This Summer, Challenge Your General Thinking on the Streets of Barangaroo

• Give your mind a work-out of new ideas, opinions and perspectives that will challenge your thoughts, and may even change the way you see the world.

Research has shown that our brains need as much exercise as our bodies, allowing for better cognitive function and overall health. In a time of heightened opinions, The Streets of Barangaroo invite Sydneysiders and visitors alike to reflect and engage in a new program designed to stimulate the mind and debate ideas. General Thinking on The Streets of Barangaroo, directed by Remo Giuffre (founder of General Thinking and director of TEDxSydney) and curated by Jess Miller, is a unique initiative that will bring together some of the country's brightest thinkers, experts and clever minds to discuss a diverse menu of topics and issues in a series of TED-style talks, debates and panel discussions.

As Remo Giuffre explains, in an age of information overload, General Thinking will bring quality dialogue and awareness to The Streets of Barangaroo in an entertaining and engaging way, leading information and opinions to insight and wisdom.

“We're not so interested in singular expertise. It's far more interesting when people from completely different worlds come together to share points of view. That's when the magic happens. Fresh insights and responses to projects and challenges are more likely to emerge when thinkers and doers across all sorts of disciplines collaborate shoulder-to-shoulder: scientists addressing social issues, artists thinking about business challenges, and so on,” said Giuffre, founder of General Thinking and TEDxSydney.

Alongside the experiential mix of talks, conversations, spoken word and debates, audience members can enjoy the surrounds of Wulugul Pop Up overlooking the harbour, delighting in a tailored complimentary offering for each session from Gin & It, Mamak, Belle's Hot Chicken, RivaReno or Edition Coffee Roasters. Grab a pillow, pull up a seat, tempt your tastebuds with Mamak and Belle's Hot Chicken, and settle in for a night of discovery.

The 12-month program, which kicked off in October, is designed to connect people with strong opinions to an audience of open minds, as each month features a new theme. Previous General Thinking discussions included “Growing Food in Small Spaces” with Indira Naidoo (author, journalist and television presenter) Nick Ritar (Director of Milkwood and permaculture farmer) and Sacha Coles (Director of ASPECT Studios); and “Pop Up Culture – is it better to have loved and lost, or never to have loved at all?” with speakers including Adele Winteridge (Designer of Wulugul Pop Up), Kate Britton (This is Not Art Festival, Underbelly and Firstdraft Gallery), Jill Dupleix (Food writer, restaurant critic & ex-food curator, TEDxSydney) and Alyx Gorman (Fashion Editor of the Saturday Paper & Editor of Time Out Magazine).

GENERAL THINKING SUMMER PROGRAM ON THE STREETS OF BARANGAROO

Recently announced, January will play host to a challenging reflection about identity and nationalism in the General Thinking on The Streets of Barangaroo program“Australia, I love you… but (you're breaking my heart)”. As a young country, our sense of nationalism has been forged in a myriad of ways. This intimate event explores what being in love with Australia means to people of varying cultural backgrounds – the joys and pride, but also heartbreak and shame. Speakers from diverse backgrounds will write and read aloud a note to Australia as if it were a lover, brother, sister or parent, creatively exploring their identity.

Held at Wulugul Pop Up, Sydney's newest pop up space, on January 21 at 7pm, challenge your opinions as you address “Australia I love you… but” featuring a line up of four culturally diverse speakers including Amrita Hepi (Choreographer and performance artist, descendent of Ngapuhi tribe in New Zealand and the Bundjulung people in northern New South Wales), Troy Wong (English teacher by day, spoken word poet by night, 2014 NSW state poetry slam finalist), L-FRESH The LION (international Sikh hip hop artist and social justice advocate) and Nick Bryant-Smith (rapper MC Solo of Horrowshow, hip-hop artist and producer).

Deliberately thought-provoking, often funny and sometimes controversial, General Thinking on The Streets of Barangaroo will each month engage the neighbourhood in and around The Streets of Barangaroo. Topics will be global and local, encompassing business, sport, politics, design, sustainability, society and technology, with the sole purpose of exposing us to different perspectives and ideas, forcing us to question our own beliefs and assumptions in a light hearted, sometimes humorous and always engaging setting.

For a taste of General Thinking on The Streets of Barangaroo, experience it here:General Thinking on The Streets of Barangaroo 21 January Teaser

Seize the opportunity to broaden your mind and book your seat on the boardwalk now: Tickets available now for “Australia, I love you… but”, 21 January 7pm

THE STORY OF THE STREETS OF BARANGAROO

Introducing an innovative precinct, The Streets of Barangaroo is redefining the city by offering the perfect combination of food, culture and relaxation. Sydney's newest waterfront promenade and culinary destination, The Streets of Barangaroo has been quietly coming to life and will offer approximately 80 food and beverage outlets and retail stores by the end of 2016.

Discover The Avenue, your destination for artisan experiences and genuine tastes that is home already to small hole-in-the-wall coffee shops such as Bourke Street Bakery and Micro by Coffee Alchemy as well as foodie mecca The Canteen. The Canteen offers ten eateries featuring cuisine from around the globe. From spice-fueled exotic Asian street-food to the comforting, simple pleasures of Mediterranean and the surprising, wild ride of authentic Mexican food, The Canteen is a sophisticated collection of international fare and is a focal point for the working community already based on The Streets of Barangaroo.

Joining the abundant offerings on the harbour between now and September 2016, experience the city's most anticipated lifestyle hub, Wulugul Pop Up. The 170 metre long space, designed sustainably by Foolscap Studio, has finally been uncovered to reveal a waterfront alfresco dining experience unlike any other in Australia. With the city's coolest street-food and drink brands trading alongside inspiring events, green spaces and relaxation zones, Wulugul Pop Up is set to be Sydney's trendiest new place to hang out, socialise and unwind. Some of Sydney's most successful food and drink operators were handpicked for the nine-month residency, including Mamak, Gin & It, RivaReno Gelato and Edition Coffee Roasters, together with Melbourne cult-favourite, Belle's Hot Chicken.

Within The Streets of Barangaroo, harbourside living is also redefined with two breathtaking residential buildings, Alexander and Anadara, each with their own distinct character. The precinct will also house three commercial buildings including International Sydney Towers, the future address for some of Australia's most progressive companies.

To start your journey of discovery on The Streets of Barangaroo, step online at thestreetsofbarangaroo.com

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