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:

• Advertising (radio, TV and poster advertising)

• Venue fees for hiring or maintenance

• Logistical considerations (catering, security, lighting and

sound, cleaning etc.)

• Artist performance fees

• Educational staff fees

• Scholarship grants

1
Peter Dunbar-Hall, Chris Gibson - Deadly sounds, deadly places:
Contemporary Aboriginal Music in Australia - UNSW Press, 2004 – Pp
15
The summer festival will include the following:

- Two free concerts (midway-through and a finale), including

artists such as Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Archie Roach
and The Wilcannia Mob

- 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

- Demonstrations of traditional indigenous music such as clan

songs, bunggul and didgeridoo music

- Cultural seminars educating the public on the heritage of

indigenous music at locations such as Newcastle
Conservatorium of Music and Newcastle University

- 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.