BIGSOUND – the largest music industry gathering on this side of the planet – has unveiled the full First Nations Goolwal Goolwal program for 2023. From September 5-8, the program will help facilitate spaces for First Nations music, dialogues, community and connection across the event.
Curated by Goolwal Goolwal Cultural Lead Dan Rennie and BIGSOUND First Nations Music Officer Sue Ray, and guided by Elder In Residence Uncle Kev Starkey, the program weaves a thought-provoking and essential Indigenous-led program of discussions, forums, networking events and of course music.
“BIGSOUND 2023 promises to deliver the most diverse and inclusive program to date, embodying a sense of unity and inspiration and providing a culturally safe space for all attendees. Our lineup of Artists represents an extraordinary blend of cultures and genres, with First Nations-led discussions providing a platform for increased visibility and recognition of talent and for deepening understanding and cultural insights,” says Rennie.
Goolwal Goolwal programming will be embedded across all of BIGSOUND – from keynotes and panels to showcase artists and pop-up events – with events taking place at Yutta Yutta-Ba (House of First People) in Queens on Brunswick Street, California Lane, Judith Wright Arts Centre and various showcase venues.
The extensive program is supported by an almost $4 million funding boost for BIGSOUND, across three years, from the Queensland Government. This aims to turbocharge Queensland’s contemporary music industry and support the Goolwal Goolwal initiative, with a focus on the event’s First Nations artists, arts workers and showcasing musicians.
Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said Queensland Government investment in the Goolwal Goolwal initiative will support the growth of First Nations contemporary music.
