Australian super star to mentor Queensland artists

In an Australian exclusive, the Newman Government’s Super Star Fund will see internationally acclaimed musician Bernard Fanning take to the stage in a free concert alongside up-and-coming Indigenous artists at Clancestry, A Celebration of Country next month.

Arts Minister Ian Walker said it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Queensland artists to work with one of the most recognisable voices in the country.

“For 20 years Mr Fanning was the lead singer and songwriter of Powderfinger, one of Australia’s biggest bands, releasing seven albums and winning 18 ARIA Awards during their incredible career,” Mr Walker said.

“He also has a very successful solo career. To have someone of this experience, talent and stature performing at Clancestry and working with young musicians and media interns to help them hone their craft is a real coup.

“Mr Fanning will mentor the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists for a week as part of the Clancestry Pathways project, and then perform with the singer songwriter artists on 22 February at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).”

The Super Star Fund is a key CanDo election commitment of $3 million over four years.

Minister Walker said the Newman Government is working hard to make Queensland an arts and cultural hub.

“Under Labor, red tape and high bureaucracy ruled. We’ve simplified the funding framework to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent where they’re needed most,” Mr Walker said.

“This latest Super Star project delivers arts to all Queenslanders and will be a major visitor drawcard as we work to double overnight visitor expenditure in the state by 2020.”

Mr Fanning said he was looking forward to working with some great untapped Indigenous talent during the Clancestry Pathways project.

“This is the sort of initiative that I would encourage everyone to get behind. Come to the free concert and see the dynamic range of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians,” he said.

Indigenous artists wanting to apply can go to http://www.qpac.com.au/clancestry/ or http://www.989fm.com.au/

Clancestry celebrates the arts and cultural practices of the world’s First Nations Peoples.

[ENDS] 9 January 2014

Media contact: Casie Scott, 0432 453 225