Fuse Fund, Darebin City Council’s annual grants program, supports works from the city’s creative communities. Selected local artists and groups have been awarded funding ranging from $1000 to $15,000 to participate in the multi-arts festival, FUSE, running from 14 – 22 September.
Highlight of this year’s Fuse Fund is JOLTED Fuse featuring three avant-garde works produced by JOLT Arts, an organisation dedicated to supporting the creation and presentation of sonic and visual arts. The works include Select Naturalis 2.0 by The Amplified Elephants. Scrapper by Noise Scavengers, and Mountain Black Turbine Sky by James Hullick and Hamish Upton. Each show, to be presented at Jolted Arts Space Theatre, integrates video, staging and costuming to enhance the presentation, offering a unique sensory experience.
Select Naturalis 2.0 by The Amplified Elephants. After releasing five albums in two years The Amplified Elephants are looking forward to re-developing an older and shorter work titled Select Naturalis. The new version of the project Select Naturalis 2.0 has been expanded into a full-length production and explores the process of natural selection from the perspective of sound and sounds in the environment. This production includes The Amplified Elephants working with a bespoke audiovisual interface named Resonance which moves sound through the space via a multi-speaker diffusion system. Resonance has been developed by the Duckworth Hullick Duo and researchers and technologists at RMIT University, and in collaboration with JOLT Arts. (21 – 22 September)
Scrapper by Noise Scavengers is a 40-minute show that delves into sound art using found sounds, abstract rock instruments, and DIY sound-making object. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts Stomp and The Blue Man Group, Noise Scavenger will showcase their own unique take on junk music-making. Renowned for their fusion of rock instruments, sound art, and electronic music, the band offers a unique auditory experience (20 September)
Mountain Black Turbine Sky by James Hullick and Hamish Upton will feature a bold, ritualistic performance with large percussion instruments like bass drums, timpani, gongs, and electronics. The performance creates an industrial soundscape, originally showcased at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Hullick and Upton, who have a long-standing working relationship, are also known for their work with Strange James and BOLT Ensemble. (15 September)
This year’s FUSE FUND will also support The North Preston Lifesaving Club, a newly formed artist-led gallery and collective for artists with disabilities, queer, and/or BIPOC backgrounds. Their project Working Title will feature six artists creating new works that explore identity, fostering conversation and experimentation beyond traditional studio practices. Out of Order is a group exhibition by artists with disabilities and/or deaf artists, showcasing new contemporary art and providing resources for bold and experimental creativity. Catch the exhibition at North Preston Lifesaving Club each day of the festival, from 1pm – 5pm.
FUSE Fund is designed to foster high-quality arts and events within the city – encouraging new ideas and projects that shall focus on areas such as connection and inclusion, artist-led initiatives, place making, visual arts, and unique experiences.
FUSE is the City of Darebin’s multi-arts festival providing a platform for local creatives, designers and performers to transform its city into a dynamic hub of creativity, allowing artists and audiences alike to enjoy Darebin’s streets, parks, venues, theatres, galleries and public spaces as transformative zones—infused with the power of art, culture, and creativity.
FUSE Festival
14 – 22 September
www.fusedarebin.com.au
