The NGA and where else to go in Canberra
Over the years, we’ve built a number of partnerships across arts and culture, from individual artists to leading institutions, and one that has been equally rewarding and stimulating for us has been our long standing partnership with The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in capital country, Canberra.
We’ve done some incredibly fun and interesting activations together over the years, such as the custom cocktail with a diamond-shaped ice cube we made for the Cartier: the Exhibition and the tinned negroni we produced in homage to Andy Warhol's iconic Campbell's Soup Cans for the opening of the American Masters Exhibition. We’ve also been a supporting partner of the Gallery for the Cressida Campbell exhibition, where we created a limited-edition gin inspired by Campbell's work and participated in exclusive gin masterclasses related to the exhibition.
Most recently, we supported the NGA's "Know My Name" initiative to celebrate and increase the visibility of work by Australian women artists who have shaped Australian culture. To drive awareness around this initiative, we created a new Tailored Gin with KNOW MY NAME emblazoned on the label. Following the Tailored Gin, we came together once again to create a new Tailored Gin label featuring original artwork by artist Marian Tubbs, inspired by the native ingredients used in Tailored Spirits.
Throughout our multi-year partnership with the NGA, we’ve been lucky to make many trips to the gallery for these initiatives and events and in our opinion, Canberra is BURSTING to the brim with hidden gems. To share some insider’s knowledge, we asked Samantha Braniff, Head of Partnerships at The National Gallery, to give us her must-dos for your next trip to Canberra.
Image Source: National Gallery of Australia
Any trip to the Capital has to include a trip to the National Gallery – I may be biased, but it’s an incredible collection for everyone to enjoy. Not to be missed is Ouroboros – Lindy Lee’s newest sculpture, which opens on 25 October. As you enter the space, you are touched by the magical nature of the light of the materials, and you take a little moment to dream about how we connect to nature, the stars and our place in it.
If you have the time, stroll along Lake Burley Griffin and across Commonwealth Bride to ANU. Check out Drill Hall Gallery. There are always incredible contemporary artworks to explore.
Image Source: Bar Rochford
Bites and Drinks
Canberra has an incredible food and wine scene. My favourite place for a post-work drink with a little nibble or a special dinner with visiting friends is Bar Rochford. The menu changes regularly, and everything is to die for. One or two ingredients hero each dish. On my last visit, they accommodated my vegan friend seamlessly. They also make the best bone-dry martinis.
Onzieme on the south side is also a favourite. I once had a roasted smoked duck there that I still dream about.
Local wineries in Murrumbateman are an easy loop from Canberra to explore. My picks are Collector, Eden Road and Clonakilla.
Nature
Access to nature in Canberra is the city's best kept secret. There are bush walks and cycling tracks everywhere. My favourite local spot is Mount Painter Nature Reserve on the north side, where you will bump into a mob of kangaroos and wallabies while traversing around the mountain with spectacular views over the city, to Parliament House and across to the Brindabellas.