BEING SEEN…in Sydney

Welcome to Sydney

We are delighted to welcome you to Sydney for the 2024 Arlis/ANZ conference BEING SEEN. As one of the world’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, Sydney offers a stunning backdrop of iconic landmarks, rich cultural experiences, and a thriving hub of innovation and creativity. Throughout the conference, you will have the opportunity to connect with delegates, peers and professionals in sphere of the arts and GLAMr sector.

In the spirit of reconciliation, the BEING SEEN conference committee acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the conference will be held, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us for this event. We honor their enduring connection to the land, waters, and culture that continue to enrich this nation.

We look forward to an inspiring and successful event in this beautiful city. We welcome to Sydney!

Conference venue and surrounds

The two-day conference is split between two venues. Day one will be held at the Chau Chak Wing Museum (CCWM), located on the Camperdown Campus of the University of Sydney, opposite the Main Quadrangle and Fisher Library in the historic grounds of the University. The CCWM is the university museum of the University of Sydney, formed by the amalgamation of the Nicholson Museum, the Macleay Museum, and the University Art Collection.

Day two will take place at the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW), in the new Naala Badu building, the gallery's north building. The Art Gallery is located on the cusp of the Sydney CBD next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain. The award-winning Naala Badu, which means "seeing waters," is a series of light-filled pavilions and outdoor terraces that step down towards Sydney Harbour. The conference sessions on day two will be held in the Meers Hall (lower level 2).

Additionally, pre-conference and post-conference gatherings have been organized for enthusiastic delegates. The pre-conference gathering will be hosted by the National Art School (NAS) in Darlinghurst. The National Art School, located on the site of the former Darlinghurst Gaol, is the oldest independent fine arts institute in Australia. And the post-conference gathering will be held at The Library Bar located on the rooftop of the State Library of NSW.

Getting around - public transport

The public transport network in Sydney is reliable and provides a variety of ways to get around the city, Use the trip planner at transportnsw.info to plan your travel.

The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport in Sydney. It can be used on all public transport, including trains, ferries, buses and light rail. Opal cards can be obtained from train stations and the domestic and international airport, as well as many retailers across the city. For more information, visit opal.com.au. 

You can also pay with contactless-enabled American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards or a linked device, by tapping on and tapping off at Opal readers. Contactless payments are available on all public transport in the Opal network and you will receive the same travel benefits of an Adult Opal card. 

  • To NAS the buses are frequent and easy. From Central Station (Eddy Ave) catch the 311 or 440 up Oxford Street, get off at Taylor Square and walk down Forbes Street to NAS. By train it is a 10 minute walk from Kings Cross station or Museum Station, exit the station at Hyde Park (the corner of Liverpool and Elizabeth Street) and head up Oxford Street to NAS. Further information on the NAS website

  • To CCWM the closest train station is Redfern Station. Information on getting to CCWM is accessible via their website.

  • To AGNSW the bus 441 departs from the York Street side of Queen Victoria Building (Stand D) and drops off near the Art Gallery. For trains, St James and Martin Place stations are both about 10 minutes walk. More information from AGNSW website.


Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building, 2022, photo © Iwan Baan

Making the most of your stay in sydney - here are some links !