BIGSOUND Reveals Its 2023 First Nations Goolwal Goolwal Program

BIGSOUND has revealed this year’s First Nations Goolwal Goolwal program, featuring an In-Conversation Keynote session with Christine Anu and Ziggy Ramo, a BIGSOUND showcase starring CLOE TERARE, Dean Brady, Joan & The Giants, Loren Ryan, Miss Kaninna and many more performers, as well as even more events throughout 5-8 September.

The 2023 program has been curated by Goolwal Goolwal Cultural Leader Dan Rennie and BIGSOUND First Nations Music Officer Sue Ray and guided by Elder In Residence Uncle Kev Starkey. Events for the Goolwal Goolwal program will be hosted at Yutta Yutta-Ba (House of First People) in Queens on Brunswick Street, California Lane, Judith Wright Arts Centre and numerous other showcase venues.

The Goolwal Goolwal program will arrive with pop-up events, showcases and panels, keynote speakers, and, most importantly, a venue to facilitate safe spaces for First Nations artists.

“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,” Rennie commented in a statement.

“Our line-up 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.”

The Goolwal Goolwal program comes after a $4 million boost in funding from the Queensland Government, which will support BIGSOUND over three years.

Leeanne Enoch, the Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts, added in a statement, “Investment of $1.2 million over four years is underpinning BIGSOUND’s Goolwal Goolwal initiative, delivered in partnership with Triple-A Murri Country.

“This initiative will grow First Nations programming and management, deliver significant market development opportunities for First Nations artists and create a global centre for First Nations music in Brisbane.”

Enoch continued to note that we face a “significant moment in our shared cultural history”, referring to “our path to Treaty” in Queensland, stating that music and songwriting are powerful vehicles for telling stories and facilitating healing.

“The Goowal Goowal program provides an important platform to strengthen and showcase the talent of First Nations contemporary music artists and managers as we look to the significant opportunities presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

As well as the complete line-up of artists performing at the First Nations Goolwal Goolwal showcase, other highlights include the Smoking Ceremony, Bic Runga being interviewed by Leah Flanagan, the Singing Our Futures In-Conversation led by a partnership with BIGSOUND and the Archie Roach Foundation, and more. You can find the full schedule and run-down on the BIGSOUND website.

First Nations Goolwal Goolwal Showcase Artists

Alf The Great
Boox Kid
CLOE TERARE
Dean Brady
DENNI
ECB
Georgia Llewellyn
Glenn Skuthorpe
Izy
J-MILLA
Jada Weazel
Joan & The Giants
Jada Weazel
Joey Leigh Wagtail
JUNGAJI
Kobie Dee
Kristal West
Loren Ryan
Miss Kaninna
Moss
Mr Rhodes
Nathan May
Sachem
Southeast Desert Metal
The Merindas
Tjaka
YIRGJHILYA
Dem Mob

BIGSOUND runs from 5-8 September at Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley precinct. Final tickets for BIGSOUND 2023 are on sale now – find them here – with festival passes starting at $49 and all-access delegate passes at $479.