Raising the volume of the next generation of talent

OUR region boasts immense musical talent, and projects like GRID Series do a tremendous job developing emerging artists in Greater Geelong.

GRID (Grass Roots Indie Development) has worked intensively with four local artists, honing their skills and linking them with industry mentors to further their professional careers.

Collaboration and networking are essential in the creative arts, and the GRID Series bridges the gap between artists and industry mentors to support the next generation of musical talent, fostering creativity outside of Melbourne’s inner-city music hubs.

This year’s four artists – Madeleine Cope, Tonite, FARAH and Emilia Dol – span diverse musical stylings from indie folk to soul and rap, reflecting the breadth and diversity of talent in our region.

As part of the series, they’ve worked with mentors including award-winning producers, songwriters and PR directors, developing their music, building industry connections and gaining invaluable exposure with new audiences.

On Thursday, May 1, the artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work to friends, family and industry peers at an official release party, held at Geelong Arts Centre.

The event is a chance for this year’s participants to perform in a state-of-the-art venue and demonstrate the skills they have gained over the course of the program.

I can’t wait to see – and hear – what they’ve come up with.

In addition to a night of fantastic live music, the release party will also screen a series of documentaries following each artist’s journey throughout the GRID Series.

The documentaries will draw back the stage curtain on the artists’ creative processes and offer an insight into what makes them tick.

It will be fascinating to see the artists through this lens and how this translates into their live performances.

GRID has helped 65 artists from around outer suburban and regional Australia to develop careers since the program’s inception in 2013.

This is the second time the project has been hosted in Greater Geelong.

At Council we recognise the importance of creative collaboration, and we are proud to support this program in partnership with Creative Victoria and the Victorian Music Development Office.

Council is committed to strengthening Geelong’s arts and culture scene and providing more opportunities for people to express their creative pursuits.

We will continue to champion live music in the region and look forward to seeing all the positive outcomes of this year’s program.

If you are interested in attending the release party, tickets can be purchased online via the Geelong Arts Centre website.

Cr Elise Wilkinson

Connewarre Ward, City of Greater Geelong