Published 12 May, 2020

VMDO First Peoples are excited to announce a special VMDO Virtual Networking Breakfast about Culture, Place and Systems from First Peoples Perspectives on Wednesday 27 May.

Reconciliation Week is a time to think about the histories upon this land pre invasion and into the present. It’s a pertinent moment to reflect on how can we be operating in a way that is respectful to the 80,000 plus years of Indigenous Custodianship of this land. First Nations peoples continue to hold strong needs around continuation of cultural practice and responsibility and within that, participation in societal platforms that give honour to the past and into the present within society broadly. Therein lies an important space that music holds as a central component of First Nations life as we know it.

At a time such as the now when the music sector is moving through the impacts of COVID-19 it is a timely moment to reflect on First Nations values around Culture, Place and Systems as it relates to music. This special Networking Breakfast will feature voices of First Nations women whom are active in different aspects of the music sector.

We are honoured to have Mandy Nicholson a strong and proud Wurundjeri woman whom continues the work of her Ancestors in the now with the incredible Djirri DJirri. She will present on important aspects of music to Wurundjeri peoples both historically and in the present. She will be joined by Alethea Beetson of Q Music, BIG SOUND and Digi Youth Arts whose work covers amazing ground in the consideration of societal issues stemming from colonisation and how that must be reflected upon and considered within active decolonial processes within the arts including music. This event will also include a performance from Yorta Yorta Artist Allara, whose haunting arrangements and striking lyrical messages relating to country and identity have come to high esteem over recent years within the music sector and beyond. 

VMDO Virtual Networking Breakfasts are a regular get-together for Victorian music industry professionals. These events aim to bring together the emerging through to the established of the Victorian music business community to share ideas, catch up and collaborate.

These networking breakfasts will host a variety of special guests from around the state, country and international music community. Breakfast guests will present on industry trends, analysis, business learnings and opportunities.

Image: Blak Sound 2019. Image by Jacinta Keefe.