This week at Art After Hours: join Carlo Ritchie of the Bear Pack for more improvising fun, listen to the Morrisons as they play their brand of bluegrass, country and honky-tonk, or watch 'Portrait of Jason', which filmmaker Ingmar Bergman called the most extraordinary film he’d seen in his life. Full program: http://bit.ly/2CLiBrQ

In the Dutch golden age, a great number of paintings included musical subjects, especially in the 'vanitas' still lifes, where musical instruments symbolised earthly pleasures. Learn more about the connection between art and music in our latest blog.

Do you know a budding artist with specific needs? Join us for a free children's artmaking workshop on Wednesday 17 January, for visitors with limited mobility, vision or hearing impairment or intellectual disabilities, and community groups working with children with specific needs. This is an opportunity to connect with the sensory arrangements of still life to express creativity in a fun and encouraging way. Auslan interpretation is available on request when booking.

For an ideal summer activity, visit the Brett Whiteley Studio to see 'Beach', an exhibition that captures the waves, the people and the heat of the season. Open Fri-Sun only. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2iSbuZR Image: Brett Whiteley ‘Walking down a street at Palm Beach thinking about Vincent’ 1972, Brett Whiteley Studio collection © Wendy Whiteley

Tomorrow, 2pm: don't miss a rare screening of Bette Gordon's underground feminist classic, 'Variety' (1983). Based on a screenplay by cult author Kathy Acker, the film features cameos by a who’s who of downtown artists and performers including Nan Goldin and Cookie Mueller. Hailed as a ‘feminist Vertigo’ upon release, Gordon’s film is a psychological thriller and time capsule of the neon-lit nightlife of Mapplethorpe's New York. With an introduction by film critic and scholar Sarinah Masukor at 1.30pm. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2zhb7hO

Experience the dazzling projections of acclaimed Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Part of this year’s Sydney International Art Series, ‘Pipilotti Rist: Sip my Ocean’ plunges viewers into kaleidoscopic projections which explore the relationship between nature, the body and technology. Buy an Art Pass and get access to both SIAS shows, including ‘Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age’ here at the Gallery www.artpass.com.au Image: Pipilotti Rist 'Pixelwald Motherboard (Pixelforest Mutterplatte)’ 2016, installation view, ‘Pipilotti Rist: Sip my Ocean’ 2017, courtesy the artist, Hauser & Wirth and Luhring Augustine © the artist. Photograph: Anna Kucera

Our free film program is back for 2018! This week, don't miss a double billing of '80s screen heroines. 'Gloria' screens in a luminous 35mm print tonight and Sunday. And on Saturday, catch Bette Gordon's underground classic 'Variety' with an introduction by film critic Sarinah Masukor. Full program: http://bit.ly/2zhb7hO

Is your new year’s resolution to be more mindful? Join us on Friday 12 & 19 January for Art in Mind – our new mindfulness program that invites you to spend quiet time looking carefully at the work of the Dutch masters. These exclusive sessions take place before the exhibition opens in the morning.

Limited tickets still available for Rembrandt Live – an immersive performance by members of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra that weaves through warmly-lit rooms of 17th century paintings. Part of Sydney Festival, book tickets online: http://bit.ly/2ySEqqG Photo: Steven Godbee

New blog: almost 100 years after Arthur Streeton painted the WWI battleground of Villers-Bretonneux, a major conservation project has restored both the painting and its frame.

Art After Hours is back this Wednesday! Catch Sydney comedy genius Carlo Ritchie and special guests as they take to the stage for a night of improvised storytelling inspired by the Dutch masters. Plus free film, live music and more!

Looking for a family friendly activity for next week? Drop by the Entrance court for a free workshop inspired by the fashion of the Dutch golden age and create your own collars, cuffs and caps! Learn more: http://bit.ly/2BTFfRN Image: Karel Dujardin 'Self-portrait' 1662 (detail), Rijksmuseum