Brenda Gifford, 2022 First Nations Artist Residency program leader

Presented in partnership with the Australian Art Orchestra (AAO), MIJF’s First Nations Artist Residency Program is an artistic and professional development initiative that supports a First Nations musicians with a practice in jazz, improvisation or contemporary art music and its composition.

The program provides a cash bursary to support the development of a new work to premiere at the annual Melbourne International Jazz Festival; an additional bursary for artistic and professional development opportunities; and participation in the AAO’s Creative Music Intensive, a 10-day annual residency held in Tarraleah, Tasmania.

In 2022, the First Nations Resident Artist is composer and Yuin woman Brenda Gifford. A classically trained pianist and saxophonist, Brenda’s work and arts practice is informed by her Country, community and culture. Brenda creates contemporary classical music for ensembles, orchestras, choirs, dance and theatre, and festivals. Currently studying a Master of Music (Composition) in the Composing Women program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Brenda has had work commissioned and performed by the Canberra, Tasmania and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, as well as ABC Jazz, Ensemble Offspring, Sydney Chamber Orchestra, Australian Art Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company.

Read more about the program here.

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