Arts news from everywhere; here’s HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts in the City column.

Big Name, No Blankets by Andrea James, is billed as an epic piece of rock ‘n’ roll theatre celebrating the impact of Australia’s Warumpi Band, inspired by stories from founding member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher. Ilbijerri Theatre’s production takes the Canberra Theatre stage July 10-12. 

Perform Australia, previously the Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art, is the brainchild of theatre artists Elizabeth and James Scott. After 14 years in vocational education, during which it became a recognised educational institution as well as an outlet for new plays and musical shows, they’re passing the accredited programs on to a new owner. But, they hasten to assure their followers, they’re still running the business, just not the vocational part.

Good news for Craft + Design Canberra that one of its key objectives, Canberra’s bid to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Design, has been recognised and supported in the 2025–26 ACT Budget. 

Apeiron Baroque will mix gems from the past and music from the future in a concert that aims to recreate the magic of the Baroque era with a team of guest artists headed by soprano Susannah Lawergren and violinist Matt Greco. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, July 6.

The buoyant Canberra Bach Ensemble has just been invited back to perform in the St Nicholas Church as part of the 2027 Leipzig Bach Festival. Exciting plans are afoot, director Andrew Koll says, while urging fans to chip in with a donation via the Australian Cultural Fund.

Megalo Print has an exhibition of drawings and printmaking titled Intentos de procesar una(s) vida(s) – Attempts at processing a life(s) – by artist Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts, an ANU School of Art graduate known for her work with Watch This Space in Alice Springs. Megalo, Kingston, July 5-August 16.

The mighty Australian Festival of Chamber Music, forged in Townsville more than 35 years ago, will move to Cairns in 2026. After more than 2000 concerts since 1991 and record attendances in 2024, the decision is said to be prompted by “a need for continued growth and a vision for continued excellence, artistic innovation, and enhanced patron experiences – while remaining proudly at home in northern Queensland.” You have to wonder where that leaves poor old Townsville.