DENNIS ‘MOP’ CONLON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS EXTENDED
The inaugural award recognises and the work and achievements of First Nations artists, offering the recipient $15,000 to create new work.
Applications close at 5pm (AEST) on Monday 22 May 2023 at qmusic.com.au
Funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and presented by QMusic, the inaugural $15,000 Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon Scholarship provides the opportunity for an emerging Queensland based Indigenous Australian solo artist or band to develop and record a song or series of songs, to support and develop their ongoing career in the music industry.
Developed in consultation with Conlon’s family, QMusic First Nations Music Officer Sue Ray says this award is of particular significance to the wider community.
“I encourage all First Nations music mob to apply for this Deadly opportunity to get your music heard. Not only will you get support and encouragement to write new music, but you’ll get the opportunity to have it recorded and guidance to promote it and get your career moving.
“Don’t miss the chance to make your lasting footprint in the music scene and show everyone just how talented us mob are and how impactful and important our stories and cultural contributions are.”
The Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon Scholarship is in recognition of the enormous contribution Uncle Mop made to the so-called Queensland and so-called Australian music industries and will be awarded annually at the Queensland Music Awards.
Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon, widely regarded as the ‘King of Murri Country’ grew up in Cherbourg and learnt how to play music naturally. The songs ‘Brisbane Blacks’ and ‘Racial Discrimination’ were songs written regarding social conscience and the realities facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their plight. These songs were quickly embraced and became the soundtrack of the social and political struggles gripping the region at the time.
Applications are open for First Nations’ solo artists and bands and close Monday 22 May.
Eligible applicants must:
be able to provide a confirmation of Aboriginality to confirm Indigenous identity through: being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, being accepted as such by the community in which you live, or formerly lived.
be at least 18 years of age on January 1, 2023
be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
have resided in Queensland for at least two years prior to the due date of applications. (You may be asked to provide proof of your Queensland residency status during the eligibility check process.)
have satisfied the reporting requirements of any previous Arts Queensland grants
have an ABN
