Sia Furler Institute to foster new generations of artists

Thursday, 31 March 2016

The University of Adelaide is proud to announce it has established a new institute of contemporary music and media named after internationally acclaimed Australian singer/songwriter Sia Furler.

Housed at the University's Elder Conservatorium of Music, and drawing on expertise from the Department of Media, the Sia Furler Institute for Contemporary Music and Media will build on the University's already outstanding contribution to teaching and practice in these fields.

Adelaide-born Sia Furler is one of Australia’s most celebrated and successful creative artists.

"In recognition of Sia’s international fame – and in keeping with her unique approach to music – we have established this new Institute as an environment in which contemporary music and media can flourish together," said the University's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington.

Speaking from Los Angeles, Sia Furler said it was an "incredible honour" to have the Institute named after her.

"I want to say thank you to the University of Adelaide. It's very exciting and humbling," Sia said.

Premier Jay Weatherill said the Institute reaffirms Adelaide’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Music.

"Contemporary music is an important part of South Australia’s artistic landscape, and on the global stage, there are few who have achieved more than our own Sia Furler," Mr Weatherill said.

"I want Adelaide to stand alongside cities like Austin where music and technology come together in a way that fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for young creative people – that is exactly what the Sia Furler Institute will help to create."

Director of the Elder Conservatorium, Professor Graeme Koehne, said: "As a performer and songwriter, and one whose creativity extends equally to video and digital media, Sia has become an inspiration to young artists the world over – and it's that talent we aim to foster through our new Institute.

"We are honoured that Sia has given permission for the University of Adelaide to name our Institute after her."

The Sia Furler Institute will prepare University of Adelaide students for careers in contemporary music performance and composition, film, digital and other new media, sound engineering and music technologies.

Students will have the opportunity to learn under the guidance of experienced artists, academics and technicians-in-residence, and will showcase their achievements to public audiences.

Masterclasses, performances and short courses hosted by the Sia Furler Institute will also be available to the local community.

For more information about the Sia Furler Institute for Contemporary Music and Media, visit: music.adelaide.edu.au/sia-furler-institute

Watch a message from Sia: https://youtu.be/HFXyfELmOKo

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