great night out, or three, at Burrinja this winter with 15% off select shows!

Experience distinctive performances from world-renowned jazz and award-winning country to Greek myths and symphonic chamber music.

Perfect for a great night out with your favourite people - join us for an unforgettable season of entertainment, community and culture.

But hurry, this offer ends midnight June 28!

Check out the select shows on from 27 July via https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/what-s-on-all-events

Image credit: Nicole Zuraitis by

Such beautiful work.

Get that warm and fuzzy feeling by supporting arts and culture in the Hills.

You can now choose which of Burrinja's programs to direct your donation:

• Burrinja Creative Program
• Community Partnership Projects
• Dandenong Ranges Open Studios
• Our Residency Program

Your donation will help the arts thrive in our community and our lives. So, if you are able - give a little, help a lot.

Burrinja is a registered charity and all donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. Donate during our EOFY.

Thank you for your support!

Donate via https://burrinja.org.au/donate

Donate Donate to Burrinja and show your support for the arts in the Dandenong Ranges.

Meet Karen Neal, a printmaker whose background in Biological Science greatly informs her art practice.

Karen loves the versatility of printmaking techniques, from the generation of multiple images in an edition to the freedom found in creating one-of-a-kind works and 3D sculptural book objects. She currently focuses on capturing and celebrating the local bird and plant species of her immediate environment. Through her art, she aims to draw attention to the natural world and inspire others to connect with and protect it.
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See her work as part of the Not Your Kitchen Lino exhibition in Burrinja Galleries 01 & 02.⁠
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Learn more via https://exhibitions.burrinja.org.au/ ⁠
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@⁠karenneal4
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