Banksia

Although the podcast format of Banksia has now wrapped, this show continues to be broadcast on Triple R. You can now listen to new episodes on Triple R’s FM On Demand service at rrr.org.au/explore/programs/banksia.Thanks for listening!

Vanessa's last show for 2024, reflecting on the past year of yarns and good times

Noongar Wongi Hip Hop atist, Inkabee yarns with Vanessa about their upcoming new releases and shows in Naarm and how they got started with watching His Dad "Flewnt" perform to now playing shows together. Inkabee Also touches on his writing process and performing in the U.S

FIrst nations artist G L V E S joins Vanessa to talk about her new collaborative project 'Mundagudda' working with producer and Wadawurrung man Moss and lyrics by Kamilaroi/Gungarri community elder Aunty Jude Hammond. Mundagudda is an Immersive experience that bridges time and culture. The song brings to life the Rainbow Serpent, Mundagudda- a revered songlines and creation spirit throughout many first nations communities.Infusing vivd electronic production while honouring traditional Mundagudda ancestral calls, This song holds the cycles oflife and elements in it's core.

Vanessa has a yarn with Ilbijerri Theatre company creative Associate Amy Sole and playwright Phoebe Grainer who are currently sharing the next wave of First Peoples stories through 'Blak in the Room' a celebratrion of Blak theatre, showcasing the rich diversity of First Peoples voices, culture and experiences.Blak in the room Is on at the Southbank theatre, The Lawler 27 NOV-7 DEC

Vanessa Morris is joined by award winning First Nations filmmaker Dylan River to chat about ‘Thou Shalt Not Steal’, which he directed and co-created. He discusses the themes and ideas of the series, exploring how it conveys the intersection between Christianity and Indigenous culture.

Vanessa is joined by Reko Rennie, who is currently showing REKOSPECTIVE, an immersive exhibition that charts the bold and dynamic practice of renowned Kamilaroi artist, Reko Rennie. The exhibition resists a conventional chronological sequence, allowing audiences to freely navigate the intersection between culture, politics and identity from a contemporary First Nations perspective.

Comprising of twelve works representing important sites selected by Ms Porter, and a film bringing life to her paintings, her stories and her Tjukurrpa, “Tjawinaku Tjukurrpa Nyinantja” evokes the movement and energy of desert landscapes, of Yawulyu (Women’s songs) and the multilayered histories and Tjukurrpa that this Country holds. Exhibition Opening – 6-8pm, Thursday 10 OctoberJoin Mrs Porter’s daughter’s; Dr. Lizzie Ellis, Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward, and Fiona Young in conversation with Sophie Gerhard, NGV Curator of Australian and First Nations Art at Agency’s gallery on Easey Street in Collingwood.

First up, Vanessa is joined by Noongar woman Bumpy (also co-host of Triple R's Pebbles) to yarn about her compositions with the Australian Art Orchestra, and her new show Tooni which will premiere at this year's Melbourne International Jazz Festival, also in support of Herbie Hancock at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. On the second half of the show is Blak Waanyi/Gangaliida rapper, Jamahl Yami, to talk about their new single 'Blood Majik' and upcoming shows with Barkaa.

Joining Vanessa live from ACCA is proud Palawa woman and curator Jessica Clark to chat about the new exhibtion, Tennant Creek Brio. Vanessa also has a yarn with Aaron Wyatt, violist, composer and software developer, to talk about upcoming their performance at Melbourne Fringe Festival called Digital Echoes, a concert for viola, percussion, and electronics exploring sound that travels.

It's Banksia's 100th episode with Vanessa Morris as host! For this episode, she speaks with Jarra Karalinar Steel about love.exe, a playful installation at Arts House, North Melbourne, where shrines are devoted to iconic video game characters. Kaytetye producer and DJ, RONA also dials in to talk about her new track 'Raise It' ahead of shows on Wurundjeri Country and Gadigal Country. She also spoke about writing new music in Mpwartwe on Arrernte Country and her plans to work with producers overseas in the coming months.

Allara Briggs Pattison joins Vanessa to yarn about curating Ganbu Gulin at Darebin's FUSE festival and her upcoming tour with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.

Vanessa Morris chats with Worimi film-maker and creative Genevieve Grieves about their upcoming project focusing on solidarity in motherhood, Motherhood in the Colony.Plus, Lisa Waup discusses about their upcoming visual arts piece Muddy Edges, which opens at the Gertrude Glasshouse from the 31st of August.

Vanessa has a yarn with Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara woman Paola Balla and their new work, Mok Mok Murrup Yakuwa, an immersive film installation referencing the Wemba Wemba story of Mok Mok, a devil woman and sovereign goddess, which will be presented as part of the SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed exhibition at Science Gallery Melbourne. Vanessa is also joined by co-directors of MIFF film, Like My Brother, Danielle MacLean and Sal Balharrie.

Host Vanessa Morris and Wiradjuri woman Jazz Money talk all about their second collection of newly published poetry titled mark the dawn, illuminating their love of Country, connection and community. Also joining the show are YIRRAMBOI co-leads, Taungurung/Filipino woman Sherene Stewart and Waka Waka/Kabi Kabi man, J-Maine Beezley, to yarn about the recently commissioned pieces for next year's YIRRAMBOI Festival, the importance of providing a stage for First Nations voices to be heard, and for stories to reverberate through generations. YIRRAMBOI Festival returns 1-11 May 2025.

Vanessa is joined by Gomeroi man, Kobie Dee, rapper and master storyteller to chat about his upcoming E.P 'Chapter 26', Also joining the show is Kamilaroi and Tongan artist, Radical Son to yarn about the new single 'Yuluwirrl Wandabaa' featuring Emma Donovan and Fank Yamma. Plus, an amazing live in-studio peformnace by Radical Son.

Host Vanessa Morris has a yarn with Yorta Yorta artist Chloe Jones on her piece for UPLANDS titled Kaiela Arts: a catalyst for change, collaboration and creative sovereignty. Also joining the show is Marranungu hip-hop artist Yung Milla to talk about his recent single "Shine" and upcoming shows in Melbourne.

Vanessa Morris talks to Jason Tamiru on 'Yalinguth', an app for sharing Melbourne's First Nations history, or as he calls it, "The Aboriginal Wifi". Then, textile artist Sophie Honess on the NGV NAIDOC Week programme.

Host Vanessa Morris is joined by interdisciplinary artist Tahlia Palmer as they discuss their new exhibition Occupation Studies showcasing at the Wheeler Centre. She works to interrogate the impact of colonisation on people and Country, and to unpack and heal intergenerational trauma in her own family. 

Vanessa has a yarn with Wadawurrung artist Kait James who is guest curator for a craft exhibit titled "Moombarra" , featuring 6 first nations artists, working across textiles, fiber art, weaving, sculpture, painting and collage, celebrating rich traditions and contemporary expressions of craft. Also joinging the show is visual artist and Gumbaynggirr woman Aretha Brown to chat about her upcoming trip to Osaka Japan where she'll be painting murals of some prominent indigenous figures.

Vanessa has a yarn with Nick Currie, A descendant of the Mulunjali Clan of Yugambeh people and Kuku Yalanji people of Brisbane and Beaudesert and Kuku Yalanji people of the rainforest regions of Far North QLD. Known for his diverse artistic and curatorial practice both in subject matter and medium, from abstract work on canvas, to murals and contemporay art installations, exploring social, cultural and personal themes. The visual vocabulary links to themes of Indigeneity, emotional responses and larger community values.

Vanessa speaks with her brother Neil Morris (also known as DRMNGNOW) on their latest single 'Ngarwu', connecting to country through music, and using language in their music.Later in the show, Vanessa speaks with Ghenoa Gela on her show Gurr Era Op, running from June 12th to 16th, as part of RISING. Gurr Era Op--meaning'the face of the sea' in Miriam Mir, the language of the Eastern Torres Strait--explores the Torres Strait Islanders' fight against the climate crisis and celebrates Torres Strait culture.

Host Vanessa Morris speaks to writer and editor Bianca Valentino to discuss her recently published essay in the Griffith Review, Against the Grain: finding the meaning in punk, speaking to her experince growing up within the punk scene, and explroing her spirituality. Vanessa also speaks to co-curators Kimberley Moulton and Kate ten Buuren of the outdoor exhibition at Federation Square, The Blak Infinite during RISING.

This week, Vanessa is joined by Dan Sultan to talk all about his upcoming performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The collaboration is set to occur during NAIDOC Week this year and will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dan's debut album, Blackbird. Friday July 12th is sold out! So get in quick for the last few spots of the Saturday July 13th show, tickets available here: Dan Sultan X MSO

Papua New Guinea and Gunditjimara artist Kaiit joins Banksia to talk about single Space and new independent label BIG SIS ENERGY RECORDS

Vanessa has a yarn with First Nations soprano Sarah Prestwidge who will be performing on Deborah Cheetham Fraillon's Parrwang lifts the sky at the Malthouse theatre, also Cheryl Leavy (Kooma and Nguri Nations) who is a stella prize judge, here for MWF (Melbourne writers festival)

Banksia host Vanessa Morris is joined by Susannah Day, CEO of The Torch, ahead of the opening of exhibition Confined 15, which provides a dedicated space for First Nations people who have experienced incarceration in Victoria. Morris is also joined by Leon Rodgers as they chat about their upcoming composition piece, Seven Sisters for the first Voices showcase at MSO

Vanessa Morris is joined by proud Wik and Solomon Islander artist Ziggy Ramo ahead of the release of the book, album and exhibition, Human? A lie that has been killing us since 1788. Described as a necessary reading for those seeking to learn more about so-called Australia’s history, Ziggy reflects on how ‘Human?’ expands on debut album and 2020 release ‘Black Thoughts’ and explains his experience growing up under the weight of a lie that so-called Australia is built on.

Vanessa speaks with comedians Janty Blair and Jay Wymarra about their recent festival performances in this special comedy edition of Banksia.

Join Vanessa as she sits down with RONA., a Mparntwe and Naarm-based producer, Kaytetye artist, and DJ. In this episode, RONA. discusses her latest release, 'Be My Medicine' along with past projects, upcoming gigs, and her exciting international tour.

Vanessa speaks with Boon Wurrung and Barkindji visual artist Mitch Mahoney on taking part in the NGV's upcoming exhibition 'My Country,' working with his mentor and aunt Maree Clark, and how he connects to country and heritage through his multidisciplinary artworks. 'My Country' will be exhibiting at The Ian Potter Centre on Level 3 until 4 August between 10-am to 5pm daily.

Vanessa chats to Young Onez youth summit organisers, Sherene Stewart and Rosie Kalina who help run a 3 day First Nations festival in Narrm, connecting creatives from ages 13-30 to mentors thorugh various workshops.

Venessa talk to Maanyung - an Aboriginal artist about how he's protecting the Country's culture and revitalizing the launguage in song writing with his new single "Biwaali" or "Home". Vennesa also interview Jahkarli Felicitas Romanis, a proud Pitta Pitta woman, who is also an artist, a researcher and an Curator on her new exhibition about revival, healing and mapping back to Pitta Pitta Country at Preston's Hillvale Gallery.

On this episode of Bankisa, Vanessa Morris chats to Shanaya Sheridan on JXSH MVIR: Forever I LIve exhibition at Koorie Heritage Trust. she also talks to Tamala Shelton on spoken word and event, The Bogong at the Blak and Bright First Nations Literary Festival

Caleb Nichols-Mansell, artist and creator of Blackspace, an Aboriginal art space, joined Vanessa Morris to talk about Conduit and Country. Also Jane Harrison, playwright novelist, literery festival director and researcher, talks about the 2024 Blak and Bright First Nations Literary Festival.

Vanessa speaks with Filipino/Wiradjuri artist Mo’Ju ahead of their show at St Kilda Festival on February 17. They chat about their 2023 album ORO, PLATA, MATA, their recent pop-up show Jeepney Jams on Triple R, and reflect on their responsibility as a cultural practitioner and artist.

Naomi Diane, Gamilaroi singer/songwriter & artist, joins Vanessa to talk about her debut single 'Chasing the Sun,' reflecting on moving states, making connections in a new area and collaborating with friends.Kimba Thompson, director of Blak Dot Gallery and curator of the exhibition "Future River: When the Past Flows", joins the program alongside artist Maree Clarke (Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung), to talk about the exhibition, Indigenous futures, and examining the Indigenous understanding of the colonial monument which conceals the past. Hosted by Vanessa Morris.

This week on Banksia, Kiwat Kennell welcomes the Gunai/Kurnai, Emmy Webbers to the studio. They chat about the Koorie Heritage Trust's 2024 Blak Design Program, and more.

Kiwat Kennell fills in, and speaks with Fred Gesha about the upcoming St Kilda Festival 2024, Australia's largest free community music festival. Djaran Murray-Jackson from the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria talks about the upcoming Treaty Day Out 2024, a cultural and music festival organised by the FPAV to raise awareness and support for the journey towards Treaty in Victoria.

Kiwat Kennell speaks with Sherene Stewart, a Taungurung/Filipino woman, curator, and artist who is also the festival co-lead of YIRRAMBOI about their upcoming program.

On this episode on Banksia, we hear from Tom Mosby, CEO of Koorie Heritage Trust and oganiser of the Koorie Artshow, and Cienan Muir, founder and organiser of INDIGINERD, a community of First Nations gamers, streamesr, comic fans, and all things Indigenous & nerdy.Tom Mosby talks about the 11th Annual Koorie Artshow, held at the Birrarung Building, and the importance and history of the event.Cienan Muir talks about the importance of having space for First Nations people in the world of gaming, streamers, gamer groups, Indigenous Comic Con, as well as the upcoming events for INDIGINERD.Hosted by Kiwat Kennell

Kiwat Kennell speaks with Brad Brown from Songlines all about Share the Spirit Festival, a free annual festival held on January 26 at the Sidney Myer Bowl with an incredible line-up of 23 Indigenous artists. Later on in the show, Kiwat talks to Gavin Somers from Jarrah about the band's new and old music, the struggle of living between two worlds, and the joy of having family share in your music.

Kiwat Kennell speaks with Clay Holland and Fjorn Bastos about Blak Pearl Studio, a creative drop-in space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and about their upcoming end-of-year exhibition running from the 7th to the 22nd of December, 2023.Later on in the show, Kiwat speaks to Troy Benjamin from Deadly Events about their Blak Stage Summer Series, a weekly First Nations open-mic night platforming new and established artists.

In this week's episode, Vanessa Morris talks with Arrernte/Garrwa boy Dujuan Hoosan and his grandmother, Carol Turner, discussing their new co-authored book, In My Blood It Runs. Vanessa also has a chat with Kamarra Bell-Wykes about Whose Gonna Love 'Em? — a post-traumatic performance thesis wrote and directed by Kamarra. Catch the performance at Malthouse from November 22nd to December 3rd 2023.

Vanessa Morris speaks to Noongar Wongi rapper Flewnt about his new single ‘Souwess’, a love song to the west, along with the power of hip-hop as an art form. Yorta Yorta / Wamba Wamba / Mutti Mutti / Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke talks about her appearance in upcoming documentary Dig Deeper (2023) along with three other First Nations artists, and her future projects.

Vanessa Morris speaks with Nina Fitzgerald, founder of Laundry Gallery in the Northern Territories, on the House of Darwin x Laundry Gallery pop-up in Fitzroy, and how Laundry Gallery works to represent modern iterations of Aboriginal art and culture.Vanessa also speaks with Leila Gurruwiwi about Uplands, a new platform from Agency Projects, which has partnered with remote Indigenous art centres across Australia to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to create and share unique art with the world.

Vanessa Morris speaks with Myles Russell-Cook, Senior Curator of Australian and First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Victoria, on NGV Australia's new exhibition space Wurrdha Marra, and the importance of a permanent space for First Nations art to be displayed and recontextualised.

Vanessa Morris speaks with Yhonnie Scarce on her installation In Absence, made in collaboration with architecture studio Editio Office, that invites audiences to confront the fallacy of Terra nullius. She also speaks with Amelia Jean O'Leary on STAUNCH ASF, a new contemporary dance work that explores her experience of growing up in the suburbs as a Gamilaroi Yinarr woman, that will be taking place at Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Vanessa Morris speaks with Kerry Kennell about Kennell&Co's Artist Assist, a business development program that will support 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female, transgender and non-binary people within Australia's music industry. For more information, visit Kennell&Co's website.Vanessa also speaks with Joel Bray about Brolga: A Queer Koori Wonderland, a dance party inspired by Aboriginal stories of the dancing Brolga and is part of Deadly Fringe - the Melbourne Fringe Festival's First Nations program. They also talk about Joel's upcoming Homo Pentecostus, an exploration of his experience growing up in the Pentecostal church as a queer person in the 1990s.

Victoria Morris speaks to Tahnee Edwards, a proud Yorta Yorta and Taungurung woman, designer and community worker, about her clothing brand Gammin Threads, how Tahnee connects with community through her designs, and the rise of First Nation fashion designers.If you're interested in learning mnore about Gammin, head to their website or visit their Preston store at 130 High Street.