The word 'Art' is most commonly associated with pieces of work in a gallery or museum, whether it’s a painting from the Renaissance or a modern sculpture. However, there is so much more to art than what you see displayed in galleries.

The truth is, without being aware of it, we are surrounded by art and use it on a continual basis. Most people don’t realize how much of a role art plays in our lives and just how much we rely on art in all of its forms in our everyday lives.

The Joy of Art

You may be wondering why all of these things are so important to our daily lives and that you could probably survive just fine with essential items that were non-artistic. That is just the reason why art is so valuable! While art may not be vital to fulfill our basic needs, it does make life joyful. When you look at a painting or poster you’ve chosen to hang on your living room wall, you feel happy. The sculpture or figurines on the kitchen windowsill create a sense of joy. These varieties of art forms that we are surrounded by all come together to create the atmosphere that we want to live in.

Art and Music

The importance of art in our daily lives is very similar to that of music. Just like art, music can make life extremely joyful and can have a huge effect on our mood. In the workplace in particular, music is something that can help people set the mood for what they are about to do. If you have something hard or difficult to work on or are feeling tired, an energetic song will likely wake you up and add some enthusiasm to the situation. Similarly, when stress is high, many people find that relaxing to calming music is something that eases the mind.

Inspirational Art

Inspirational art, such as posters are often found in work spaces to encourage employees to continue being productive. There is now an increasing amount of companies using art in their offices, as well as playing background music, as it is proven to actually work in making end results far better quality. There may be a piece of art that you own that you personally find motivational. Perhaps a print with a positive affirmation or quote beautifully scrolled on it or a painting of a picturesque scene of where you aim to travel to one day.

SOME REASONS WHY ORIGINAL ART IN THE HOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BED

1. Creates Mood
2. Adds Personal Character to the Home
3. Makes Memories
4. Provides a Colour Palette
5. Makes a Room Feel Finished
6. Inspires and Fosters Creativity
7. Conversation Starter
8. Supports Artists
9. It is an Investment
10. Creates a Livable Environment
11. Keeps the Brain Active
12. Relaxation
13. Curating Your Own Gallery is Fun!

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Flight Access to Sydney Airports
Sydney's main airport is Kingsford-Smith, 8 km (5 miles) south of the city. Direct flights arrive from Asia, UK, Europe, Japan, North America and New Zealand.



Please find below a list of the airlines that fly to Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport.

Adagold Aviation PTY LTD
Aerolineas Argentinas
AirAsia X
Air Austral
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air Malta
Air Mauritius
Air New Zealand
Air Niugini
Air Pacific
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Vanuatu
Aircalin
Alitalia
American Airlines
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways
China Airlines
China Eastern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Delta Air Lines
EgyptAir
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Finnair
Garuda Indonesia
Hainan Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Iberia Airlines
Japan Airlines
Jet Airways
Jetstar Airways
Kenya Airways
KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines
Korean Air
LAN Airlines
Lufthansa
Malaysia Airlines
MEA - Middle East Airlines
Norfolk Air
Olympic Air
Philippine Airlines
Qantas Airways
SAS – Scandinavian Airlines
Scoot
Singapore Airlines
South African Airways
SriLanka Airlines
Thai Airways International
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways
Vietnam Airlines
Virgin Atlantic Airways
Virgin Australia (ex Pacific Blue Airlines)
Virgin Australia (ex V Australia)
Virgin Samoa
Virgin Australia


Access from Sydney Airport to Sydney City Centre
By Train - Airport Link
The Airport Link is probably the fastest way to get to the Sydney CBD from the Airports (and to the Airports from the City). Train stations are located directly below the International T1 and Domestic T2 and T3 terminals. Follow the train signs to the lifts or escalators to the stations.

Tickets can be purchased from any station in the CityRail network and direct services operate between the City Circle stations and the Airport. You will have to change trains at the Central station to connect to the greater CityRail network of stations. You can buy tickets to go to the Sydney International or Sydney Domestic Airport stations and board the train from any of the City Circle stations (Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James or Museum).

Tickets cost just under A$ 10.00 for the City Circle to Airport route and can also be purchased as pre-paid tickets in bundles of 10 tickets or more.

By Bus
There are many bus services that operate to and from Sydney Airport - most of which require pre-booking. See some options below to determine which service best suits your needs.

Sydney Buses has a timetabled service, route 400, between Bondi Junction and Burwood with stops at both International (T1) and Domestic (T3) Terminals. Clearly marked bus stops are located on the arrivals level outside each of these terminals. General information about fares, timetables and connections to other parts of Sydney is available at www.sydneybuses.info.

Hotel transfer - Sydney CBD area
When making your accommodation reservations, check to see if there is a complimentary pick up/drop off service being offered.

Metropolitan and regional suburb transfer
Many shuttle bus companies provide transport between the airport and most Sydney suburbs and regional areas. These buses need to be pre-booked. Check the Yellow Pages under "Airport Shuttle Services" for services to and from your area.

Car Rental
Car rental services at Sydney Airport are provided by the following operators. You’ll find the car rental desks located on the arrivals level at both terminals.

Name Phone Website
AVIS 13 63 33 www.avis.com.au
Herz 13 30 39 www.hertz.com.au
Europcar Sydney 1300 13 13 90 car-rental.europcar.com.au/car-hire-sydney
Budget 13 27 27 www.budget.com.au
Thrifty Car Rental 1300 36 72 27 www.thrifty.com.au
Redspot 1300 668 810 www.redspotrentals.com.au


Taxi
Taxis are available from the ranks outside both the international and domestic terminals.
The fare to city accommodation is about $20. There may also be charges for baggage.

Shuttle – book in advance service direct to your hotel
Airport Tranfers / Shuttle Service by bus for a quick, relaxing, direct and inexpensive trip between Sydney Airport and the city. Book in advance. Competitively priced to your hotel door. This service must be pre-booked at least 48 hours prior to arrival and cannot be arranged when you arrive so get in early and book online today. Costs: range from AUD$26

Getting Around in Sydney
Ferry
Traveling by ferry around Sydney is really the best way to get around. The Four Seasons Sydney is conveniently located beside Circular Quay where the ferries depart for:
  •    Balmain
  •    Double Bay
  •    Manly
  •    Parramatta
  •    Taronga Zoo
  •    Darling Harbour
  •    Cockatoo Island

Captain Cook Cruises also depart from Circular Quay.

Choosing the right fare
For a single trip, ferry users will choose a MyFerry1 or MyFerry2 ticket.
For occasional users, a MyFerry1 TravelTen or MyFerry2 TravelTen may be appropriate.

From Circular Quay:
  •     a MyFerry1 ticket is required for the following wharves – Woolwich/Balmain, Darling Harbour, Mosman, Neutral Bay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay     and stops on the Parramatta River between Circular Quay and Cabarita wharf.
  •     a MyFerry2 ticket is required for Manly and stops on the Parramatta River between Kissing Point and Parramatta.
Visa Information
Visitors' passports must be valid longer than the intended period of stay. Some countries do not allow entrance if the holder's passport expires in less than six months; returning home with an expired passport is illegal and may result in a fine. Apart from New Zealand nationals, all other visitors must also have a visa that is issued in their own country at the appropriate Australian embassy. When applying for a visa, you will have to provide proof of a return ticket and explain your reasons for travels to Australia. To find an Australian embassy in your home country, and for other information regarding Australian Visas, visit the Department of Immigration website.

If you need to apply for a visa, please register for the conference, pay your registration and accommodation fees in full and request a visa letter from Conference Partners at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Useful Travel Websites
Do you require further travel and tour assistance around Australia and New Zealand?

If you would like some assistance regarding special tours and travel around Sydney, Australia and New Zealand please visit AAT Kings. AAT Kings will take the pleasure in organising your trip! They work on a book early receive discount system so get in touch sooner rather than later and save. You can call AAT Kings who are happy to assist with your plans. Click on the ‘Contact Us’ page on the AAT Kings website.


Another really useful website for organising day trips around Australia and New Zealand are Gray Line Tours. They cover trips to Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Great Ocean Road tours and many more.

How to Arrange Art

  • "People have a tendency to hang art too high," says Linda Crisolo, Art.com director of merchandising. "The center of the image should be at eye level." In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower. A good way to ensure you're placing artwork at the right height is to hang it one hand width above the sofa.
  • A common problem when hanging artwork above a sofa or sideboard is that it's not in scale. Having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look strange. "Make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard," Crisolo says. "For example, a 9-foot-long sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it."
  • In the bedroom, choose personal art, such as family photographs or your own photography. If you're arranging the pieces in groupings, Crisolo recommends sticking with one color theme, either all black-and-white or all color photographs.
  • "Above a mantel or fireplace is the perfect place to layer pieces," Crisolo says. "A house looks like a home when you can see layers of artwork and accessories."
  • In the kitchen, hang art in a place where it won't get damaged by water or heat. Consider placing art above an office space, near the dining table, or above open counter space. Crisolo also recommends avoiding kitchen art in the kitchen. "I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen," she says. "Vintage art with traditional frames works in a traditional kitchen. In a modern kitchen, try bright colors with stainless-steel frames."
  • A symmetrical arrangement creates a striking and simple focal point. All-white frames and mats unify this grouping. "I like to use the same frames to create homogeny," says Crisolo.
  • When deciding where to hang images in your home, consider the wall space available and the arrangement of the room. "Use small pieces between windows and doors," Crisolo says. "If small items are in a space too large, the pieces look lost. With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work."
  • Artwork collaborates with other accessories and decor to create a visual story. Make sure images, moldings, and shelves all work together. "Hang artwork in front of a bookcase, on the face of the shelf," Crisolo says. "The shelves and ledges become part of a decorating story."
  • Make sure your arrangement matches your decorating style. "Symmetrical arrangements are more traditional or formal. Asymmetrical is modern," Crisolo says. "Also look at the image and style of the frame. For cottage-style rooms, stick with vintage images or botanicals. In modern rooms, choose large and abstract pieces."