‘City to ‘Dream Aloud’ in ‘24, Cairns Local News
A NEW First Nations contemporary music festival will be staged in Cairns in October following the success of the first Shine on Gimuy last year. By Nick Dalton
One of the displays at last year's Shine on Gimuy. One of the displays at last year's Shine on Gimuy.
Dream Aloud is a key event in the ‘Tropics Trail’, part of the state-wide Queensland Music Trails (QMT) program backed by the Queensland Government.
The Tropics Trail is scheduled to take place in October each year and also includes events such as the Yarrabah Music Festival, Shine On Gimuy, and Savannah in the Round.
A Cairns Regional Council report said the trail was a tourism destination initiative offering audiences an itinerary that celebrated the region’s people, places and culture through music, aiming to position Cairns as a premier cultural tourism destination in Australia. “Dream On is produced by Queensland Music Festival (QMF) in collaboration with Shine On Productions (SOP) and under the curatorial guidance of leading Indigenous producer, Rhoda Roberts,” it said.
“The event will incorporate First Nations contemporary music against the backdrop of Cairns.
“The event will spotlight the rich cultural heritage and dynamic musical traditions of Australia’s First Nations people including nationally renowned artists.”
It will include a traditional Welcome to Country performed by Traditional Owners and Custodians, accompanied by a traditional dance performance and smoking ceremony. First Nations artisan stalls will sell ceramics, paintings, textiles, carvings, and local produce.
“Dream Aloud will serve as a platform for emerging local talent to showcase their stories and voices, including providing a platform for the 2024 winner of the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival’s ‘Battle of the Bands’,” the report said.
Cr Trevor Tim told last week’s regional council meeting that the event was “a great idea, a great concept”.
Cr Rhonda Coghlan said she was surprised how successful economically and culturally Shine on Gimuy was last year.
She said it was “visually spectacular” and “lifted the city up”.
Cr Brett Moller said it would add to a program to make Cairns the regional arts capital of Northern Australia.
The council has approved $240,000 in funding to support the two First Nations entertainment events. A two-year funding agreement of $160,000 will support the Shine On Gimuy 2024 and 2025 events plus a contribution of up to $80,000 for Dream Aloud 2024.
www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/city-to-dream-aloud-in-24-2024-06-14