Major funding secured for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s Pathways Program
After a record-breaking 2024, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) in Townsville-Gurambilbarra has secured over half a million dollars in funding from The Ian Potter Foundation in what is a game-changing line in the (North Queensland) sand for the event.
AFCM Executive Director, Ricardo Peach said the AFCM was successful in securing $525,000 funding over four years for the expansion of the AFCM Pathways Program. “This funding from The Ian Potter Foundation is a phenomenal vote of confidence in regional Australia, with a nationally significant initiative now solidifying its presence in Townsville-Gurambilbarra. AFCM is beyond thrilled, and excited!” he said. “We know that AFCM is one of the world’s leading celebrations of chamber music, and last year’s record-breaking figures proved the power of music in attracting patrons from around the country and across the globe. With The Ian Potter Foundation’s support, we will build an even stronger networking and capacity development component of this important Festival. It’s a complete game changer.”
The funding has resulted in an immediate employment announcement.
“After two years of working part-time with AFCM as the Production & Administration Assistant, Nick Duff has been appointed its full-time AFCM Pathways Program Manager, working to create professional development opportunities and career pathways for emerging Australian musicians and to improve regional access to high level music education. He also works as an AMEB supervisor for instrumental music students and performs with local choirs as a baritone,” said Peach.
Paul Conroy, CEO of The Ian Potter Foundation explained that the AFCM initiative aligns with the Foundation's goals to foster artistic excellence, innovation, and regional engagement: “We are delighted to support the AFCM as it leverages its 30+ years of experience to foster industry connections and provide a program to address the gaps in high-level specialist production training and business development skills needed by emerging musicians to fully develop their careers,” he said.
Lloyd Van’t Hoff, AFCM Pathways Director said, ‘We have been diligently building the AFCM Pathways Program over many years, to help emerging musicians and ensembles reach their potential and develop professional networks. With this funding, we can now move forward with greater reach and confidence, nurturing the next generation of world class musicians, taking our music further into the regions, building a team of experts and expanding our teaching online.”
Specifically, the grant will allow AFCM to:
- Increase the AFCM International Masterclasses' impact, bringing Australia's (and later the Indo-Pacific region's) best emerging ensembles to Townsville-Gurambilbarra during the Festival.
- Establish an AFCM Faculty of globally recognised industry experts and musicians, to provide professional development opportunities for the selected ensembles.
- Extend the reach of the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble (selected from the previous year's AFCM International Masterclasses cohort) by adding concerts and high school workshops in towns such as Proserpine, Tully, Ayr, Charters Towers and Ingham, in addition to performances in the main Festival and other national/international events.
- Build an AFCM Online Teaching platform to link elite remote and regional high school music students with international and Australian instrumental teachers associated with AFCM, for year-long instrumental lessons.
Photos: The Andromeda Quartet is a talented young saxophone ensemble from Sydney. They attended the AFCM International Masterclasses 10-day coaching program in 2024 and have been invited to be the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble for 2025. The quartet will return to Townsville-Gurambilbarra during AFCM 2025 to deliver high school workshops and perform concerts across the region and in the AFCM itself, as part of the AFCM Pathways Program, and Nick Duff as named.
ABOUT THE AFCM:
The AFCM has called Townsville-Gurambilbarra its home for 34 years. Each year the event, now under the Artistic Directorship of famed international violinist Jack Liebeck, attracts musicians from around the world to perform across 9 days in July and August. This year, from 25 July to 2 August, a total of 36 extraordinary musicians including 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 artists making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles, will travel to Townsville-Gurambilbarra for what has become one of the most famous chamber music events in the world.
One of the distinctive features of the AFCM is its commitment to fostering a unique connection between artists and audiences. The Festival encourages a sense of intimacy and engagement, offering opportunities for attendees to interact with the performers through forums, masterclasses and special events. This creates a rare and immersive experience, allowing enthusiasts to delve into the intricacies of chamber music, gain insights into the creative process and feel a closer connection with the musicians. Independent research shows the 2024 event generated a total spending in Queensland by all attendees of $19.98million, up 114% from $9.32million in 2023. The total attendance of 22,106 across all events, was an increase of 31% on 2023, with interstate and overseas visitors increasing by 16%.
ABOUT THE IAN POTTER FOUNDATION:
The Ian Potter Foundation is one of Australia’s major philanthropic foundations. The Foundation makes grants nationally to support charitable organisations working to benefit the community across a wide range of sectors including the arts, medical research, public health research, early childhood development, community wellbeing and environmental science. The Ian Potter Foundation aims to support and promote a fair, healthy, sustainable and vibrant Australia.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music 2025
25 July – 2 August
Tickets on sale 3 March 2025
www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council.
For media enquiries please contact Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | [email protected]
Contact details:
For media enquiries please contact Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | [email protected]