NOMINATION: Excellence in a Regional Area
For activity undertaken in a regional area, utilising Australian repertoire to create a positive impact for the local community. A regional area is defined as Australian areas outside of capital cities.
If you believe you are nominated in the wrong category or the details of your nomination to be incorrect, please contact the AMC via email at awards@australianmusiccentre.com.au before proceeding with the nomination.
Art Music Award guidelines →
Nominee
Topology
Nominated Project/Activity
Looking Forward Looking Back
Nominator Statement
Topology continues to redefine the Australian music landscape through its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Their groundbreaking work in Looking Forward Looking Back exemplifies the ensembles deep dedication to celebrating Australias rich cultural heritage while creating powerful new artistic expressions. This project, which features a remarkable blend of iconic songs by Slim Dusty and fresh, original work by First Nations artists, showcases the powerful collaboration between Topology and diverse musical talents.
Looking Forward Looking Back is a celebration of the enduring legacy of Slim Dusty, one of Australias most beloved country music figures, and his deep connection to First Nations communities. Legend has it that every First Nations guitar player begins by learning a Slim Dusty song, a testament to Slims profound respect for the people he met and the communities he visited during his extraordinary career.
The project was developed through a 12-month mentorship program, where musicians from Black Image, BullDust, and Topology worked alongside emerging First Nations artists. This mentorship process was a key component in the creation of the performances in Mount Isa and Townsville, where the reimagined Slim Dusty classics were paired with new works that reflect the contemporary voices of First Nations musicians. The result was a stunning fusion of past and present, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Australias First Nations peoples while adding fresh, vital perspectives on the legacy of Slim Dusty.
The performances featured a collaboration of extraordinary artists, including Jem Cassar-Daley, Emma Donovan, Jungagi, The Brisco Sisters, Black Image Band, BullDust, and Topology. Each of these artists brought their own unique voice and story to the project, contributing to a musical experience that was both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in its approach. The collaboration between Topology and these artists was a powerful example of cross-cultural exchange, where established musicians worked alongside emerging voices to create a rich and evolving sound that honoured the past while looking toward the future.
The performances themselves were a testament to the strength and resilience of both Slim Dustys music and the voices of First Nations artists. They were an emotional and vibrant celebration of shared history, community, and musical innovation, creating a space where past and present converged to produce something truly extraordinary.
Looking Forward Looking Back represents the essence of Topologys artistic mission: to create meaningful connections through music, to honour and amplify the voices of diverse communities, and to foster new artistic collaborations that challenge and enrich the cultural fabric of Australia. Through this project, Topology has once again demonstrated its leadership in the Australian music scene, making a lasting impact on the nations music culture and its ongoing conversation about identity, heritage, and creative expression.
This project is a perfect example of the exceptional contributions Topology continues to make in the Australian arts community, and it is more than deserving of an APRA/AMCOS Art Music Award.
Nominee
Topology
Nominated Project/Activity
Looking Forward Looking Back
Looking Forward Looking Back is a celebration of the enduring legacy of Slim Dusty, one of Australias most beloved country music figures, and his deep connection to First Nations communities. Legend has it that every First Nations guitar player begins by learning a Slim Dusty song, a testament to Slims profound respect for the people he met and the communities he visited during his extraordinary career.
The project was developed through a 12-month mentorship program, where musicians from Black Image, BullDust, and Topology worked alongside emerging First Nations artists. This mentorship process was a key component in the creation of the performances in Mount Isa and Townsville, where the reimagined Slim Dusty classics were paired with new works that reflect the contemporary voices of First Nations musicians. The result was a stunning fusion of past and present, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Australias First Nations peoples while adding fresh, vital perspectives on the legacy of Slim Dusty.
The performances featured a collaboration of extraordinary artists, including Jem Cassar-Daley, Emma Donovan, Jungagi, The Brisco Sisters, Black Image Band, BullDust, and Topology. Each of these artists brought their own unique voice and story to the project, contributing to a musical experience that was both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in its approach. The collaboration between Topology and these artists was a powerful example of cross-cultural exchange, where established musicians worked alongside emerging voices to create a rich and evolving sound that honoured the past while looking toward the future.
The performances themselves were a testament to the strength and resilience of both Slim Dustys music and the voices of First Nations artists. They were an emotional and vibrant celebration of shared history, community, and musical innovation, creating a space where past and present converged to produce something truly extraordinary.
Looking Forward Looking Back represents the essence of Topologys artistic mission: to create meaningful connections through music, to honour and amplify the voices of diverse communities, and to foster new artistic collaborations that challenge and enrich the cultural fabric of Australia. Through this project, Topology has once again demonstrated its leadership in the Australian music scene, making a lasting impact on the nations music culture and its ongoing conversation about identity, heritage, and creative expression.
This project is a perfect example of the exceptional contributions Topology continues to make in the Australian arts community, and it is more than deserving of an APRA/AMCOS Art Music Award.