22/04/2026
FIRST NATIONS ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Melbourne International Jazz Festival , the Australian Art Orchestra and Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation
respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our festival and activities take place, the
People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, as well as to all Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people in the wider Melbourne community and beyond. We are honoured to contribute to the
over 60,000 years of music making and culture that has taken place on this land.
Program Overview
The First Nations Artist Residency Program is an artistic and professional development initiative presented in
partnership between the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) , the Australian Art Orchestra (AAO) , and
Songlines Music Aboriginal Corporation . The program supports the career development of a First Nations musician
with a practice in jazz, improvisation, singer -songwriter music, hip -hop, soul, or contemporary art music and its
composition.
The successful candidate will receive:
- A $7,500 commission fee from MIJF to develop a new wor k.
- A performance outcome at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival 202 7, including a separate
performance fee .
- A $7,5 00 professional and artistic development bursary from the AAO.
- Producing support and mentorship from MIJF and AAO staff to develop and present the work.
- Consultation session(s) with a member of AAO’s First Nations Artistic Advisory Circle (Kutcha Edwards,
Brenda Gifford , Adam Manning and David Arden)
- Mentoring and consultation with Songlines Music Aboriginal Corporation (Uncle Rob Bundle) .
- Ticketing package for MIJF 2026/27 and artistic/industry networking opportunities .
About Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Now in its 29th year, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is Australia’s leading platform for the promotion of
jazz and improvised music. Over ten days in October, the Festival’s annual program features over 1 50
performances and events showcasing 600 international and local artists and attracting over 65,000 attendees.
Alongside a bold artistic program of commissioned works, world premieres, and cross -cultural collaborations, MIJF
delivers a year -round sector development program aimed at fostering the next generation of Australian talent. The
First Nations Artist Residency Program sit s within the organisation’s broader Artist Development Program , which
seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in jazz and improvised music.
About The Australian Art Orchestra
The Australian Art Orchestra (AAO) is an agile music organisation and one of Australia’s leading contemporary
ensembles with a through -line of improvisation, rooted in jazz and experimental practices. Under the artistic
leadership of Aaron Choulai, its work constantly seeks to stretch genres and break down the barriers separating
disciplines, forms and cultures. It explores the interstices between the avant -garde and the traditional, between art
and popular music, between electronic and acoustic approaches, and creates music s that traverse the continuum
between improvised and notated forms.
About Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation
Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation is the leading organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music
and events in Victoria. The organisation hosts some of Victoria’s largest Indigenous music events, providing a
valuable contribution to Indigenous social and economic development through the arts by promoting ownership,
cultural pride and unity. Songlines’ artistic aim is to promote, support and present contemporary Indigenous music,
arts and culture and to stimulate dialog around the role of Indigenous arts in Australian culture.
1 | 2026/27 First Nations Artist Residency Application Pack
Program Details
Part One: Commission and Performance at Melbourne International Jazz Festival
The program leader will receive a $7,5 00 commissioning fee to develop a new work for presentation at the 202 7
Melbourne International Jazz Festival. The work will be developed o ver the course of 1 5 months ( May 2026 –
October 2027), with producing assistance from MIJF and AAO towards the delivery of the project , based around
the needs of the successful candidate . The date, time and venue of th e premiere performance will be mutually
agreed upon between the recipient and MIJF.
Please note, the commissioned work is for a band/ ensemble of your choosing. The Australian Art Orchestra are
available to provide guidance , mentorship and producing support as part of the program, but are not engaged as a
performing ensemble for the commission.
Part Two: Professional and Artistic Development
The program leader will also receive a $7,500 bursary to support their professional and artistic development. How
you use this funding is up to you , but we do ask as part of the application that you put together some ideas of how
you might like to use the funds. Below are some examples of what the bursary could be used for:
- Mentoring sessions or lessons with musicians /creative professionals of your choosin g
- Participation at an industry -networking event such as APAM or Big Soun d
- Attendance at festivals, performances, or events, for the purpose of creative research and/or networking
- Short courses or workshops aimed at upskilling in areas such as new approaches to composition,
marketing, social media, self -management, or music administratio n
- Travel costs associated with professional development activities
You’ll lead this part of the program, with support from MIJF and AAO and access to their networks and industry
connections. We’ll discuss your professional and artistic development plans before the program begins, have
regular catch ups throughout, and at the end of the program to reflect on the journey.
Eligibility Criteria – who can apply?
Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander musicians currently residing in Australia are eligible to apply. The program
is open to a broad range of musical genres with the aim to support experimentation and improvisation within and
across genres .
Artist Requirements
The successful applicant must:
- Commit to the development of a new work for performance as part of the 202 7 MIJF program .
- Be available to perform at MIJF between 14 -24 October 202 7 (dates TBC ), for which the artist will be paid
a separate performance fee .
- Regularly communicate with MIJF and AAO staff on the progress of their commission and
professional /artistic development activities .
- Commit to being available for media/promotional opportunities as reasonably requested from time -to-time
by MIJF, AAO, and/or Songlines .
Timeline
- Monday 20 April 2026 , 12pm – Applications open
- Tuesday 19 May 2026 , 6pm – Applications close
- June 2026 – October 2027 – Project development : New work and professional development
- 14 -24 October 2027 – Performance as part of Melbourne International Jazz Festival (exact date/ time TBC )
2 | 2026/27 First Nations Artist Residency Application Pack
Application Process
Please submit the following application materials via our online form by 6.00pm AEST on Tuesday 19 May 2026.
- Short answers to the following questions:
1. Provide a brief summary of your experience as a musician and/or compos er.
2. What is your proposal/concept for the new commissioned work for your MIJF performance?
3. What is your proposal for investing $ 7,5 00 toward your professional and/or artistic development
in 202 6/27 ? (see pg. 2 for examples)
- Up to 3 representative audio /video samples of your performance work (online links preferred – i.e.
Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Dropbox, YouTube, Vimeo , please provide passwords where necessary )
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by MIJF to arrange a short interview , either in -person or online . Our panel
team compris es MIJF, AAO and First Nations representatives.
If you require any help completing this application form and would like to discuss alternative application methods,
including video or phone applications , please get in touch with Merinda , Tom or Aaron on the details below.
For any questions or assistance with your application please don’t hesitate to contact us on :
Merinda Dias -Jayasinha, MIJF Associate Producer & Programs Coordinator on [email protected] or by
calling (03) 9001 1388
Tom Browne , MIJF Executive Producer on [email protected] or by calling (03) 9001 1388
Aaron Choulai , AAO Artistic Director on [email protected] or by calling 0498 692 264
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
3 | 2026/27 First Nations Artist Residency Application Pack
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a jazz musician to apply?
No! The program is open to a broad range of genres , including but not limited to jazz, soul, hip -hop, art music, and
other forms of improvised music. If you’re unsure, get in touch with us and we can chat about the kind of music you
make.
Is the program open to artists at all stages of their career?
It sure is – from emerging artists right through to seasoned pros, the First Nations Artist Residency is designed to
be tailored to the individual needs and career aspirations of the successful candidate .
Do I need to be a composer?
You do not need to identify as a composer. If you are a creator or producer of music , then we are keen to hear from
you. That said, you will need to feel confident communicat ing your musical ideas with other musician s so that you
can present your commission at MIJF . You don’t necessarily need to have training as a composer or use traditional
methods of writing music .
I am based outside of Melbourne – can I apply?
Yes! The First Nations Artist Residency Program has been adapted to allow for flexible schedules during the
development of your commission for presentation at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (14 -24 October
2027, exact date/time of performance TBC) .
Please note that your $ 7,500 professional /artistic development bursary can be used to cover travel to/from
Melbourne throughout the year . However , flights and accommodation for your performance at MIJF will be covered
separately. Reach out if you want to discuss your individual requirements prior to applying .
What can I propose for my commission?
You can propose anything! Your commission could be a brand‑new project or a significant reworking of an existing
work incorporating elements of jazz and improvisation. W hether it’s a solo work, a collaboration, something written
for your band or a small/large ensemble , the program is designed to support creative freedom and exploration, so
feel free to dream big and shape a project that reflects your artistic vision.
Feel free to get in touch prior to applying if you are unsure whether your idea is suitable for the program . We would
be happy to talk through your ideas and how to best communicate them in your application .
Please note that w hile there are no formal requirements around the length of the commission performance , we ar e
looking for a full performance rather than one new /short piece. The performance at MIJF will ideally be its own
show at the festival, rather than being part of a line -up style event.
Can I collaborate/perform with the AAO?
The Australian Art Orchestra are available to provide guidance, mentorship and producing support as part of the
program, but are not engaged as a performing ensemble for the commission.
What does the professional development process look like?
You will meet with MIJF and AAO staff to chat about your commission and what you might like to use your
professional and artistic development cash bursary for . MIJF and AAO staff can help to brainstorm ideas to
support your career and creative needs and help to design a program that suits your needs. Examples of what the
funding could be used for:
- Mentoring sessions or lessons with artists/creative professionals of your choosing
- Participation at an industry -networking event such as APAM or Big Sound
- Attendance at festivals, performances, or events, for the purpose of creative research and/or networking
4 | 2026/27 First Nations Artist Residency Application Pack
- Short courses or workshops aimed at upskilling in areas such as new approaches to composition,
marketing, social media, self -management, or music administration
- Travel costs associated with professional development activities
We’ll discuss your professional and artistic development plans before the program begins and reconnect at the end
to reflect on the journey. MIJF and AAO staff are available to help manage costs and schedules through regular
check-ins over the course of the 15 months.
What has the First Nations Artist Residency been like in previous years ?
The 2025/26 program leader is Sachém , a recording artist, storyteller, and cultural documentarian who blends
lyricism, spoken word and hip -hop to craft narratives that honour his heritage and lived experiences. Raised
between Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Adelaide, he is connected to his Noonuccal roots while also
drawing from his lineage in the Black American diaspora to create music that is both grounded and global. His
debut album easier said than done is releasing October 2025.
Composer and percussionist Adam Manning was selected to be the 2024/25 First Nations Artist Residency
program leader. Born on Awabakal/Worimi Country, and with Kamilaroi kinship, Manning crafted a new suite, First
Rhythms, and performed with members of the AAO. As part of his program, he also attended the AAO’s Australian
improvisation Practicum.
The 2023/24 resident artist was award -winning Noongar woman and Naarm -based vocalist and artist, Bumpy. In
2024, Bumpy presented her deeply moving and personal commission, Tooni at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax
Studio. Bumpy was supported to develop the work over an 18 -month period, including travelling to Noongar Boodja
with her mother. Bumpy said, “The trip back home with my family was an incredible reminder of the power that
runs in my blood. A reminder to share stories with our old people and deeply l isten. To step out and see how
impactful the people directly around us are. And to continue practising your sovereign rights, cultural practices
and language”.
In 2022 the program leader was composer and Yuin woman , Brenda Gifford . Brenda presented her commission
Moriya wa at the Melbourne Recital Centre, inspired by the migration of whales and their significance in stories of
creation. The performance featured Brenda on saxophone, Reuben Lewis on trumpet and electronics, Aviva En dean
on clarinets, Andrea Keller on piano, Helen Svoboda on bass, Joe Brown McLeod on didjeridoo/clapsticks, and
Maria Moles on drums. You can read more about Brenda’s performance here.
The inaugural program leader in 2021 was award -winning musician, dancer, director and proud Djab
Wurrung/Gunditj Mara and Ngarrindjeri man, Amos Roach. With support from the AAO, Amos composed Six
Seasons, a suite of music which he premiered at the Melbourne Recital Centre during MIJF 2021. The work featured
Amos on yidaki, Maria Moles on drums, Adrian Sherriff on trombone/shakuhachi, and Stephen Magnusson on
guitar, as well as the Murrundaya Yepengna danc ers.
Where can I find more info about the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?
Previous Melbourne International Jazz Festival programs can be found here:
https://www.melbournejazz.com/about -us/festival -archive/
If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Merinda or Tom at MIJF.
Where can I find more info about the Australian Art Orchestra?
You can find out more about the AAO here: https://www.aao.com.au/projects
If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Aaron at AAO.
