BY JOHN GLOVER
We know it can take a while to trawl through all the headlines in your newsfeed. So we’ve compiled our top picks for you to absorb quickly – leaving you more time for practice (or procrastination).
This week saw some major announcements, which are felt by all those working in our arts industry. Other news this week includes the launch of a festival program, a national performance opportunity for young musicians, and warm congratulations to some talented Australian composers.
…and GO!
YES!
Big news that the nation has voted YES in the same-sex marriage postal survey – a landmark move for all our Australian LGBTQIA+ artists. Sixty-two per cent of Australians responded by voting for a change of law to allow marriage equality. We recently shared the news through a celebration of five LGBTQIA+ composers who made a significant impact in the arts through our article earlier this week – did you get the chance to give it a look?
ARTISTS AT WORK
New research has been released from the Australian Council of the Arts discussing economic conditions faced by artists working in the industry. As one might expect, the research shows some grim figures; professional artists earn 21 per cent below the national workforce average, with 77 per cent mixing their creative practice with other work – out of “necessity” rather than preference.
It’s not all that bad, however: the research highlights that seven out of 10 artists still continue to brush up on their skills and engage in new training; and artists are also increasing their use of technology to construct and connect their work with audiences. Read more about the Making Art Work research.
2018 LAUNCH FOR PERTH FESTIVAL
The Perth Festival has officially launched its program for 2018. This festival is jam-packed with events, with national and international performers from various artistic fields. Notable classical music events for this festival include early music performers Jordi Savall, Hespèrion XXI and Tembembe Ensamble Continuo, pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
PERFORMERS – OVER HERE!
Entries for the ABC Young Performers Awards have opened this week! If you don’t know already, these awards offer musicians a springboard into the performing world with cash awards, performance opportunities and the chance to become ABC Classic FM’s Artist in Residence. So if you’re at all interested, we recommend you apply as soon as you can – and start practising.
PRELUDE COMPOSER RESIDENCIES ANNOUNCED
Rafael Karlen, Gabriella Smart and Kate Moore have all been announced as the recipients of the Prelude Composer Residencies for next year! Open to composers of all ages and styles, these residencies allow awardees the opportunity to live in timeless estates across Australia to allow them to focus on their craft. What a way to work on what you love!
That’s all, folks – see you next Friday for the next news round-up.
