How the Olympics went viral, rooftop stargazing...

+ The StandardX launches in Melbourne

Welcome back to our fortnightly newsletter. An exploration of our inspirations, strategic directions and the initiatives we are championing in culture.

How our social feeds turned Paris Olympics into a cultural phenomenon
This year’s Paris Olympics was much more than a sporting event - it was a cultural phenomenon driven by social media.

Instagram, TikTok and X transformed how we experienced the games, making them accessible and engaging to a global audience beyond traditional sport fans. From Snoop Dogg in dressage kit and Aussie B-girl Raygun to the casually badass Turkish shooter and the Norwegian swimmer who couldn’t get enough of the village's chocolate muffins, the 2024 Games generated content that resonated across communities. 

The shift reflects a growing trend where major events are no longer just about their primary purpose, but also about how they intersect with popular culture and inspire digital engagement - both of which are key to generate interest and maintain cultural currency, especially with younger generations.

How did you consume the Olympics?

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Astronomy Nights at Aster

Rooftop bar Aster Sydney on level 32 of the InterContinental Sydney is hosting a three-night series, Astronomy Nights, featuring stargazing, paired cocktails and small plates. 

Gaze at the stars through high-powered telescopes positioned on Aster’s balcony, guided by astronomer and astrophysicist Ángel Lopez-Sanchez. Each evening will commence with a post-sip and snack-guided tour of the stars alongside star maps and cosy blankets, creating an unforgettable experience set against the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic skyline. Book your tickets here

Cherry Blossom Festival

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival brings a touch of Japan to Sydney with spectacular floral displays, Insta-worthy backdrops, cultural performances, live entertainment, traditional music, kids activities, and interactive horticultural talks. Limited-edition cherry blossom-themed dishes and a selection of Japan-inspired sips will also be on offer. Read more here

More in Culture
The Olympian Sponsored By Parmesan Cheese | Glasgow Hotel hoping to hire 'breakfast banter butler' to work during Fringe 2024 | Commuters stop in their tracks as they spot full-size bus folded in half– with baffling sight halting traffic | Drumstick Is Giving Away an Ice Cream-Themed Mini Truck to the Best Trade-In Offer | Ikea Wants New Yorkers to Catch More Sleep 

The StandardX, Melbourne is now open!

Last week, Example launched The StandardX, Melbourne in Fitzroy.

The opening of The StandardX, Melbourne marks the launch of The Standard International’s brand new hospitality brand, StandardX, which will be rolled out worldwide. The StandardX boldly selects locations thrumming with cultural pulses to welcome guests into the creative energy of experimental art, music and fashion scenes - making Fitzroy the perfect locale for its first location.

The StandardX, Melbourne is also home to BANG, an all-day Thai concept with a menu drawing influence from Asian flavours to redefine Thai street food.

The team secured widespread coverage across the likes of ESCAPE, Broadsheet, Concrete Playground and Good Food.

Ben Creek, Director of Food & Beverage Operations, Pacific Region at Accor

Culture that moves you: Konfekt Magazine always inspires me by transporting my mind to Barcelona, Copenhagen, Melbourne and Singapore in the space of a few minutes, highlighting unique stories centred around food, art and fashion culture.

A Ritual That Resonates: My morning routine always involves a scroll through Instagram, I like to check what’s been cooking in restaurants around the world and who’s been eating where. I’ve appreciated what gohar.world has been sharing recently – ‘A tableware universe that embraces craft, time, tradition and humour.’

My weekly ritual when preparing dinner and sipping on a glass of some juicy red involves tuning into Monocle Radio. They run an awesome show called The Menu’, diving into stories from creative culinary minds around the globe who are doing something special.

Undiscovered Gems: Really appreciate what Italian born chef @rosyscatigna has been doing in the food space recently, most recently she was Head Chef of Bar Morris and has some interesting projects in the pipeline in Sydney.

A Cultural Experience: Sticking with the food theme - I travelled to Mumbai which is an absolute flavour and culture overload (in a very good way). I visited a restaurant called EKAA and was transported to another world. The restaurant design was minimal and almost a blend of Nordic influences and Indian craft, calming and a complete contrast from the bustling streets below. Chef Niyati Rao leads the kitchen team and her food is so unique and packed with delicate, but deep, flavours of India.

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