‘Homegrown’ music program calls for local musicians
The Margaret River HEART has successfully secured Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DGLSCI) funding via the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP) ‘In the House’ grants program, to host a new multi-genre Homegrown@HEART Music Program during 2021 and 2022 calendar years.
The venue will entrepreneur three to four ‘homegrown’ performances annually, where local musicians are paid to perform alongside professional music performances.
Margaret River HEART General Manager Nicky Hansen said securing In the House funding means the entertainment hub doesn’t have to rely on interstate acts and are able to provide opportunities for local musicians.
Homegrown@HEART is a unique mix of music, learning and art, where local musicians will perform, artists can collaborate on exhibitions, and workshops will be delivered to the community free of charge across three music genres – world music (Jazz Fusion), folk and classical.
This provides local musicians employment, performance opportunity, skill development and helps broaden the venue’s audience reach.
“Focusing on local talent will help build new audiences, as we are sure community members will want to come and support their sons, daughters, nieces, and neighbors on the stage,” Ms Hansen said.
“We are keen to connect with a community with a strong penchant for music and a strong desire to support locals on stage.
“We’re also keen to strengthen the venue’s relationship with people with disabilities to improve their access to live performance and encourage their participation.
“We’re collaborating with Sky River from Artzability, Linda Stanlake from APM and Ben Aldridge from 30 Foot Drop to try to find musicians who identify as having a disability.”
Community members with disabilities will be invited to inclusive engagement workshops with free tickets offered to access performances.
30 Foot Drop Managing Director Ben Aldridge said the program is about the power of music to communicate, no matter what your ability is.
Are you the next Homegrown@HEART performer?
Alongside creating employment opportunities, the initiative was designed to keep artists on the stage despite any pandemic related border closures.
The Margaret River HEART is currently seeking local musicians across the three following genres:
- World Music/Jazz Fusion: 26 – 27 March 2021
- Folk: 22 – 24 July 2021 (In Conjunction with Cabin Fever)
- Classical: 16 – 18 September 2021
*Dates likely to be similar in 2022
Applicants can be either emerging or established in their craft and all applications are welcomed. The team is particularly interested in hearing from musicians in the disability community.
Local musicians interested in performing at the Homegrown@HEART Music program are invited to complete the following survey HERE to be considered for a spot.
For more information please email [email protected] or call the Box Office on 08 9780 5294, Monday to Friday anytime between 10am and 4pm.