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
Three Generations, Three Songs
Nominator Statement
For 27 years, Topology has been a driving force in Australias contemporary music scene, earning international recognition and profoundly shaping the landscape of new music. As a leader in artistic innovation, Topologys contributions to Australian music and culture have been transformative. Their work has continually expanded the boundaries of what is possible in the realms of sound, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange.
Topology is renowned for its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic vibrancy in urban and regional communities across Australia. As a highly adaptive and collaborative ensemble, Topology creates an inclusive and supportive environment for creative expression, experimentation, and innovation.
A key area of Topologys focus is its dedication to cross-cultural dialogue. The ensemble has long been committed to bridging cultural divides through powerful musical exchanges, bringing together diverse communities to create collaborative works that resonate across cultural and social boundaries.
One of Topologys most significant projects is the "Three Generations, Three Songs" initiative, which represents the culmination of a powerful collaboration with First Nations artists and cultural leaders. In 2024, Topology worked with renowned First Nations artists Gail Mabo, Normey Jay, Nashae, Deline Briscoe, Airileke, and GABA Musik to bring this remarkable work to life. The project was premiered on Palm Island and in Townsville and offered audiences the rare opportunity to experience traditional and contemporary First Nations stories and music through the voices of three generations of the Mabo family.
The performance of "Three Generations, Three Songs" is a deeply emotive exploration of the Manbarra and Bwgcolman peoples stories, celebrating their history, strength, and connection to the land. With all original songs written by three generations of the Mabo family, the performance highlights the richness of Palm Islands cultural heritage. Through the guidance of Deline Briscoe and GABA Musik, Gail, Normey, and Nashae were able to bring their own lived experiences to the stage, drawing on their familys history and consulting with elders to craft a narrative that honors their cultural legacy.
The collaboration between Gail Mabo, Normey-Jay, Nashae, Topology and GABA Musik was a groundbreaking achievement. It marks the first time that Palm Islands songwriters have worked together on such a large-scale collaborative project, and it brought together the unique sounds and stories of the Manbarra and Bwgcolman peoples in a way that had never been done before. This unifying experience added new layers of depth and texture to the music, creating a profoundly moving and powerful performance that resonated deeply with audiences.
This project exemplifies the core values of Topology: artistic innovation, cross-cultural dialogue, and community engagement. "Three Generations, Three Songs" is a powerful testament to the power of music to unite, heal, and celebrate cultural heritage. It is an extraordinary example of the role that Topology plays in shaping Australias artistic landscape and is more than deserving of the honour of an APRA/AMCOS Art Music Award.
Nominee
Topology
Nominated Project/Activity
Three Generations, Three Songs
Topology is renowned for its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic vibrancy in urban and regional communities across Australia. As a highly adaptive and collaborative ensemble, Topology creates an inclusive and supportive environment for creative expression, experimentation, and innovation.
A key area of Topologys focus is its dedication to cross-cultural dialogue. The ensemble has long been committed to bridging cultural divides through powerful musical exchanges, bringing together diverse communities to create collaborative works that resonate across cultural and social boundaries.
One of Topologys most significant projects is the "Three Generations, Three Songs" initiative, which represents the culmination of a powerful collaboration with First Nations artists and cultural leaders. In 2024, Topology worked with renowned First Nations artists Gail Mabo, Normey Jay, Nashae, Deline Briscoe, Airileke, and GABA Musik to bring this remarkable work to life. The project was premiered on Palm Island and in Townsville and offered audiences the rare opportunity to experience traditional and contemporary First Nations stories and music through the voices of three generations of the Mabo family.
The performance of "Three Generations, Three Songs" is a deeply emotive exploration of the Manbarra and Bwgcolman peoples stories, celebrating their history, strength, and connection to the land. With all original songs written by three generations of the Mabo family, the performance highlights the richness of Palm Islands cultural heritage. Through the guidance of Deline Briscoe and GABA Musik, Gail, Normey, and Nashae were able to bring their own lived experiences to the stage, drawing on their familys history and consulting with elders to craft a narrative that honors their cultural legacy.
The collaboration between Gail Mabo, Normey-Jay, Nashae, Topology and GABA Musik was a groundbreaking achievement. It marks the first time that Palm Islands songwriters have worked together on such a large-scale collaborative project, and it brought together the unique sounds and stories of the Manbarra and Bwgcolman peoples in a way that had never been done before. This unifying experience added new layers of depth and texture to the music, creating a profoundly moving and powerful performance that resonated deeply with audiences.
This project exemplifies the core values of Topology: artistic innovation, cross-cultural dialogue, and community engagement. "Three Generations, Three Songs" is a powerful testament to the power of music to unite, heal, and celebrate cultural heritage. It is an extraordinary example of the role that Topology plays in shaping Australias artistic landscape and is more than deserving of the honour of an APRA/AMCOS Art Music Award.