The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
An innovative multi-arts hub in the heart of Blacktown City.
4ESydney is taking over The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre with Beyond The Elements, an exhibition recognising the festival’s profound impact on the local HipHop scene over the past decade, honouring both the history and future of 4ESydney, bringing together pivotal moments and key figures from its journey.
Leave your mark, make some beats and immerse yourself in the ongoing revolution that is HipHop. Explore 10 years of commUNITY, evolution, and authenticity through interactive installations.
Located on Dharug Land for the past 10 years, 4ESydney is a project proudly for and led by the community, that utilises HipHop culture and its core elements (MC’ing, DJ’ing, breakdancing and graffiti) to empower and engage young people, artists, and diverse communities.
Join us in reflecting on a decade of artistic growth, community spirit, and the ever-evolving journey of HipHop, and sample a small slice of an epic journey.
Public Program
The State of HipHop
Thursday 31 October
6pm to 8pm (Doors will open at 5pm, arrive early to view the exhibition)
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
Free, limited capacity, booking required
Hosted byMC Trey & Vyvienne Abla
Bridging the gap between creatives and industry professionals, The State of HipHop discussions create space for honest dialogue about the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s HipHop landscape. Join an open discussion exploring the current state of the HipHop industry, with invited guests sharing their own personal insights and unique experiences. Representatives from leading organisations will share current opportunities available to artists, reflecting on where the industry excels and where it falls short in supporting HipHop and the Western Sydney music scene.
Featuring: Sereen (Artist, Activist, Poet), Noelani (Artist Activist), Solly (Artist), DOBBY (Artist/Composer), Julia Robinson (Head of Policy and Advocacy, ARIA), Esti Zilber (Sounds Australia), Jannah Beth (Director, Offbeat Collective) and Peter Sabbagh (Director, Bodega Collective), Clare Holland (Director Program, Powerhouse).
This event has ended.
WHOSE HOUSE? KIDS’ HOUSE!
(Inspired by Run-D.M.C.’s “Run’s House”)
Saturday 9 November
10.30 am to 1 pm
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
Free, booking required
Stop by for a jam-packed day of family focused activities at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre!
Learn some slick new moves in a dance workshop, create your own graffiti stencil, or leave your mark on the walls! Everyone is encouraged to get hands on and create, make and celebrate all things HipHop in this fun filled morning.
Drop-in workshops and activations will feature Marcya Fugawai (KCC Studios) and artists Mari, and Skae.
This event is all ages, with activities best suited for ages 5 to 12 years.
Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Limited refreshments will be available on the day.
This event has ended.
Future Thinking
Friday 22 November
6 pm to 8.30 pm (Doors will open at 5pm)
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
Free, limited capacity, booking required
Hosted by Ricky Tana (Founding Director, Opn)
We’ve brought together creatives from Western Sydney to reflect on their journey and how they’ve developed processes and strategies for navigating challenges, success and their careers in the industry.
After the talk, join a breakout session with industry experts to ask targeted questions, gain personalised advice and explore solutions for overcoming challenges and achieving artistic goals.
You can also enjoy an exclusive pre-event activation with join David Whitehead, Tactical Marketing Manager at Roland, in the Beyond the Elements exhibition home studio from 5pm! Join a hands-on experience at an interactive workstation where you can create a beat on the new Roland Aira Compact series, based on the iconic Roland TR-808 Drum Machine. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore these iconic instruments up close!
Panel
A.GIRL (Artist), Capital Zee (SoulMate, ONEFOUR), Jessica Jade (Artist), Kate Asamoah (Retail Marketing, JD Brand and Community Manager – ANZ, JD Sports)
Breakout Sessions
Funding & Resources
Joe Muller (Director, MusicNSW), Nazlican Eren (Engagement Manager, Music Australia) and Tinotenda Mjawe (Manager – Music Investment and Partnership, Sound NSW)
Brands & Sync Placement
Alexander Wu-Kim (Creative Director, Andpeople), David Whitehead (Tactical Marketing Manager, Roland Asia Pacific), Kate Asamoah (Retail Marketing, JD Brand and Community Manager – ANZ, JD Sports) and Nadine Marjan (Artist Manager/ Music Licensing)
Business Basics
Lynne Small (Chief Operating Officer, PPCA) and Nikki Tuckwell (National Education and Outreach Representative, APRA AMCOS)
This event has ended.
Creative Team
Consultants: DJ D, Mathew “Mistery” Peet, MC Trey, Lee Monro, Maxine Johns, DOBBY and Kev Hannibal
Curators: Vyvienne Abla, Talia Smith and Anne-Louise Dadak
Producers: Krystel Diola and Clarissa Mei
Project Support: Adele Walsh
Technical Supervisor: Shannon O’Riley
Bios
Vyva Entertainment is a force within creative communities, amplifying and supporting artists for over 15 years. Founded by producer and artist manager Vyvienne Abla, Vyva has been working within the music and creative industries both locally and internationally. Vyva Entertainment produces events and programs, as well as, consulting, career development and housing its avant-garde artist roster.
Vyva specialises in working with diverse voices and activists to amplify necessary and authentic local and global narratives in a medium and dialogue that’s honest and unapologetic. Vyva Entertainment acts as a meeting ground, a space where education, community and industry meet, creating unique opportunities for industry, creatives and young people to thrive and most importantly, be themselves
Vyvienne Abla is a director and executive producer in the music and creative industries, with over 2 decades of experience both locally and internationally. In 2007, she founded Vyva Entertainment, an organisation dedicated to empowering youth, artists, and professionals by integrating industry, education, and community through HipHop and music culture. In 2015, she launched the 4Elements HipHop Project (4ESydney), the only festival and conference of its kind in so-called Australia.
Vyvienne’s work has gained international recognition. She has been invited to speak in several countries, including the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East, as a result of her initiatives and work in western Sydney and across the nation more broadly.
Vyvienne is also the artist manager for several successful artists, including DOBBY, BARKAA, Áine Tyrrell and Luka Lesson, and is the producer for multiple events and festivals. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous awards and nominations, including being awarded the 2022 Western Sydney University’s Woman of the West Business Award.
Driven by her passion for effecting positive change in the industry, Vyvienne actively participates as a member on various advisory boards and committees.
Material from the ‘Western Sydney Hip Hop Archive’ presented in partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta.
Beyond the Elements is presented by Blacktown Arts in partnership with Vyva Entertainment and Powerhouse Parramatta, and supported by Blacktown Arts and Blacktown City Council, Powerhouse and the NSW Government through Create NSW.
