Things to do

With the need for physical distancing and strict restrictions on many businesses, much of daily life has gone digital. However, there are some activities that are so innately hands-on, going online just isn’t an option.  Take, for example Clay Sydney, the Marrickville pottery studio where crafty Sydneysiders can hone their ceramics skills. As a non-essential business, it’s had to close its doors for the time being, but that doesn’t mean its kilns aren’t still fired up. To ensure those with a passion for pottery can continue to express their creativity during the Covid-19 crisis, Clay Sydney will be offering all the materials, tools and tutorial support to take one of its popular classes from the comfort of your own home. Once your clay and sculpting implements have been dropped off, you can tune in to either a live-streamed class or, if you prefer to get crafty on your own schedule, a recorded instructional video. Once you’ve created your masterpiece, simply drop it off at Clay Sydney, where it will be glazed and fired to perfection, all without the need for any direct interaction between people. There are packages for adult classes ($55) and kids' classes ($40), which are suitable for all levels of experience. Head to the Clay Sydney website for details on how to order yours. Check out these other fun activities you can do from home right now.

Whether you have allergies up the wazoo, you’re an ethical plant-based eater, or dairy just straight up doesn’t agree with your tummy - you might not be having a great time finding food to satisfy and nourish you right now.  Fortunately, Nutie has got your back. This Sydney based business is keeping things delicious and nutritious in the time of Covid-19, delivering lunch, dinner and treat boxes to doorsteps all over the city that are completely vegan and gluten free.  Think brekkie boxes with jars of homemade beans, polenta sausages and cold brew coffees ($55 for two people); lunch and dinner packs with filling salads, the ‘dish of the day’ (the menu changes weekly) and snacks ($32); and boxes of their popular donuts ($36 for six), which are known to delight the taste buds of people will less particular dietary requirements. There’s also basic staples and snacks like jars of kimchi ($7), gluten-free bakehouse bread ($9) and a veggie produce box ($45).  Photograph: Supplied/Nutie The pay it forward meal pack ($27) is also helping to provide wholesome meals to the jobless, elderly and mobility impaired.  Nutie is delivering to a bunch of suburbs around the city and the Inner West for $5 (minimum order $30). There will also be deliveries heading further afield to the Eastern suburbs, Northern Beaches and even up the coast to Newcastle on certain days. Alternatively, you can still pick up orders for now at their shops in Surry Hills and Balmain; the staff are even happy to dro

There’s a fair chunk of the population currently sitting at home, twiddling our thumbs and trying to ride out the Covid-19 pandemic as safely and responsibly as possible. If you’re sick of twiddling your thumbs may we suggest turning yourself into a ridiculous Renaissance painting? The AI Gahaku tool takes your face, then transforms it into a ye olde Renaissance portrait, occasionally with terrifying (yet hilarious) results. Take a look at some of the Time Out team's portraits below.  Photgraph: AI Gahaku AI Artist Photograph: AI Gahaku AI Artist   Photograph: AI Gahaku AI Artist   Photograph: AI Gahaku AI Artist To get your own old-timey AI portrait head along to the AI Gahaku website, upload a portrait photo of yourself, select your favourite style of painting and voilà! A classy new portrait of yourself to enjoy. Technically some of those painting styles aren’t Renaissance (there is one in particular that is more Modigliani than Michelangelo) but they’re all a fun way to spend 30 minutes of your quaran-time.  The tool comes from a Japanese web developer called Sato (if you like your portrait you can even donate to keep it running). Keep in mind that in our experience the AI tool did show some racial bias (see below), an issue that the developer has conceded and is working on. Photograph: AI Gahaku AI Artist Find out how you can experience Sydney's galleries online.

The nationwide shutdown of “non-essential” businesses has put Australia’s hospitality industry at unprecedented risk. And while venues are currently permitted to continue trading by offering takeaway and home delivery services, the last few days have proven that for many owners and operators – including some of the city’s largest hospitality conglomerates – adapting to the new restrictions simply isn’t viable. Profits have plummeted, staff members have been stood down and doors have been temporarily closed. As Time Out Sydney’s Food and Drink Editor Matty Hirsch wrote in a letter from the editor on Saturday, gestures like “purchasing a voucher or placing an order from your favourite venues are easy ways to make an immediate impact, but no number of takeaway meals or pre-batched cocktails will be long-term solutions. Political action is not just necessary – for many it is the only option.” In response, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), chaired by Time Out Australia’s Managing Director, Michael Rodrigues, has launched the Keep Our Venues Alive campaign, calling for government support for the hospitality sector. Take a moment to show your solidarity by signing the petition urging: Work with councils to suspend business rates on venues for at least three months Financial provision for all venue staff (including casual staff) and self-employed operators who cannot work for at least three months Tax relief for the hospitality, arts, culture and recreational sectors for