Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom

Australian musical talent returned to The Great Escape Festival festival in Brighton on the 16th of May with an action packed showcase courtesy of our partners Sounds Australia and Tourism Australia.com.

17 acts played across 3 stages, showing off the incredible range of Australian music. From soulful tunes to high octane sets, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Deputy High Commissioner Elisabeth Bowes PSM attended the Sounds Australia showcase and met with some of the performers.

Want to check out some Australian music here in the UK? Visit Sounds Australia's global gig guide to find out who is playing near you.

soundsaustralia.com.au/global-gig-guide/

Reimagining Japan’s iconic Phoenix Pavilion

Watch as Takahiro Iwasaki’s Reflection Model (Perfect Bliss) 2012-12, comes together piece by piece. An intricate miniature of Kyoto’s iconic Phoenix Pavilion at Byōdō-in temple, the work reimagines a landmark familiar across Japan. This dreamlike reflection invites viewers to consider both the pavilion’s striking architecture and its enduring place in contemporary culture.

Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific runs from 16 May 2026 to 10 January 2027 at V&A South Kensington.

Developed in partnership by the V&A, and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (@‌qagoma).

Recognising the achievements of the late Dr Nicholas Andrew Medland, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.

Dr Nick Medland was an outstanding HIV and s*xual health physician, clinical epidemiologist, community GP, researcher and advocate whose empathy and passion for improving the lives of all people living with HIV was evident in a career that spanned over 25 years.

The guidance and support that Nick offered to the community of people living with HIV was enormous and will live on in our collective memories.

The Australian High Commissioner and Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Dare were proud to conduct the investiture of the late Dr Nicholas Medland on behalf of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia at Australia House on the 29th of April.

The medal was received by Dr Nick Medland’s father, Dr Anthony Medland. The ceremony was also attended by Dr Nick Medland’s husband, Professor Mark Gussy, and stepmother, Mrs Cheryl Medland.

"Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific" is now open at the V&A museum in South Kensington.

Delivered in partnership between the V&A and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the exhibition brings together the work of more than 40 artists from 25 countries across the Asia Pacific region.

The Australian High Commissioner was proud to speak at the opening night on 13 May.

Congratulations to the artists, and to V&A and QAGOMA for creating such a compelling look into the depth and diversity of contemporary art from the Asia Pacific region.

Don't miss out on this incredible exhibition, open now until 10 January 2027.

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Democracies are strongest when everyone can participate freely and equally. LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion is at the heart of democracy.

Australia stands together in Pride with the LGBTQIA+ community and believes all people, no matter their s*xual orientation, gender identity or expression, or s*x characteristics, deserve freedom, equality and justice. No one should be left behind.