Upbeat’s Melbourne correspondent Vincent O’Donnell visits artist Simon Denny in his Berlin studio to talk about what has happened since he made international news with his Venice Biennale installation Secret Power.  The work centred on imagery used by the US’s National Security Agency which came to light when former employee Edward Snowden leaked thousands of  secret files and communications from the agency.

Many of us may enjoy a tipple or two of our favourite drop. But rather than drink wine, Canadian artist Melissa Proudlock paints with it. But there’s more to painting with wine than just dipping a brush into a glass. Melissa has spent years patiently creating paints out of the sediment left at the bottom of wine barrels and fermenting tanks mixed with wine.

It’s slightly ironic timing for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as they prepare for the concert Force of Nature tomorrow night which includes Sibelius’ Symphony No 5. Making his Shaky Isles debut, performing Salonen’s Violin Concerto, is Melbourne’s Symphony Orchestra’s co-concertmaster Eoin Andersen.

New Zealand born soprano Lauren Armishaw plays the title role in Gluck’s opera Alceste which is RNZ Concert’s Opera on Sunday this weekend. Armishaw has been living in The Hague for many years, working with top choirs and ensembles. She explains what it’s like living in Europe, what attracted her to this opera and the ten year project she’s working on with the Netherlands Bach Society.

International choreographer and artist Sam Coren has been in New Zealand putting the NZ School of Dance graduates through their paces with Hofesh Shechter’s challenging work Political Mother. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it gives the students a chance to experience the demands of an international choreographer before they graduate next week.

Before reality shows like Masterchef, New Zealand’s own Hudson and Halls were whipping up delectable treats and making audiences around the country laugh. They have been brought to life once again in the theatre show Hudson and Halls Live!

Are actors getting a fair go in New Zealand? That’s what president of Equity New Zealand Jennifer Ward-Lealand stands up for. She’s gone into battle for actors to ensure they get fair pay and working conditions. She gives us an insight into what the industry has faced in 2016 and what we can expect in the next 12 months.

Combine clay and a kiln and magic can ensure; just ask Andrew Clifford, director of Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery. On display there are the winners finalists of the Portage Ceramic awards announced last week. Te Uru reopened two years ago right next door to Lopdell House, Titirangi’s original art gallery and Andrew Clifford is committed to keeping its close connections with the community.

New Zealand composer Alex Taylor is such a well recognisable name in the industry that you’d think he was an old hat at this. But the young talent has just been recognised as one of three New Zealand Arts Foundation 2016 New Generation Award Recipients. The awards were announced earlier this week and Alex was named alongside choreographer Parris Goebel and visual artist Andre Hemer, for the award that recognises innovation by young minds in the arts.

New Zealand composer Jenny McLeod is showing no signs of slowing down. In the past two weeks she’s turned 75, gave an entertaining “poetic” Lilburn lecture and has just released a new recording of her Tone Clock pieces. She speaks to Charlotte Wilson about her new works, longevity and turning 75.