The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
An innovative multi-arts hub in the heart of Blacktown City.
Bayadyinyang budyari Dharug yiyura Dharug Ngurra.
Bayady’u budyari Dharug Warunggadgu baranyiin barribugu.
Bayady’u budyari wagulgu yiyuragu Ngurra bimalgu Blacktown City. Flannel flowers dyurali bulbuwul.
Yanmannyang mudayi Dharug Ngurrawa. Walama ngyini budbud dali Dharug Ngurra Dharug yiyura baranyiin barribugu.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this Land, the Dharug people, and their continued connection to Country.
We pay our respects to Elders from yesterday to tomorrow.
We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Blacktown City where the flannel flowers still grow proud and strong.
We will walk softly on this land and open our hearts to Country as the Dharug people have for tens of thousands of years.
Credit to: Dharug woman Rhiannon Wright, daughter of Leanne ‘Mulgo’ Watson Redpath and granddaughter of Aunty Edna Watson
Opn. and Blacktown Arts present Connect – The Lockdown Series.
Six artists share their thoughts on resilience and creativity in lockdown, in a time where distance and isolation is the norm and hopes of connection are abundant.
Featuring Jonah Hammond, Harry Jun, Jessica Jade, Lee Monro, Naz and SPVRROW.
As part of connect, the lockdown series, we asked 6 artists to share their thoughts on resilience and creativity in lockdown.
As part of connect, the lockdown series, we asked 6 artists to share their thoughts on resilience and creativity in lockdown.
Please note: this video contains minor coarse language and adult themes.
As part of connect, the lockdown series, we asked 6 artists to share their thoughts on resilience and creativity in lockdown.
In this week’s video, Jessica Jade shares the ins and outs of her lockdown life, including her daily rituals, her home studio, some lockdown goals and a little slice of what she’s been creating.
As part of connect, the lockdown series, we asked 6 artists to share their thoughts on resilience and creativity in lockdown.
In this video, Lee provides a sneak peak into his family life, project work, creative process and how he’s been staying connected and inspired during lockdown.
Please note: this video contains minor coarse language and adult themes.
As part of connect, the lockdown series, and in collaboration with Opnsrc.co, we asked 6 artists to share their thoughts on resilience and creativity in lockdown.
In this video, SPVRROW provides a little insight into her lockdown life; what’s she’s been focussing on, what’s she’s been missing and what’s she’s most looking forward to.
As part of connect, the lockdown series, and in collaboration with Opnsrc.co, we asked 6 artists to share their thoughts on resilience and creativity in lockdown.
Made in Bidwill, Mount Druitt. In 2019 Jonah played his soulful tunes all over the city, at warehouse parties, clubs, pubs and even family festivals. This all accumulated to his own sold out show, without ever releasing a song. Jonah brings funk, soul and raw honesty to his art, which can only be seen live.
Harry Jun is a keen performer who has performed in venues all over Australia including The Comedy Store, The Chatswood Concourse and The Comedy Lounge in Perth. A 2019 and 2020 RAW Comedy NSW State Finalist, his comedy has been described as energetic, likeable and cheeky.
‘Harry has great material and presents his material with expertise’ – Phillip Aughey, Director, Newcastle Fringe Festival.
At just 20 years old, Jessica Jade has spent almost a third of her life in the spotlight. Making her television debut as an X-Factor contestant at 14, the south-western Sydney artist began reaching more global ears by uploading viral R&B covers online. Jade has worked with producers including Lee Major (Jay Z, Rick Ross) and DJ Sefru (Lazy J, Kennyon Brown), whilst earning praise from Complex, FBi Radio, Tone Deaf and more.
With a career spanning close to 2 decades, Monro burst onto the hip hop scene under the elusive moniker Figgkidd. Touted by critics as Australia’s version of Eminem, Monro went against the odds to prove that the similarities between Em and Figgkidd were few and far between and that what his artistry stood for.
Originality and a style replicated by none! Since reinventing himself in 2012, dropping Figgkidd for Lee Monro, and shedding the alter-ego, a raw version of talent and wordplay ensued, creating an artist that is completely engaging and thought provoking through rhyme.
Nazawow Ncube (Naz) is a multidisciplinary entertainer from Western Sydney. Growing up alongside his close friends developed his passion for telling stories and entertainment whilst inspiring change. ‘WithNaz’ was created, a homegrown entertainment platform which served as an outlet for Naz to express his passions whilst fulfilling his need to help build.
With accolades spanning across 2 years and multiple seasons, Naz had grown and built a creative community eager to get involved in any project. Now Naz looks to lead his community in creating safe spaces for guests to be able to share their story to speak and inspire.
Appearing through Sydney’s music scene at the tender age of 17, SPVRROW has been deeply inspired by her spiritual journey, soaking in the vocal flavour of musicians such as Floetry and Odd Future along her own musical endeavours.
SPVRROW released her debut single ‘Drug Dealer’ in 2019, setting summer to a lovely start, gaining overwhelming support and gaining airplay from the likes of Triple J and FBi Radio.
‘Connect – The Lockdown Series’ was published September 2021.
This project is presented by Blacktown Arts and supported by Blacktown City Council and the NSW Government through Create NSW.