Phillip Island Penguin Parade goes global
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Phillip Island Penguin Parade goes global

Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade in Victoria, Australia has attracted the attention of one of the world’s best sports commentators who has turned their famous nightly walk home into a viral video sensation. Scottish BBC sport commentator Andrew Cotter became a worldwide internet sensation last month when his self-isolation and boredom at the lack of sport inspired a hilarious video of him narrating the antics of his labradors, Olive and Mabel, called ‘Game of Bones’. The video has now been viewed more than 30 million times on YouTube and social media. Now Andrew, whose voice is well known to fans of international golf, tennis and athletics, has narrated the antics of Phillip Island’s most famous residents as they waddle from the shoreline, across the sand dunes to arrive safely at home, in their burrows. Andrew says, “I knew all about the penguins of Phillip Island before this and have visited Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road or Mornington Peninsula every year for the past fifteen years. I love it all down there so this was a natural fit.” Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Chief Executive Catherine Basterfield said this was a wonderful way to share our amazing little penguins with the rest of the world. “The penguins are quite comfortable in front of an audience as they are used to doing their nightly waddle in front of visitors at the Penguin Parade, but this kind of global recognition goes above and beyond. The penguins never fail to entertain with their antics, and Andrew’s wonderful wit has captured this beautifully,” added Basterfield. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, Phillip Island Nature Parks is a unique conservation organisation that operates a range of ecotourism experiences. The daily parade of little penguins draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe every year. Visitors line the observation boardwalks at Phillip Island Nature Park at dusk to see them race up Summerland Beach to their burrows. Phillip Island Nature Parks, including the world-famous Penguin Parade, are currently closed to tourists to help slow the spread of coronavirus, but the work continues behind the scenes to look after the animals and their habitat. Phillip Island Penguin Parade goes global

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Cameraman Only
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Cameraman Only

I used to love the smell of Prasad Labs in Chennai. It was the smell of the film negative emulsion being developed and printed. Images coming to life behind mysterious vaults where no common man was allowed. At the end of a long corridor upstairs there was a neon sign that said ‘Cameraman only’. This was a room for colour grading. The sacred space where the colours of a movie are tweaked, matched and enhanced. You leave your slippers outside and step in. I’ve gone in while working as an assistant cinematographer. Heart pounding, half out of anticipation, half because it felt like a privilege which I might mess up. Inside the dark room the Grader sat like Merlin with his glasses backlit by the grading machine, he would manually move the film spool slowly to see if the rushes needed to be brightened or darkened, conferring with the Cameraman on his side in whispers while we sat deeper in the shadows. One point brighter here, one point deeper there. Add one point red here for the skin tone, subtract some green here to correct the wayward colour temperature of a light fixture. Some warm, some cool. And then. Silence. Just the sound of the rotating handle, as we moved from frame to frame. The thick curtains sheltered us from the world and it felt like we were in one corner of the universe looking into a piece of history being created. Every movie is history, good or bad. In each frame lie the hard work of the crew, cast , the money of the producer and the future of the leading actors. I have waited many hours in the lab with the assistant cinematographer team, to be called to check prints which were getting ready to be released. We spent sleepless nights before the big Friday making sure intricate corrections in each reel were made across many prints , copy checking – which is basically quality control so that there are no errors before the large film cans with the final prints get carted off to the many theatres across the state, in the middle of the night. Once they leave the lab, their destiny is unknown. It’s for the audience to decide the next day. Hit or flop. Theatres have changed the mode of projection over the years, they now have digital projectors, not film. No film cans come to the theatre, a file is uploaded and a link clicked upon for the show to begin. It’s all digital. The mystery and romance of film labs is a thing of the past but all the nerves and excitement about the Friday release still remains for film makers. And Friday at the movies is still a big draw for the audiences. Despite all the different kinds of platforms available to them, there is still fanfare outside a theatre for the first day first show. Whistles echo and tickets are torn. And stars born. We as a race are story tellers and listeners. We like to be entertained. We began listening to stories around the fire outside our caves, we found ourselves one day inside a dark theatre watching a flickering screen, a story unfolded in front of us. We fell in love with the movies. And the love affair continues. The Covid Pandemic has changed our lives and social distancing and protecting ourselves may change the way we go to the movies forever. But whether its two seats away from another human or four , our eyes will still be glued to the screen soon. No mobile, tablet or TV screen will match the visceral cinematic experience of watching a movie in a theatre. Tip toeing in the dark, finding our seat and sitting down to be taken to another world. There may be no hand to hold but we will be led by the storytellers. By Preetha Jayaraman, award-winning cinematographer. Cameraman Only

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Turn lockdown into a party
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Turn lockdown into a party

In these unprecedented times, THE Park Hotels, is virtually bringing alive the energy and vibe of India’s most happening nightclubs and liveliest bars. THE Park Hotels known for ruling India’s nightlife and entertainment business since more than 50 years, has started LIVE entertainment for its guests and patrons sitting at home during the extended lockdown. As people are now losing the count on days, THE Park Aqua Sunset has been released last month to set the weekend mood right. THE Park Aqua Sunset is a mixtape series releasing every Sunday at 5 PM on MixCloud and SoundCloud. A specially curated tracklist of a music extraordinaire is introduced every week. The genres range from electronica, downtempo, chillout, house, and world music – by the finest artist collective line-up from across the country. It brings the oomph of the crazy pool parties from the signature alfresco poolside Aqua at THE Park. Swarup Varma, VRIDIAN and Abhi Meer have released their curated tracklists till now. Celebrated artists including Xirer, Aaryan, Stalvart John, and Praveen Achary are going to play in the weeks to come. The artists are well-known, home-grown and heavyweight electronic music producers with a knack of musical diversity. The first tracklist by Swarup Varma organically made it to the ‘Top 3 track list in India for Chillout category on MixCloud. Tune in to these channels every Sunday at 5 PM for your weekend sunset party like never before at your home: MixCloud – https://www.mixcloud.com/THEParkHotels/ SoundCloud – https://soundcloud.com/theparkhotels To bring the heady atmosphere, passionate live performances and bags of rock ‘n’ roll attitude, the iconic Someplace Else from THE Park Kolkata is going LIVE every day at 8 PM on its Facebook page with India’s most celebrated musicians and artists. Someplace Else which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary has been engaging with artists to spark up these grim times through live virtual sessions. Till now Behram Siganporia from Best Kept Secret, Salman & Zaman, Abha Hanjura, Wagah Road, Nilayan, Adil Rashid (Underground Authority), Kamran and Kolkata’s favourite Kaustav Banerjee have performed. The live sessions have recorded more than 3,60,000 viewers for 35 artists and have received rave reviews from the music revellers for this initiative. The number of followers have been rapidly increasing on the Facebook page and the viewer’s look forward to these sessions every day at 8 PM. Few artists to look forward to in the coming days are Khurshid (Karaoke World Champion India in 2011), Bubbles from Chicago, Astitva, Abhishek Gurung (Gingerfeet), Faridkot, and many more. Join in the LIVE session every day at 8 PM via https://www.facebook.com/someplaceelsethepark/ Speaking on these initiatives, Ruchika Mehta, Corporate Director- Communications & PR said, “While we continue to do our community initiatives, we also realize that people are getting jaded sitting at home in this extended lockdown and are looking for things to bring in cheer and positivity. We at THE Park are known for our nightlife and F&B offerings, therefore have introduced these LIVE sessions with musicians and celebrated artists. We have been receiving overwhelming response till now. And the teams are set to continue the LIVE entertainment for the days to come.”   Turn lockdown into a party

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Demand for Sanitizers on the Rise
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Demand for Sanitizers on the Rise

The New World and Opportunities Post Coronavirus study highlights major shifts in the FMCG industry during the pandemic and what brands must watch out for. Sacheerome, India’s leading fragrances and flavours manufacturer, has released an insightful study called The New World and Opportunities Post Coronavirus. The findings are an outcome of the brand’s collaboration with renowned market research agencies including Mintel, Euromonitor, McKinsey, and Ipsos, among others. The report provides insights on the strategic shifts the FMCG industry will face in the coming months and how clients can move into opportunities first. The global pandemic has led to a change in the attitudes of consumers around the world. The report is divided into various categories including Home, Surface, Fabric, and Personal Care. It indicates that there is a steady growth in the launches of products with ‘clean’ claims. About 81% of consumers in West India have used hand sanitizers more than before compared to 67% in North India. There is also high usage of hygiene products among the older age groups. In April 2020 alone, there were 2.2 million searches for hand sanitiser, which is a year-over-year increase of 29X. Speaking about this, Divya Arora, Director Innovation & Strategy, Sacheerome, said, “The coronavirus pandemic has brought about a drastic shift in consumption patterns which will have a major impact on the future scenarios. The study looks at some of these trends and marks key action points for brands in the post-Covid19 era. Transformations within businesses and society take place during turbulent times that are ground-breaking and spark them towards a new land of challenges and opportunities. The FMCG segment is looking closely at the new consumer behaviours to effectively adapt and improvise at a never-before pace. We are proud to partner with some of the leading names in the market research industry for the study and hope that the insights will help businesses plan their future strategies better.” FMCG companies are using differentiation in fragrance as a key selling proposition to attract consumers. The focus is on Citrus-y and Green fragrance notes in the times of COVID to impart a ‘clean’ association through their products. There is an increased affinity towards using traditional and natural fragrances and ayurvedic ingredients that provide holistic wellness, an area where Sacheerome has been doing research and developments for decades. There is also a demand for perfumery ingredients that have disinfectant, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties, across categories. Unlike many other categories, home care has responded well to lockdown. The industry continued a solid global performance growing 5% in current value terms in 2018/19 reporting$159 billion in sales. Products such as liquid soap with disinfectant and hand sanitizers are observed to have experienced a dramatic boost in sales as consumers’ self-protection awareness has increased rapidly since the COVID outbreak. People will go forward to adopt a new normal and get back to basics focusing on a minimalistic approach. There has been increased digital engagement and home has become the new universe for now with a focus on cleanliness, self, and surrounding. Overall, the findings show how there is an increased need for quality assurance, affordability, accessibility, and convenience. Considering this, FMCG companies are undertaking product development, market testing and launches faster than ever before. The usual timeline of few months has come down to a few weeks in some cases in order to tap into to changing consumer needs. The world is changing more rapidly than ever, and consumer preferences will continue to shape with the time to come. The report highlights how businesses will need to key an eye out for these and be better prepared for future risks. The key takeaways for brands include focus safe and hygiene products, wellness, and fast-innovation. Demand for Sanitizers on the Rise

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Healthy Tourism Certification for Turkey
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Healthy Tourism Certification for Turkey

Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey has initiated Healthy Tourism Certification program, which shall be applicable as of summer season of 2020. Healthy Tourism Certification, which is issued under the leadership of Ministry of Culture and Tourism and with the participation of Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in cooperation of all sector stakeholders, covers a broad range of measures which shall be taken towards transportation, accommodation, health condition of employees of the facilities and passengers. This certificate, which shall be granted by international certification institutions, will document the fulfilment of high level of health and hygiene requirements at airline companies, airports and other transportation, accommodation and food & beverage facilities. Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey has launched its Healthy Tourism Certification Program. The program, which will be applicable as of summer season of 2020 includes a broad range of measures for transportation, accommodation, health condition of employees for facilities and passengers. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey, has made the following statement with respect to the certification program that will be obtained from international certification institutions: “Turkey has been role model for the world during Covid 19 with its well-established health system and treatment methods that has been taken. This certificate program demonstrates that Turkey will take a pioneering role in terms of setting the direction for the normalisation of tourism. Today, global quarantine measures, which have been taken due to Covid-19, causing unique developments all around the world, are getting more flexible and tourism sector itself has a vital role in terms of returning to normal processes. The importance of caring our guests in our culture, leads us to be ready for the transition to healthy tourism prior to everyone. Our certification program shall ensure that our guests in Turkey are going to make their holidays in a safe and hygienic manner and feel comfortable during their visit. Our program covers preventive and protective steps including air, marine and land transportation, arrival ports, all facilities providing a holiday experience, health condition of employees in the industry and tourists themselves. We will encourage all of our transportation and accommodation facilities to take all precautions for a healthy holiday through obtaining the certificate.” Healthy Tourism Certification program consists of four main pillars. Certification program of Turkey consists of 4 main pillars which are “Health and Safety of the Passenger”, “Health and Safety of the Employee”, “Precautions taken at Facilities” and “Precautions taken in terms of “Transportation”. “Health and Safety of the Passenger”; covers the precautions which are required to be implemented in terms of passengers from the time of check-in until their check-out. It includes; not allowing passengers without mask to enter respective terminals, providing free of charge masks to passengers, application of thermal camera and body temperature measurement at the entrance of terminal buildings, preparing disinfection carpets and disinfection cabins, if required, apply the required protocols for the passengers that are diagnosed as risk group in terms of travelling. “Health and Safety of the Employee”; covers precautions with respect to ensuring physically and mentally healthy personnel at transportation, accommodation and food & beverage facilities. Procedures such as hygiene and sanitation trainings of the personnel, psychological support, providing required hygiene/health equipment, controlling of the personnel both with thermal cameras are required standards and also thermometers and planning shifts, holding meetings and regular health checks of personnel etc. comprise other articles included under this title. “Precautions taken at Facilities”, covers steps which required to be taken in order to prevent spreading of the outbreak. In case of preventing such cases, processes that needs to be implemented by the accommodation, food & beverage facilities have been defined under the scope of the certificate. Certification ensures implementation and controlling of measures such as social distance, contact, isolation which are required to control the spread of pandemic within the personnel working at such facilities. “Precautions taken in terms of Transportation vehicles”, includes certain measures and regulations for air, land and marine transportation. Training of personnel of transportation vehicles, immunity certificate of the personnel, sterilisation of transportation vehicles and arrangement of passenger transportation system according to safe distance standards has been defined under the scope of the certificate. Minister Ersoy emphasised the sensitivity and importance demonstrated in this subject through making the following statement regarding certificate program and dates in terms of normalizing process subsequent to Covid-19: “We have completed pandemic protocols and certification protocols issued separately in terms of airports, domestic airlines, highways and tourism facilities as of May 4, 2020. We are also planning to start implementation of the certification process for hotels as of May. We will start listing the facilities, obtaining such certificate, as of June 1, 2020 through all channels including website of our Ministry. We, as Republic of Turkey, are acting with sense of responsibility in order to ensure both our citizens and our guests, arriving to our country, to feel comfortable during their visit. There is a proverb stating the hospitality of Turkish people: “Latch string is always out!” (You are more than welcome). We have always take this as leading principle and we will continue to take necessary actions based on this principle’’ Healthy Tourism Certification for Turkey

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Take a Virtual Tour on International Museum Day
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Take a Virtual Tour on International Museum Day

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, when people are sheltering in place at home, many museums and art galleries around the world are providing virtual tours to give people a creative way to stay entertained and learn something too. In honour of International Museum Day, don’t miss virtual tours of these iconic museums located in the United States which are sure to transport you to a whole new world. Happy museum hopping! Metropolitan Museum of Art –New York City, New York The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as the Met, is one of the most famous art museums in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection includes nearly two million works of art spanning 5,000 years. In the Met you will get to see the incredible Temple of Dendur which has been on display for an impressive 50 years. Museum of Fine Arts –Boston, Massachusetts The Museum of Fine Arts which was first opened in 1876 contains more than 450,000 works of magnificent art. From master works of the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Ancient World, to textiles, fashion and jewellery, you will find all kinds of art here. Here you can also view great art by John Singer Sargent, Thomas Sully, and John Singleton Copley. Detroit Institute of Arts –Detroit, Michigan The Detroit Institute of Arts is a cultural gem that includes more than 100 galleries. The museum’s exhibits span from prehistory through the 21st century. Two of the most notable acquisitions of this museum are Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals and Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait, the first of his paintings to be included in a U.S. museum collection. The Art Institute of Chicago –Chicago, Illinois The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned museum showcasing iconic works of art.  Hailed as one of the oldest and largest museums in the USA, the Art Institute impresses with nearly 100,000 square meters to explore. The Art Institute features a notable collection of art and artefacts spanning 5,000 BC to the present. American Museum of Natural History – New York City, New York The American Museum of Natural History, which has appeared in several Hollywood movies, boasts a 94-foot blue whale, dinosaur halls, and world-famous dioramas. Take a Virtual Tour on International Museum Day

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Suryagarh, Jaisalmer – Your Sanctuary
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Suryagarh, Jaisalmer – Your Sanctuary

Suryagarh Jaisalmer represents a unique way of life by carefully preserving the traditions of our past yet framing them in a modern idiom. This boutique hotel in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, takes the path less travelled and discovers the secrets of a land that have been long shrouded in myth and legend. You can now avail special offers for a luxurious stay at Suryagarh Jaisalmer. The hotel is offering exceptional rates which one can book until July, 31, 2020 and can redeem anytime from when the travel ban is lifted to July 31, 2021 i.e next year. Accommodation on either single or double occupancy. Round trip transfers from Jaisalmer Airport or Railway Station to the hotel are taken care of. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included at Nosh – all day distinctive dining of your choice. Feel like royalty and also indulge in Sundowners at the gardens with folk music and hors d’oeuvres every evening. Booking window: Until 31st July 2020. Offer validity: Until 31st July 2021. Pavilion Room: INR 10,000 ++ per night The Havelis: INR 19,000 ++ per night For bookings: reservation@suryagarh.com or Call +91 78271 51151. Instagram: @suryagarh  #Suryagarh  #SuryagarhJaisalmer Suryagarh, Jaisalmer – Your Sanctuary

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ITC Hotels launch ‘WeAssure’
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ITC Hotels launch ‘WeAssure’

Reinforcing its globally acknowledged Responsible Luxury ethos that seeks to create a better and secure world, ITC Hotels announced the launch of its path breaking ‘WeAssure’ initiative. In a first for the hospitality industry, the discerning guests of ITC Hotels will be reassured by an accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) – the leading standards organisation for sanitation, hygiene, safety and infection control practices. ITC Hotels is also partnering with DNV GL Business Assurance, one of the world’s leading certification bodies, to ensure stringent clinical levels of hygiene and safety. These assurance certifications will stand testimony to the rigorous hygiene protocol being put in place to ensure the safety of guests and associates at ITC Hotels, across India. NABH Accreditation & DNV-GL Business Assurance certification to ensure stringent clinical levels of hygiene. “We are committed to delivering world-class luxury experiences that address the most important needs of wellbeing and safety though responsible practices that are immensely relevant in the unprecedented circumstances we face today. ‘WeAssure’ is a unique programme designed in collaboration with medical professionals and disinfection experts to further enhance the existing hygiene & cleaning protocols. The stringent program specifications reassure guests of visibly stringent cleanliness and disinfection processes which benchmark clinically hygienic standards, offering guests’ unparalleled comfort with peace of mind” stated Nakul Anand, Executive Director-ITC Ltd. With many “Industry Firsts” to its credit, ‘WeAssure’ is set to redefine the cleanliness protocol. The accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) will enhance existing procedures and controls in the area of sanitation, hygiene, safety and infection control thereby conforming to hospital level hygiene standards. DNV GL Business Assurance, a body that helps businesses assure the performance of their organisation is evaluating a model, built around the three pillars of – Health, Hygiene and Safety. This will help ITC Hotels achieve higher levels of maturity around all facets of operations. ‘WeAssure’ is a holistic programme that addresses all facets of hotel operations. From revised protocols for back of the house activity at the receiving store, back offices, laundry to the public areas with heightened sanitization measures for guest luggage, elevators to room service. The well-being of guests, associates and partners has always been of paramount importance at ITC Hotels and more so in these testing times. Namaste at ITC Hotels is not only a heartfelt welcome, it is inspired from our ancient scripture ‘Atithi Devo Bhava‘ which prescribes the dynamics of the host and guest relationship. Namaste acknowledges the honour in being a host and to look after guests in the most responsible manner without compromising the high standards the guest has come to expect. It is a call from within that keeps the Indian Values alive, pure and timeless. ITC Hotels launch ‘WeAssure’

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Plan your Post Pandemic Fashion Statement
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Plan your Post Pandemic Fashion Statement

Just like that, the entire world experienced the fear of the pandemic followed by a safety lockdown. Life was not normal like always. Fashionable people were not stepping out like before. People started to unease about the normalcy which has now commenced to oscillation. Masks and gloves have become requisite till the government finds the countermeasure. At this surreal moment, the fashion brand team of Odette has started functioning and perpetuating social distancing. You can now have your contactless deliveries of your best-loved products. Their team takes care of hygiene plying sanitisers, masks and gloves. When the country is combating with this epidemic, it is discerning that all safety precautions are taken Fashion being an individual never pauses at any moment. The style, material, colour and shape of our fashion accessories can express different emotions like our behaviours, attitudes, personality, mood, confidence, and even the way we interact with others. Uncommonly when people are getting bored doing mundane tasks at home and wanting to come out in stages steadily, fashion promises all smiles on everyone’s faces. This is the time to plan your wardrobe and check out on the latest launches by some of the chic brands like Odette and make fresh and wise purchases that go with your dressing style. The epidemic will be there for a while and we have to wrap up this battle with fashion. When masks at the other hand have become essential…why not go with the charming scarves which are sheer in sizes, soft to touch, appealing in colours and can change your appearance when you are out at work or for a relaxed walk. You can shop for some of the latest styles and colours in trendy scarves from Odette. Log on to www.odette.in. for not just scarves, but all kinds of accessories to brighten up a dull day. Get set and get fashionable to make a fashion statement like you’ve always made, post the pandemic. Plan your Post Pandemic Fashion Statement

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Visit Victoria
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Visit Victoria

Wish you were elsewhere? Us too. There are so much to see and do in Melbourne and beyond – but chances are, you’re staying put for the time being. To help, here is a handy list of virtual experiences offered by Melbourne and Victoria’s top attractions – amazing art galleries, museums, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites and scenic locations. There are so many ways to keep in touch, stay involved and be virtually out there. Bookmark for later and visit in real life or simply fill up your spare moments with one of these great virtual experiences. ARTS & CULTURE National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Virtual Tours Explore the National Gallery of Victoria’s galleries online. These free curator-led tours offer solace and inspiration through digital connection. With more than 68,000 works in the NGV Collection viewable online, hop on its virtual tours with the likes of Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines, KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness and Collecting Comme. Get behind the scenes by watching videos which delve into topics such as art, conservation, contemporary life, design architecture and more. NGV Learn’s activities promote creative and critical thinking, and visual literacy skills developed by teachers for primary school students of all levels. Sofles: Compendium Explore the work of street artist Sofles with a virtual tour of Sofles: Compendium at Benalla Art Gallery. By the most contemporary street artists of his generation, Sofles: Compendium dates two decades worth of work. The exhibition showcases the life and art of Sofles, who rose to fame through his prominent work on train tracks, warehouses as well as nooks and crannies. Delve into his eclectic world of disruptive art which features never before seen photographs, original drawings, video and breathtaking murals illustrating his personal street art story. Rone @ Burnham Beeches Explore street artist, Rone’s virtual reality installation at the historic Burnham Beeches mansion. Tyrone Wright (Rone) is known for his art works found in and around the urban streets of Melbourne’s inner-north, and in abandoned houses and venues – as well as his works on the Silo Art Trail. The artworks depict haunting, stylised portraits of women’s face and are aimed at finding the friction between beauty and decay. Rone’s takeover of Burnham Beeches is the biggest project he has ever undertaken. The venue was presented in an extreme state of distress and decay including new techniques developed to create the look of mould, peeling and chipped walls and surfaces. With styling and sound effects added, each room evokes a different feeling. Rone’s muse for the project is actor Lily Sullivan (Picnic at Hanging Rock, Mental). The result is EMPIRE. SCIENCE & LEARNING Museum @ Home There is no better way to learn than museums. Whether for young children, adults or the elderly, Museums Victoria is bringing the learning to homes. Discover various home projects to take on, explore the museums or dive into their digital channels to see what else is in store. From a world of museum experiences dating back to dinosaurs, learning about the human body, uncovering the secrets of the natural world in your own backyard to building a solar system – anything and everything that makes the brain busy, Museums Victoria has the perfect platform for curious minds. Scienceworks @ Home Learn something new with Scienceworks, which promises a whole lot of science! With a curated online content to be enjoyed from the couch, find out interesting facts such as determining when a creature is extinct, the trials and triumphs of a trailblazing scientist, things that shouldn’t be put in a microwave to spending an evening with NASA on their journey to Pluto or simply explore exhibitions through virtual tours. Knowledge is the one thing that is constant at Scienceworks, so happy exploring! Mt Burnett Observatory Can’t go outdoors? Well, get a 360° view of the day and night sky from an observatory in the Dandenong Ranges. Marvel at the changing skies that turn from dusk to dawn, with billions of mesmerising stars in the Milky Way in place. Look back at archives of past views or take up the challenge to custom-build an AllSky camera with a step-by-step guide of what is needed, and operate to see the best of nature! NATURE & THE OUTDOORS Animal House @ The Zoo Surely, everyone is curious how animals and zoos are coping from their safe enclosures. Watch the live stream cameras from Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healvesville Sanctuary to enjoy the zoo from anywhere. Check in on penguins, lions, zebras, koalas and giraffes; or meet the three Snow Leopard cubs, born on 26 January to first time mum Miska and dad Kang-Ju. See these animals during their designated feeding time, set to brighten one’s day through their quirks! Underwater reef cam: Port Phillip Bay There is more than just zoos and sanctuaries in Melbourne, Victoria. Watch Port Phillip Bay’s fish, seals and even dolphins go about their daily business via an exciting underwater live-feed! From the bottom of the sea direct to one’s home screen, the webcam is solar-powered and operates during local daylight hours and when there is enough sun. Wander through the lives of flora and fauna in the depths of the sea or put some knowledge to the test to spot the fishes of Reef Cam. Reef Cam was established to create awareness of the value of Australia’s southern, temperate marine life and to provide picturesque seascapes! Parks Victoria YouTube Channel Now that land and seas are covered, see what Parks Victoria have been up to from above. Check in on wild locations, conservation projects and tag along with park rangers on location. To bring the adventure closer to home, learn how to set up a tent in the garden to enjoy a home nature adventure or see Parks Victoria’s diverse natural environment through 360° videos from the Great Ocean Road, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Mount Buffalo and many more! Of course, when the time is right to travel again,

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