Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by ArtSound FM to Canberra’s cultural life. ArtSound is a community based radio station that operates out of the Manuka Arts Centre in my electorate. The station is highly valued in the Canberra community for its eclectic and local music as well as its community focus. ArtSound’s open studio project gives the community access to workshops and recording sessions on a number of levels, particularly for students at our School of Music. The introduction to radio for seniors program targets the musical talent of older Canberrans. The program offers courses that range from studio tours and the chance to sit in on live radio shows to recording sessions for musically talented seniors. This program also trains seniors in how to use recording equipment and share their histories with our community. The In the Wings program allows new and emerging young classical musicians to promote themselves on radio and then take a CD of their work home. Next year the young people’s radio group school holiday program will give young Canberrans the chance to write and record radio plays. For the last 25 years, ArtSound has also been digitising old audiotapes for national institutions including the National Library and the War Memorial, so ArtSound is also keeping our history alive. I congratulate ArtSound for nurturing and fostering musical appreciation and talent in Canberra.