Grant Application

GRANT APPLICATION CULT3120 Natalie Bennett, Justin Brady, James Hosford, Nathan Taylor

Our organization, Music for the Populace, are looking to put on an indigenous festival of popular music in Newcastle over the course of two weeks in summer. This will include two live concerts, workshops, demonstrations, educational seminars and opportunities for up and coming indigenous musicians.

Our aim is to celebrate the rich diversity of indigenous popular music, while at the same time educating people on the culture and musical customs of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. Our grant will help satisfy “a need in Australian cultural history to document an often neglected aspect of Australian music.” 1

We are requesting funds within the range of $30000 and $50000 to be used for:

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Advertising (radio, TV and poster advertising)

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Venue fees for hiring or maintenance

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Logistical considerations (catering, security, lighting and sound, cleaning etc.)

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Artist performance fees

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Educational staff fees

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Scholarship grants

Peter Dunbar-Hall, Chris Gibson - Deadly sounds, deadly places: Contemporary Aboriginal Music in Australia - UNSW Press, 2004 – Pp 15 1

The summer festival will include the following:

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Two free concerts (midway-through and a finale), including artists such as Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Archie Roach and The Wilcannia Mob

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Practical workshops held at places such as The Loft and Civic Park, where the public can learn how to play aboriginal instruments, write music and perform in indigenous styles

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Demonstrations of traditional indigenous music such as clan songs, bunggul and didgeridoo music

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Cultural seminars educating the public on the heritage of indigenous music at locations such as Newcastle Conservatorium of Music and Newcastle University

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Opportunities such as meet-and-greet with famous indigenous artists, the chance for young indigenous musicians to perform live or record in a studio, and financial aid for up and coming artists

The festival will follow the principles and protocols outlined by the Australia Council for the Arts and seek the advice of local indigenous guides. We believe our submission will promote and contribute to local indigenous culture in Newcastle.