opportunity
Interplay
Nexus Arts’ Interplay program offers a unique forum for contemporary musicians from culturally diverse and First Nations backgrounds to develop their practice, networks, and community.
Interplay provides individualised and group-based development activities over the course of one year. The program aims to provide dedicated space for artists to develop, share and connect, bringing contemporary musicians together in the spirit of intercultural communication, exploration and creation.
With the support of the Music Development Office, Nexus Arts is inviting contemporary musicians from culturally diverse and First Nations backgrounds to apply to take part in a unique program that encompasses career guidance, a tailored mentorship, a creative intensive and a performance series. The yearlong program aims to bolster creativity, connection, and community in an intercultural and supportive environment.
Program artists take part in:
- One on one career development sessions with Nexus staff
- A personalised mentorship with a creative or industry professional
- A 5-day creative intensive at Nexus Arts with other program artists
- An individual photoshoot with an experienced music photographer
- A live music video shoot at Nexus Arts Venue
- Development of your Electronic Press Kit
- Artist catch up sessions
- A performance series at Nexus Arts
In 2024, we are delighted to be working with 6 artists:
- Vincy Chan
- Ms. Chipeta
- Mahzad Fard
- Kara Manansala
- Steph Teh
- Simi Vuata
Get to know the 2024 Interplay Artists:
Vincy Chan is a trans singer-songwriter and artist born in Hong Kong, currently based in Kaurna Yerta. They graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Music) from Macalester College, Minnesota focussing on jazz vocal performance. They’re a multi-instrumentalist trained in piano, voice, cello, and Ghanaian drumming.
Ms. Chipeta is a German-Malawian artist based in Kaurna Yerta, who writes songs rooted in soul and RnB. Having completed a Certificate IV and Diploma in Music Industry, the former frontperson of local band, The Meristems, is now developing her solo career.
Mahzad Fard is an Iranian musician based in Kaurna Yerta. She has studied Persian classical music from an early age, mentored by her father a professional santoor player. Upon moving to Australia, she joined an ensemble called NAVA performing Persian classical music in various festivals and events nationally.
Kara Manansala is a Filipino-Italian singer based in Kaurna Yerta. She studied a degree in jazz performance at the Elder Conservatorium of Music and has an extensive choral and vocal experience working with ensembles such as Gospo Collective and The 6Ft Pelicans. She writes music influenced by neo-soul, jazz, and RnB.
Steph Teh is a Chinese-Malaysian artist based in Kaurna Yerta. She is a multi-instrumentalist trained in voice, guitar, piano, and cello. Steph was recently selected to participate in the 2023 CAAP x Artist Lab during OzAsia. Her music is influenced by pop, jazz, classical, RnB, and soul, and she is working on creating an EP.
Simi Vuata was born into a musical family of Aboriginal and Fijian descent, and gained nation-wide popularity on The Voice in 2015. His music is inspired by great RnB, blues, and gospel singers such as John Legend and Kim Burrell.
This program is supported by the Government of South Australia through the Music Development Office.
Check out the work of some of our previous Interplay artists:
2024 Interplay Program Artists: