AN intensive week-long music residency at the ANU to help First Nations musicians, audio engineers, producers and other industry professionals, has been launched today (April 22).

The music residency called “Space to Create” is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts and will be presented through the “Yil Lull” studio at the university’s School of Music.

Torres Strait Islander musician and one of the program’s leaders, Will Kepa, leads the studio, which was launched last year and offers free recording and music assistance to indigenous musicians from across Australia.

The name “Yil Lull” comes for a song written and performed by the indigenous musician Joe Geia, which originally appeared on his 1988 album of the same name.

“My hope is that we will find the next Joe Geia or Archie Roach – absolutely iconic indigenous Australian musicians,” Kepa says.

“I know from my own experience that it’s really important to ignite your fire, creatively. If I had found out about something like this residency at the ANU School of Music 10 years ago, I would have applied straight away to push me to that next step and help me decide what to do with my life.”

“Space to Create” will provide successful applicants with $1000 plus a $75 per day per diem to cover the week-long residency, accommodation, living and travel expenses, on-campus space to develop the residents’ music practice, technical support, access to state-of-the-art recording studios and studio production support, including access to mastering and video editing.

Participants will also participate in music industry masterclasses and creative labs, one-on-one mentoring from professionals and opportunities to engage with the First Nations community and cultural activities in Canberra.

Successful applicants will be notified in early June, with residencies running from August 15-21. Applications close at 3pm, Tuesday, May 10 here.

News all day, every day at CityNews.com.au.