Highlighting diverse narratives within Australia's musical history.
Melbourne’s Australian Music Vault has teamed up with several prominent industry figures to launch a new display celebrating the past, present and future of Australian hip hop.
The exhibition is set to compile the history of hip hop in Australia from the 1980s until today, paying tribute to its American influences as well as tracing the politics, cultural identities, aspirations and challenges which underpin the genre in Australia.
As well as offering a historiographical overview of the emergence of hip-hop in Australia, the exhibition with showcase a host of samplers, posters, costumes, microphones, magazines and records from a host of important Australian hip hop artists, including Hilltop Hoods, Sampa The Great, Drapht, Elefant Trax, A.B Original and many more.
Australian Music Vault Senior Curator Carolyn Laffan acknowledged the lack of celebration for hip-hop in Australia, and discussed the importance of highlighting its cultural contribution to promote musical diversity around the country – “Hip hop has been a vibrant part of Australian culture for almost 40 years yet it remains a largely misunderstood art form. We’re hoping that by shining a light on the stories of Australia’s hip hop pioneers and emerging superstars we’ll kick-start a new conversation about hip hop’s positive messages of inclusion, community and respect.”
The Australian Music Vault will also be coordinating a series of hip-hop workshops and youth education programs to coincide with the exhibition, which are set to be run by the likes of Thando, N’fa Jones, Mantra and other Australian artists. If you’re a budding producer, MC or simply just a fan of Australian hip hop, this looks like an unmissable opportunity to dip your toes into the rich culture of our local musical identity.
Hip Hop, the new exhibition from the Australian Music Vault, opens Friday March 22. Head here for all the details.
