The interstate folk are starting to come around and see Canberra as more than just a government town, but Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre wants to challenge the perception of locals even more.
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Their next art party Canberra Obscura is a celebration of the ACT's weirdest sounds and strangest stories – with the hope to change how you think about Canberra.
"I find myself quite interested in the position that we're in geographically in Canberra in the sense that we have a very urban environment but it has a really close proximity to the bush," said creative producer Adelaide Rief.
"The extensive bushland which surrounds us is often spoken of as an asset, but it's also this untamed, uncontrollable wildness that has the very real potential to devastate our perfectly planned urban landscape. It's an unsettling thought, and one which we seek to investigate further."
While they're keeping the mystery a little bit as to what exactly to expect on the night, the after-dark journey will combine music, installations, spoken word and food.
"We've tried to structure the night as though a film director might structure a horror movie or a thriller. So the audience will be welcomed into the space and there's going to be a number of different art installations that they can interact with," she said.
"Then as the night progresses there will be various different performances and installations that the audience can experience that we are hoping will change their perception perhaps of Canberra."
There will also be a sausage sizzle and cocktails themed to old Australian films. And just in case you get a bit spooked, the night finishes up with a dance party so you can shake off any nerves before walking back to your car in the dark.
Canberra Obscura is on Saturday May 28 from 7.30pm at Ainslie Arts Centre, Elouera St, Braddon. Tickets $10-$15 from agac.com.au
