Bangarra Dance Theatre has named Gamilaroi woman Amelia Thompson and Jaadwa man James Howard as the 2024 David Page Music Fellows, continuing its commitment to supporting Indigenous composers and musicians.
Established in 2017, the fellowship honours the legacy of Roy David Page, a respected Munaldjali and Nunukal man who played a pivotal role as Bangarra Dance Theatre's songman, composer, and music director.
Both recipients will gain valuable experience in creative composition and production throughout their fellowship.
Working closely with acclaimed composers Steve Francis and Brendon Boney, they will contribute to Bangarra's Creative Life Cycle, participating from research and cultural consultation to collaborative creative processes.
Their work will culminate in new scores for Dance Clan, slated for late 2024.
Ms Thompson, a composer, vocalist, and electronic artist raised on Dharug Land in the lower Blue Mountains, brings a wealth of experience to her role as the 2024 David Page Music Fellow at Bangarra Dance Theatre.
A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Thompson has diverse skills in radio hosting and event production, and has released her own EP under the artist name THOM.
Ms Thompson expressed her excitement about the fellowship.
"I am overjoyed and so humbled by this opportunity," she said.
"Working on Dance Clan with Bangarra is such a dream as a young musician.
"I am so excited to work with other young Aboriginal creatives and to see the outcome of such an inspiring collaboration."
Mr Howard, an emerging composer, producer, and lecturer, brings a rich portfolio of compositions to his role as the 2024 David Page Music Fellow at Bangarra Dance Theatre.
His works have been featured at prestigious institutions including the Australian Dance Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Fringe Festival, RISING Festival, YIRRAMBOI Festival, and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Arts.
He holds a PhD in Indigenous Arts and Culture from the University of Melbourne, focusing on reconnecting to Indigenous cultural heritage through music practice.
Reflecting on his appointment, he said he is "thrilled" to be joining the Bangarra community as part of the David Page Music Fellowship to be able to grow as a composer within a space that centres Indigenous self-determination and creative excellence.
"I can't wait to begin working alongside other emerging artists, to learn from established industry professionals, as well as to contribute my own creative impressions onto Bangarra's ongoing storyline," Mr Thompson said.
