Tura’s long term project, The Journey Down, was named winner of the Art Music Award for Excellence in a Regional Area by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre, at the 2024 Art Music Awards in Melbourne last night.
The Art Music Awards celebrates artists and organisations who are pushing boundaries and championing innovation nationally.
“Time and again, artists move and inspire us through music, redefining the boundaries of exploration and innovation in music and sound. We are proud of tonight’s finalists and winners for representing excellence in Australian music on a global stage,” said Catherine Haridy, Australian Music Centre CEO and Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS Chief Executive.
Tura’s Artistic Director and CEO Tos Mahoney was joined on stage by Journey Down creatives and performers Miriwoong man Chris Griffiths, Vanessa Tomlinson and Tristen Parr. Mahoney thanked the creative team, including Andrew Daylight, Preben Ningarmarra, Mark Atkins and Aviva Endean alongside project partners, sponsors and supporters of the long-term intercultural collaboration. A special thank you was made to the Gija community in Warmun, the Warmun Art Centre and Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, as well as presentation partner the Western Australian Museum.
“This project was created over six years of intercultural collaboration, deep listening and two-way learning. It showed us how sound and performance can take us out into the world and lead us home. Long-term projects such as these take vision and trust from communities, partners and funding bodies, without whom this work would not have been possible. Thank you to all who came with us on this magnificent journey.” said Mahoney.
Griffiths wrapped up the acknowledgements with a performance of Wangga, to a rapturous response from a hugely supportive audience.
The Journey Down tour was supported by the State Government of Western Australia through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program, and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Tura acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and create. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. With solidarity and friendship we say thank you.
